Neurotechnology
This broad definition includes both the medical side of the
subject, which will focus on treating neuro-diseases (dementia, Parkinson and
Alzheimer among others), as well as all the technologies that will improve our
functions. There are already several BCI (brain-computer interfaces) being
used, especially in the medical field, but they are almost one-directional
meaning that the brain can control the computer but the computer cannot
communicate with the brain directly.
In Silicon Valley the buzz around the word neurotechnology has been growing
steadily in the past few years with rapidly growing investments by the most
powerful companies and venture capitalists. Recently, Elon Musk announced the
creation of a new company, Neuralink,
which will work on connecting computers directly to the human brains; within 4
years, he says. Musk’s vision is to improve the current BCI and make them
bi-directional so that cognitive abilities will be enhanced or controlled by
the implanted computers.
The possible uses for these technologies is almost endless;
Here are the most promising uses:
1. Big-Data-Enhanced Diagnostics and Treatments:
this technology would greatly increase the precision with which doctors
will be able to diagnose and treat patient illness by being able to precisely
identify where the patient’s symptoms lie on the distribution curve.
2. Brain-Computer Interfaces for Device
Control: this could end up being the most wide-spread and popular field of
neurotechnology. Companies such as Emotiv
and NeuroSky are partnering with
technology companies to develop devices and app that will be controlled
directly by our minds. TVs, smartphones, home illumination and appliances are
only some of the products that we will control with our minds.
3. Real-Time Neuromonitoring: medical
treatments will be greatly improved by this technology. Doctor will be able to
follow the patient’s body reaction to a certain treatment in real time as well
as signaling whether an undesirable event, such as a seizure, is about to
happen, allowing doctors to prevent it or promptly react to it.
4. Neurosensor-Based Vehicle Operator Systems:
early stages of this technology have already been introduced in cars. But
in the future people will be fully monitored by the vehicle which will be able
to detect the operator’s fatigue and alertness level and take preventive
actions to avoid accidents.
5. Mindful Wearables: in recent years
wearables such as smartwatches, Fitbits and VR goggles have become very
popular. The next step in this field will be having devices that will be able
to influence our brain. The company BodyMedia
has already patented a technology that will influence our brain to help and
guide meditation, for example.
There are many other uses for neuro-technologies and they
will not only have a huge impact on our body and brains but also in the
economic environment in general. The The global BCI market is expected to reach
$1.5 billion by 2020. The industry growth will continue to speed up the more
money and people, such as Elon Musk, will show interest in the matter.
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