By: Akshay Karthik
The idea of computer chip implants in the brain may seem like something you could view in your local theaters; however, fast in the neurological field says that this movie dream would become a reality. Brain-chip-interfaces (BCHIs) are hybrid entities where chips and nerve cells establish a close physical interaction allowing the transfer of information in one or both directions. Typical examples are represented by multi-site-recording chips interfaced with cultured neurons or implanted in the brain to record or stimulate neuronal excitation.
Medical researchers and device developers aim to use brain chip implants to help people with paralysis. Researchers at Universities such as Ohio State have used brain chips to restore basic hand movements and touch. And a brain implant was recently used to translate a patient's thoughts with a severe spinal cord injury into text with a very high degree of accuracy. Another more famous instance is the billionaire Elon Musk who implanted two monkeys, a boy, and a girl, to perform human actions. These monkeys can reportedly play the piano exceptionally adeptly and have human-like movements. These monkeys are well acquainted with public speaking, a skill that many humans do not fear. Musk has even gone so far as to claim that his company, in later years, will have humans using their minds faster to swipe through phones than the average person. While all these applications and technological advancements are great, there are some ethical concerns to consider. For example, testing an unknown technology on humans can have severe consequences. The primary cortex of the brain can be so messed up that it can be unfixable, leaving the patient worse than before. Americans express limited desire for a computer chip brain implant: 78% say they would not want a computer chip implant that would allow them to process information better if it were available. Just 20% say they would like this. While much negative propaganda has been spread about brain chips, it is still a good cause not to believe in brain chip technology.
ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a disorder that runs rampant these days; it is mainly present among children. While the doctor may prescribe pills or medication, these don't always work. Medical professionals should develop a permanent solution. In fact, in a proven study, it seems transcranial direct current stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has been shown to modulate cognitive control circuits and could enhance DLPFC activity, leading to improved impulse control in ADHD. Thirty-seven participants completed two periods of three tDCS sessions two weeks apart in a within-subject, double-anonymized, counterbalanced order. There was a positive intellectual score for those who regularly did two periods of three tDCs, while those who didn't had a linear or even lower intellectual score than before. This case further proves that brain chips are directly correlated to increasing the intellectual level of a person. Brain chips are not the only solution or the best solution, but they are one path an individual with a learning difference can take.
Bibliography
Allenby, C., Falcone, M., Bernardo, L., Wileyto, E. P., Rostain, A., Ramsay, J. R., Lerman, C., & Loughead, J. (2018). Transcranial direct current brain stimulation decreases impulsivity in ADHD. Brain stimulation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6109423/
Author links open overlay panelStefano Vassanelli, & AbstractBrain-chip-interfaces (BCHIs) are hybrid entities where chips and nerve cells establish a close physical interaction allowing the transfer of information in one or both directions. Typical examples are represented by multi-site-recording chips int. (2011, December 22). Brain-chip interfaces: The present and the future. Procedia Computer Science. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050911006855#:~:text=Brain%2DChip%2DInterfaces%20(BCHIs)%20is%20proposed%20as%20the,vivo%E2%80%9D%20(Figure%201).
Microchips that mimic the human brain could make ai far more energy ... (n.d.). https://www.science.org/content/article/microchips-mimic-human-brain-could-make-ai-far-more-energy-efficient
Nadeem, R. (2022, March 17). 6. public cautious about enhancing cognitive function using computer chip implants in the brain. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/03/17/public-cautious-about-enhancing-cognitive-function-using-computer-chip-implants-in-the-brain/
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