Boffins control a rat via Computer Brain

[Drone]

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have given a rat an artificial brain part -- the cerebellum (cue ball-sized structure at the back of the brain that controls how messages get from the brain to the body and back again) -- to restore lost functions and thereby ushering in the era of true brain-to-computer communication for humans.

Controllable rats. Yeah, scary.

Attaching the synthetic cerebellum to the rat, the scientists tried to condition it to blink at the sound of a tone. To get the rat to blink they first fired a puff of air at the rat when the tone sounded and then just sounded the tone. The experiment worked: the rat blinked when it heard the sound. When the synthetic cerebellum was disconnected, the rat could not learn the response. That means they got the artificial cerebellum to receive information from one part of the brain and send it back to another. This is a big advance from previous brain-computer interfaces, such as prosthetics, or computer controls, which send information only one-way.

Just imagine if it can be applied to humans

But since the cerebellum is instrumental to controlling the timing of people's movement, a successful artificial cerebellum could prove to be a major breakthrough for those who suffer motor control disorders due to an injured cerebellum.

This is a positive part but I definitely can imagine some horrible things as well.

http://news.discovery.com/tech/cyborg-rat-computerized-brain-110928.html

 

[Shihab]

Deus Ex: Human revolution, anyone ?

 

[Jegergrim]

Not quite at Deus yet, should be another 20 year of research before it's even a threat

 

[Shihab]

Rat Revolution then ?

 

[Velvet Wafer]

Not quite at Deus yet, should be another 20 year of research before it's even a threat

Or, maybe only 10?
Artificial Skin

 

[Drone]

Update:

Cyborg rats tests could fix brain damage in humans

The stuff is getting even more scary LOL

A rat lies motionless on a sterile, spotless table. It is alive, but heavily sedated. Closer inspection reveals that this is no ordinary rodent. Electrodes are being used to stimulate its brain, creating waveform readings on a nearby computer screen.

Researchers are attempting to replace part of this and other rats' brains with digital equipment, effectively turning them into cyborgs.

Anti-vivisection campaigners have described the tests as "grotesque" but the scientists claim the work will eventually help them make repairs to what is possibly the world's most complex computer - the human brain.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16305299

 

[NinjaCool]

Deus Ex here we come!
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKOx3xYGL...man-revolution-deus-ex-19963879-1280-1298.jpg

 

[REAYTH]

better than having a giant human ear growing out its back