Future Methods for Cognitive Enhancement

I had already talked about cognitive enhancement in a previous post, but I also wanted to mention a few potential future methods for enhancing normal human cognitive functioning through the use of brain-machine connections. One method for enhancing brain functioning is deep brain stimulation (DBS), which is a very crude brain-machine type of connection. It basically involves placing an electrode deep inside the brain. DBS can potentially be used for enhancement purposes such as improved mood, alertness or memory. In some sense there are already "cyborgs" that walk among us who have these DBS devices implanted within their brain.

There is an excellent article here on brain-computer interfaces. It discusses how scientists are able to translate brain signals into computer language, so a person can now use their thoughts to control a machine. This is especially helpful for people who are paralyzed and normally can't move. Recently a neuro-headset has been introduced that can read brain signals and allow a person to control a videogame solely with their mind.

Science is moving toward a greater and more precise manipulation of neuron signaling and an integration of neurons with machines. Researchers have recently created a new way to introduce genetic material into neurons by using an array of 100 micrometer wide electrodes. The electrodes on the chip can also monitor the electrical activity of the neuron to see the effect of inserting a specific gene. This would allow researchers to test the effects of adding individual genes and to monitor the change in the transfected neuron's interaction with other neurons. Other researchers have recently created a chip that mimics brain chemistry.

In the past researchers have created chips with artificial synapses. These artificial synapses are just holes in the silicon chip that allow a stream of neurotransmitters to be released. They can be connected to the synapse of real neurons and allow controlled activation of postsynaptic receptors on the neuron. These types of chips may someday serve as a replacement for real neurons. Meanwhile, the US military is attempting to create a chip that mimics the brain's cortex. While this is meant as a standalone device, it could potentially lead to an eventual merger between mind and machine. There are already scientists discussing the therapeutic potential of these brain-computer chip interfaces. So it may not be long before they are actually used on humans with brain disorders. Other methods that have potential for cognitive enhancement include transcranial direct current stimulation, deep transcranial magnetic stimulation, stem cells and gene therapy. In the future all of these methods can potentially lead to improve functioning of even normal human's brains.