Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tech

New Scientific Discovery Could ‘Merge AI With Human Brains’

This discovery could create an entirely new diagnostics, changing the course of humanity, medicine, technology, and perhaps evolution itself.

Credit: meo / Pexels.com

Since Neuralink’s founding in 2016, the neurotechnology company’s made a ground-breaking discovery that could realise sci-fi stories like Ghost in the Shell and Blade Runner in the near future.  

On 17 August, scientists at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2020’s Virtual Meeting & Expo, presented their findings on the polymer, PEDOT. Scientifically known poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) it’s a bio-synthetic material that supposedly could be an essential tool in merging human brains with artificial intelligence.  

David Martin, Ph.D., who led the study, elaborated on the team’s inspirations and challenges:

“We got the idea for this project because we were trying to interface rigid, inorganic microelectrodes with the brain, but brains are made out of organic, salty, live materials. It wasn’t working well, so we thought there must be a better way.”

Credit: Robina Weermeijer / Unsplash

These issues arose from the scarring that’s caused by “traditional” microelectronic materials such as gold, silicon, stainless glass, and iridium. These scars interrupt electric signaling flow, prohibiting proper operation. This obstacle led the research team to examine coating as a potential aid.   

“We started looking at organic electronic materials like conjugated polymers that were being used in non-biological devices,” Martin continues. “We found a chemically stable example that was sold commercially as an antistatic coating for .” Upon testing, the researchers found that PEDOT not only contained the necessary properties for interfacing hardware and human tissue but drastically improved medical implants’ performance. PEDOT achieved this by lowering the implants’ impedance two to three orders of magnitude, which then increased signal quality and battery lifetime in patients.

As complicated as it sounds, Martin explains:

“These conjugated polymers are electrically active, but they are also ionically active. Counter ions give them the charge they need so when they are in operation, both electrons and ions are moving around.” The team recently made a PEDOT film and attached an antibody for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates blood vessel growth after injury. Tumors seize control of this protein to nourish their own blood supply. The team’s newly developed polymer could function as a sensor detector of excessive VEGF, and therefore early stages of disease.  

As part of his dream to embed these bio-synthetic hybrid materials with living a living organism’s tissue, Martin claims that they might be useful in integrating artificial intelligence with the human brain.

The timing of this discovery coincides with SpaceX CEO and Neuralink co-founder, Elon Musk’s, previous proposal. Last month, he announced the microchip that would allow direct music-streaming to your brain. On Twitter, he marketed the appeal, promising an update by 28 August. 

Credit: Twitter/Elon Musk

The most radical statement he concluded with on this thread was: “This would solve a lot of brain/spine injuries & is ultimately essential for AI symbiosis.”

Credit: Twitter/Elon Musk

Innovation continues to emerge; and who knows? We might see a collaboration between Neuralink and Dr. Martin’s team. For now, scientific and technological advancements remain on the horizon. 

Written By

You May Also Like

Sport

The French Open brings out some fun playing styles. Due to withdrawals and warm-ups, this year’s men’s French Open could have big surprises.

News

There is a clear lack of guidance for schools on the use of pronouns meaning individuals are starting to take matters into their own...

Politics

The NAACP has joined Latino and LGBTQ+ groups in urging Americans not to travel to Florida.

Science

It might be 100 trillion years away, but what will the end of our universe look like?

Tech

Tesla reveals its new robot model.

Politics

Abortion rights activists are happy with the veto, but worry that Republican legislators could override the decision.

Tech

After a recent Facebook glitch caused a slew of random friend requests, users are wondering what else they're automatically sharing.

News

Since fighting broke out last week, life is starting to resume again along the Gaza Strip.

Sport

After 15 long years of non-league play, Wrexham AFC have been promoted to League Two. But what's next for the club?

Tech

AI is developing quicker than we realize. Should we be concerned?

Politics

Title 42 will expire on Thursday, May 11, at 11:59 pm EDT. The measure, begun in 2020 under the premise of stopping COVID-19’s spread,...