Neural Implants
In the past few decades, humans have developed advanced technologies that produced major improvements in the quality of life, their survivability, or their performance in a job. However, computer scientists predict that within the next twenty years neural interfaces will be designed to not only increase the dynamic range of senses, but will also enhance memory and enable cyberthink, which is invisible communication with others. This technology will enable consistent and constant access to information when and where it is needed. The study on neural implants started early in 1970s by a Yale professor named Jose Manuel Rodriguez Delgado.
How Do Neural Implants Work?
Neural implants are technical systems that are mainly used to stimulate parts and structures of the nervous system with the aid of implanted electrical circuitry or record the electrical activity of nerve cells. As a result, this device enhances senses, physical movement, and memory. To restore cognitive function, a neural implant must gather data from one area of the brain, process this information correctly, and then deliver the resulting signal to another brain region, bypassing any damaged tissue. This process requires an understanding of how different brain regions communicate with each other and how this communication is modified as it travels through the brain in the form of electrochemical impulses. “Neural implants, or prosthetics, are a class of devices that communicate with the nervous system. An electronics package in each device activates an array of tiny electrodes that interface directly with healthy neurons in the body.” (Friedlander, 2012) Neural implants are technical systems that are mainly used to stimulate parts and structures of the nervous system with the aid of implanted electrical circuitry or record the electrical activity of nerve cells. As a result, neural interfaces enable a two-way exchange of information with the nervous system. These connections can occur at multiple levels, including with peripheral nerves which is in the spinal cord, or with the brain. Brain implants are a specific kind of neural device placed on the surface or the cortex of the brain that create an interface between the nervous system and microchips in order to treat damaged parts of the brain or, in the future, to enhance its functionality.
Cases Where Neural Implants Helped Disabled People
Neural implants have been used to help people regain abilities that have been lost, to live a healthy life. In the article Neural devices that were implanted in the spinal cord were able to interfere and repair nerves in the spinal cord to provide bladder control for people with spinal cord injury. In addition, peripheral or spinal cord nerve interfaces is able to give amputees fine motor control over artificial limbs’ allowing people to walk and move like an average healthy human. The Forgotten Era of the Brain the Horgan says, “Brain stimulators have been implanted in more than 30,000 people suffering from Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.” (Horgan, 2005). Over the past decade, many paralyzed patients were able to regain control over their body parts. The neural devises connect to the nervous system that interferes with the motor cortex, allowing them to “reactivate”, which resulted in muscle contraction. However, not only do neural implants affect movement of the bladder, artificial limbs, or paralyzed body parts, they also repair brain damage that affects memory. In the Alzheimer’s trial, the device is placed into a region of the brain involved in learning and memory. Typically in Alzheimer’s patients, glucose metabolism decreases. The treatment has so far been tested with six patients with Alzheimer’s.
Is this Only for the Disabled?
In the past years many people had no choice other than to live with their fatal diseases or conditions. For example, many people who had neural damage in their occipital lobe are blind. However, thanks to neural implants, they no longer have to live their whole life blind. This technology was able to give many people the ability to regain control over their bladder, their senses, their limbs, and their memory. Not only is this beneficial for those who have fatal conditions but also towards average humans whom would like to enhance their senses.
Neural implants may help transform this society to a more advanced community physically and mentally. Those who were once blind will be able to see again and those who were once paralyzed will be able to move their muscles again. In addition those who had bad memory will be able to remember again. These brain chips will help people regain control over their body and brains. However, if average people had neural implants, the society would transform to a highly advanced and sophisticated society. Nevertheless, there is another side to the argument. Some people believe that these devices shouldn’t be used due to safety reasons such as infections or fatal brain damage. However, technology and research is still advancing. Therefore it is predicted that within the next few decades, neural implants will be safe for everyone who chooses to use them.
Neural implants may help transform this society to a more advanced community physically and mentally. Those who were once blind will be able to see again and those who were once paralyzed will be able to move their muscles again. In addition those who had bad memory will be able to remember again. These brain chips will help people regain control over their body and brains. However, if average people had neural implants, the society would transform to a highly advanced and sophisticated society. Nevertheless, there is another side to the argument. Some people believe that these devices shouldn’t be used due to safety reasons such as infections or fatal brain damage. However, technology and research is still advancing. Therefore it is predicted that within the next few decades, neural implants will be safe for everyone who chooses to use them.
Usciences
WRT 102-06
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WRT 102-06
Noha