Neurotechnology explained

Neurotech – brain technology and neurohacks

By focusing on the interaction between brain and computer, neurotechnology connects thoughts with the outside world. By means of complex sensors and new scientific and technological developments, neurotechnology offers blind people the opportunity to see again, to walk (again) and to heal themselves of depressed people. Neurotech also allows us to control machines with our thoughts, which in principle allows us to revolutionize even related technologies such as robotics and self-propelled systems. The key to this new technology is the brain/computer interface (BCI), a system that provides a direct measurement of brain activity by translating small electrical signals into a language the computer can understand. As a result, a single thought can in fact control everything that can be automated. Does this sound like science fiction?

Phillips is already developing medical systems for home use that use BCI. This allows patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease to control their medical devices at home. These systems measure the electrical activity of the brain generated by certain thoughts, such as ‘open my e-mail’. The interface translates these thoughts into a command, as a voice-controlled system would do, allowing a patient with a disability or speech impediment to activate and control devices without having to use his voice or hands. This makes independence an achievable goal for people who otherwise need constant care.

The future of neurotechnology

Neurotech is developing faster and faster. More sophisticated BCIs and faster computers make it possible to analyse the big data the brain produces. Soon we will also have to deal with mood therapy, for example. Thync launches a portable strap that stimulates the brain to create a relaxed or energetic feeling, depending on the mood the wearer needs. The Thync strap sends signals to the frontal cortex via a small plaster above the eyebrow, giving users more energy, for example, or allowing them to concentrate or relax better. Further developments in this area are expected to allow for direct voting assessment and correction. In the near future, with a wearable, the arrival of depression may be predictable and the chemistry of the brain can be adjusted to prevent that. That would be the end of conventional medicine.

If possible even more interesting is the development of a BCI that can expand the human brain. These neurohybrids, a step towards cyborgs, will have smart or intelligent brain implants that improve learning ability, memory and motor functions in real time by monitoring brain activity and making immediate adjustments as needed to maximize performance. Imagine being able to ‘scroll’ through your memories in the same way you do with messages on your phone, or being able to assess and influence your heart function and muscle growth with your brain.

On the other hand, the ethical challenges posed by this technology are immense. Should we allow neurohybrids to compete against ‘regular’ athletes in sports? Will non-hybrid people be able to come to work, or will this new tech lead to an underclass of ‘normal’ people? Will these developments only increase the effects of social and material inequality? As we continue to develop neurotech, we may need to browse the science fiction books to see what the ethical aspects of this extremely futuristic technology may be.