Topic: Electronic chip modifies brain pathways

[Reno]

Thats really neat that they can do this. I wonder how they plan to get around the risky buisness of stuffing inside someones head.

U.S. scientists have developed an implantable electronic chip that helps establish new nerve connections in the part of the brain that controls movement.

Researchers at the University of Washington have shown such a device implanted in monkeys can induce brain changes that last more than a week. The scientists say strengthening of weak connections through such a mechanism might have potential in the rehabilitation of patients suffering brain injuries, stroke or paralysis.

The researchers -- Andrew Jackson, Jaideep Mavoori and Eberhard Fetz -- said their device records the activity of motor cortex cells.

"It can convert this activity into a stimulus that can be sent back to the brain, spinal cord or muscle and thereby set up an artificial connection that operates continuously during normal behavior," Fetz said. "This recurrent brain-computer interface creates an artificial motor pathway that the brain may learn to use to compensate for impaired pathways."

The scientists present their study in the Nov. 2 issue of the journal Nature.

[Clive]

I, for one, welcome our new Cybermen masters.  

[Reno]

Could you imagine them stuffing someones brain and then that person  developing telekinetic abilities.