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The quickest way to a man's brain is through his tounge |
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Written by Eric Watt
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Apr 25, 2006 at 03:44 PM |
Researchers at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition are working on a device to augment human senses through electrodes placed on the tongue. Both military personnel and civilians may benefit.
Scientists at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition are working on a method to augment the senses of our military. Instead of carrying around bulky compasses, sonar, or night vision cameras, they can have the signals from these devices wired directly into the brain. Using the nerves in the tongue, electrical signals can be passed on to the brain for interpretation.
The device, known as "Brain Port," was pioneered more than 30 years ago by Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita, a University of Wisconsin neuroscientist. Bach-y-Rita began routing images from a camera through electrodes taped to people's backs and later discovered the tongue was a superior transmitter.
One user described the device as feeling like Pop Rocks on his tongue. Progress on the sonar vision has progressed greatly, while infrared sight needs some work. The researchers plan to present the system to military screeners next month, and could have units in military hands within a few months.
Obviously the system has many military applications. Navy Seals could use sonar while diving, Army Rangers could have a 360 degree infrared vision system instead of (or in addition to) night goggles. Personally, I feel the civilian applications of the research are as much or more interesting. Blind people using the device were able to find doorways and detect people around them. It is not hard to imagine the device being used to help people who have lost other senses, such as hearing. While some work has been done towards restoring lost senses, these systems typically required direct connections to the brain. Obviously, a non-surgical route would be more beneficial.
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Science Sunday 