Super Human Brain Technology

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)

Neurostimulation techniques such as deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS),

Thank you for your attention!

What makes us human?

What makes us an individual?

Why do we think and behave the way we do?

Conclusion

Advances in the medical field are allowing us to explore methods of treatment, that were once never thought possible, for a wide range of medical problems.

Ethical dilemma brought up when the thought of soldiers controlling weapons with their minds is mentioned.

BCI's, DBS, and TBS methods are gaining headway as a less harmful way to treat medical illnessses.

Super-Human brain technology

Brain Computer Interface

The technology is called electrocorticography, or ECoG, and it uses electrodes placed on the surface of the brain to detect electrical signals coming from the brain itself.

Doctors have been using ECoG since the 1950s to figure out which area of the brain is causing seizures in people with severe epilepsy. But in the past decade, scientists have shown that when connected to a computer running special software, ECoG also can be used to control robotic arms, study how the brain produces speech and even decode thoughts.

Health Benefit but Ethical Concern

• - "From the brain signals, a brain computer interface could translate a person's desire to move ... and then use those signals to operate a wheelchair or other piece of technology," he said. "For someone who has locked-in syndrome, for example, and cannot communicate, a BCI could be life-changing."

• -"If brain-computer interfaces are used to control military aircraft or weapons from far away, who takes ultimate responsibility for the actions? Could this be blurring the line between man and machine?" Baldwin said.

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation involves implanting electrodes within the part of your brain that affects mood. During deep brain stimulation, electrical impulses transmitted through the electrodes deep within the brain affect brain cells and chemicals to relieve depression. The amount of stimulation delivered by the electrodes is controlled by a pacemaker-like device placed under the skin in your upper chest. A wire that travels under your skin connects the device, called a pulse generator, to the electrodes in your brain.

Military Applications

Deep brain stimulation is also an established treatment for essential tremor and Parkinson's disease.

-Outside of the health benefits, there is huge potential.

-BCIs are being used to develop weapons or vehicles controlled remotely by brain signals.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation may be tried when other depression treatments haven't worked.

With transcranial magnetic stimulation, a large electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp near your forehead. The electromagnet used in transcranial magnetic stimulation creates electric currents that stimulate nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression.