The human brain is the mostcomplex system in the known universe. It is imbued with enormous potential that we have yet to fully understand or to harness. But were making progress, for many good reasons.
By studying how the human brain functions and how it responds to stimuli, we can potentially train our minds for optimal performance and, perhaps, overcome physical disabilities or detect neurological abnormalities for treatment. We stand now on the cusp of what has been called The Fourth Industrial Revolution, a revolution that is growing out of the integration of the physical, digital and biological realms. The ability to directly connect electronic devices to the human organism in order to affect physical objects around us has the potential to drive change forward at an exponentially increasing pace. Our understanding of our limitations will be shattered, and new vistas will open up, as we explore the possibilities that arise when we bring minds, machines, and the material world together.
Put simply, we stand to reap enormous benefits if we can enlighten ourselves as to why and how we think and feel - to improve how we interact with and experience the world around us.
Today, innumerable such efforts proceed in specialised laboratories around the world, with a rather limited number of research subjects. But everyones brain is unique and changing in unique ways. The term neuroplasticity means that our brains change shape and function based on personal biological factors as well as our individual experiences in life. So were likely to gain commensurately greater insights from a broader participation in such studies.
And thats where brain wearables come into the picture.
A market for brain wearables has promised to put neurotechnology into the hands of ordinary people. This is important because of the uniqueness of every brain; the greater the sample, the more robust the insights it yields.
Today these devices fall into two main categories. One uses electroencephalograms (EEGs) essentially, surface brain wave activity in a non-invasive, read-only mode, which can provide data on the wearers mental and emotional state. The other basic approach relies on transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS), which sends electrical signals to the brain for neuro-priming, which is intended to promote hyper-learning.
I work in the EEG-related field of brain wearables, which offer a means to further our understanding of the human brain in a useful form factor and at a reasonable price point.
We are using brain wearables to conduct longitudinal studies over time in more than 120 countries to discern how different stimuli and situations affect different brains, helping us understand, for instance, how different people react to handling stress or how we can assist them in achieving optimal performance.
In practical terms, understanding and encouraging high performance is one focus of our work, which would have obvious benefits for athletes, soldiers, professionals, artists nearly everyone, really. And the broadest possible application would be to gain a better understanding of how various stimuli and our own, often very individual responses affect our thoughts and feelings. The end result could be to inform an improved self-awareness and a better understanding of ourselves to mitigate irrational or unproductive behaviour.
Ultimately, those of us in the brain wearables field would like to make progress on the early detection of neurological issues and overall brain health.
One in three people, of the more than seven billion on Earth, are affected by brain-related illnesses, including depression, anxiety, dementia, autism, attention-deficit disorder (ADD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stroke or trauma. Apart from widespread human suffering, these disorders are estimated to cost the global economy some $2 trillion per year. In the U.S., specifically, an aging population has the potential for extended lives, for which quality-of-life will require healthy brains.
Brain health is also considered a key factor in many other bioinformatics advances. I think of it as a quintessential 21st century issue.
Though Im positively buoyant about the known and potential benefits of brain wearables, it is also our duty to be vigilant about the potential risks.
Data privacy and security are perennial concerns for everyone. These concerns are heightened when personal health-related matters are at stake. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) provides legal protections and it is up to technologists to ensure that data privacy and security protections are state of the art.
Currently we are careful to apply significant effort and care to user consent issues for participation in studies we conduct. The critical issue, in my view, is preserving individual choice and the personal integrity of every individual.
I have few real concerns at this stage, because wearables are just that; you can put them on or take them off and anonymising data in studies is standard practice. But if brain wearables or related technologies were to become embedded in the human body, theres an obvious risk of abuse. Today, arguably, our thoughts and feelings are our own, but we know that chemical reactions govern these and thus they could be manipulated, leading to a loss of individuality.
Our approach is the opposite of a dystopian use of brain monitoring technology. Our philosophy is to democratize technology and make tools such as brain wearables more affordable, easier to use. Our technology platform is based on open access software (e.g., extensible APIs), aimed at both broad uptake (if the market finds them useful), and the broadest possible base of innovation to benefit all. We want to avoid creating another aspect of a digital divide, with brain wearables available only to a few who can afford them. We believe this approach is in step with societys shared values.
We work with partners across many domains and more than 120 countries, an open acknowledgement that we dont have all the answers. The direction that brain wearables take is not up to us as pioneers in the field. Its an open conversation. We simply want to position the technology and raise awareness for the greatest breadth and depth of potential contributions to the field. The more participants in brain wearable trials the more we learn about the behavior of the human brain and ways in which its health and optimal use can be encouraged.
Widespread adoption is the crux of our success. A broad and diverse dialogue on the issues of brain health and technology will enable the enhancement of healthy brains and detect signs of cognitive decline and disorders.
Continued here:
How 'brain wearables' can address 21st century needs - IoT Tech News
- Georgia Tech to Offer Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, New Minor | News Center - Georgia Tech News Center - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- China developed its very own Neuralink Neucyber brain interface comes from a neurotechnology firm - Tom's Hardware - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Tether Acquires Majority Stake in Blackrock Neurotech - PYMNTS.com - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- China Shows Off Monkey With Brain Chip Allowing It to Control Robotic Arm - Futurism - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts - The Star Online - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Opinion | The Fight for Your Kids' Brains Has Already Begun - The New York Times - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- DEFENDING THE BRAIN | Duke Mag - Duke University - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- The Innovations and Success of Elon Musk - OPP.Today - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- Top Companies Using AI to Transform the Healthcare Industry ... - Cryptopolitan - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- UN Warns Unregulated Neurotechnology Threatens 'Freedom of Thought' - Yahoo News - July 23rd, 2023 [July 23rd, 2023]
- I felt like there was someone in my head, and it wasn't me. - UNESCO - July 23rd, 2023 [July 23rd, 2023]
- Unraveling Connections Between the Brain and Gut - The Good Men Project - July 23rd, 2023 [July 23rd, 2023]
- Neurotechnology: what it is, applications - Iberdrola - February 10th, 2023 [February 10th, 2023]
- Forget Media Manipulation And Misinformation via TikTok And Twitter, Neurotechnology Heralds The New Battle For Our Brains - Forbes - February 10th, 2023 [February 10th, 2023]
- The Jacob Laboratory Translational Neurotechnology - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Experts Come Together In A Play Inspired By Advances In Neurotechnology - India Education Diary - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- Neurotechnologies: The Next Technology Frontier | IEEE Brain - December 18th, 2022 [December 18th, 2022]
- Twelve Neurotechnology Startups to Present at 2022 Neurotech Leaders ... - November 19th, 2022 [November 19th, 2022]
- Research Experience for Undergraduates | Center for Neurotechnology - November 8th, 2022 [November 8th, 2022]
- Axoft Launches Brain Implant Technology to Treat Long-Term Neurological Disorders and is Granted FDA Breakthrough Device Designation - Business Wire - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Researcher combines AI and microelectronics to create neural implants that fight brain disorders - University of Toronto - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Global Contactless Biometrics Technology Market Size And Forecast | Aware Inc., Fingerprint Cards AB, Fujitsu Limited, Gemalto N.V., HID Global,... - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Facial Recognition Market Size and Share 2022 | Global Industry Analysis, Feasibility Study and Development Scope by 2032 | NEC Corporation (NEC)... - October 17th, 2022 [October 17th, 2022]
- Pitt scientists awarded $8 million for neurotechnology to restore arm and hand movements after strokes - University of Pittsburgh - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- UN: Highlights from the 51st Session of the Human Rights Council - ARTICLE 19 - Article 19 - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- PD Neurotechnology, a MedTech start-up for patients suffering from ... - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Brain ScienceConsciousness as the Property of Thought | Neurotech - VGR.com - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- Facial Recognition Technology Market to witness a substantial growth owing to rising adoption of technology till 2032 | NEC Corporation, Aware,... - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- ARC Future Fellowships awarded to Turner Institute researchers - Monash University - September 17th, 2022 [September 17th, 2022]
- Critics Picks: Cate Blanchett, Steven Spielberg Films Among the 15 Best of the Fall Festivals - Hollywood Reporter - September 17th, 2022 [September 17th, 2022]
- Stryker Launches Pulse Intelligent Delivery Platform at the 2022 American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Annual Meeting - Business Wire - September 17th, 2022 [September 17th, 2022]
- If separating conjoined twins results in death, which one should die? - Big Think - September 17th, 2022 [September 17th, 2022]
- Theater of Thought Review: Werner Herzog Crafts a Bracing Exploration of Neurotechnology and Consciousness - Hollywood Reporter - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]
- Elon Musk seeks to expand his empire in the world of neurotechnology - Gearrice - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]
- VoxNeuro Announces Collaboration with Boston University and Launch of Clinical Studies Focusing on Concussion and Alzheimers Disease - Yahoo Finance - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]
- Tri-anim Health Services announces exclusive relationship to distribute BrainScope's breakthrough technology for mild head injury including... - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]
- Interaxon Inc. (Muse) Highlights Myndlifts Preliminary Study and the Benefit of Partnerships for Digital Therapeutics Research - BioSpace - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]
- Elon Musk and Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis reportedly conceived twins via IVF - The Independent - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Biometric Wearable Market Research Insights with Trends, Competitive Analysis, Opportunities, Forecast 2022 to 2030 Muleskinner - Muleskinner - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Neurotechnology - the future of the legal profession? - Lexology - August 25th, 2022 [August 25th, 2022]
- Future criminals could be monitored by chips in their brains, experts claim... - The US Sun - August 25th, 2022 [August 25th, 2022]
- Stryker to participate in the 2022 Wells Fargo Securities Healthcare Conference - GuruFocus.com - August 25th, 2022 [August 25th, 2022]
- Investing in Brain Research and Neuroengineering - University of Houston - August 2nd, 2022 [August 2nd, 2022]
- Hamilton-based Zentrela working to understand the cannabis experience - Hamilton Spectator - August 2nd, 2022 [August 2nd, 2022]
- IntualityAI may be Able to Provide Psychotherapy for Robots in Future - AZoRobotics - August 2nd, 2022 [August 2nd, 2022]
- Coconuts, Corporations: On Vauhini Vara's The Immortal King Rao - lareviewofbooks - August 2nd, 2022 [August 2nd, 2022]
- MindMaze Enters New Strategic Partnership with Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN to Advance Technologies for Brain Health, Safety, and Performance - Yahoo... - July 13th, 2022 [July 13th, 2022]
- MindMaze Receives Recognition as one of Switzerland's Best Managed Companies - Business Wire - July 13th, 2022 [July 13th, 2022]
- OpenBCI and Varjo Partner to Bring Neurotechnology to Spatial Computing - July 11th, 2022 [July 11th, 2022]
- Three top technologies taking healthcare by storm - Kalkine Media - July 11th, 2022 [July 11th, 2022]
- It is time to leverage technology to correct the challenges people have with their minds: Antano Solar, CE.. - ETHealthWorld - July 11th, 2022 [July 11th, 2022]
- Elon Musk Secretly Fathered Twins With His Company's Executive: Report - KFI AM 640 - July 11th, 2022 [July 11th, 2022]
- Stryker to host conference call on July 26, 2022 - GuruFocus.com - July 11th, 2022 [July 11th, 2022]
- Neurotechnology Announces MOSIP Integration and Support in MegaMatcher SDK and ABIS - PR Newswire - June 15th, 2022 [June 15th, 2022]
- Musk's Twitter $44 Billion Bid Includes Financier Close to Russia - Report By Investing.com - Investing.com - June 15th, 2022 [June 15th, 2022]
- Stryker Strengthens Its R&D Capabilities with Advanced Global Technology Center - Press Trust of India - Press Trust of India - June 9th, 2022 [June 9th, 2022]
- Cuba is the only nation with a governmental science and technology program on the brain - Granma English - June 9th, 2022 [June 9th, 2022]
- 3 Disruptive Tech Stocks to Go All In on Now - InvestorPlace - June 9th, 2022 [June 9th, 2022]
- OpenBCI and Varjo Partner to Bring Neurotechnology to Spatial Computing - PR Newswire - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- 3D Reconstruction Technology Market Size, Scope and Forecast | 3D Reconstruction, Eos Systems Inc., Everest Innovation Technology, Microsoft, NAVVIS,... - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR Market to Eyewitness Massive Growth by 2031 The Greater Binghamton Business Journal - The Greater Binghamton... - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Horrors of Elon Musks Neuralink REVEALED including brain hacking technology and animal deaths... - The Scottish Sun - May 25th, 2022 [May 25th, 2022]
- Stryker Co. (NYSE:SYK) Receives Consensus Rating of Buy from Brokerages - Defense World - May 25th, 2022 [May 25th, 2022]
- Evon Medics, LLC Has Been Awarded $2.8 Million Grant for the Development and Evaluation of its Mobile Health Platform for Remote Management of... - May 11th, 2022 [May 11th, 2022]
- Mobile Biometrics Market Analysis by Size, Business Strategies, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Competitive Landscape and Developments Forecast by... - May 11th, 2022 [May 11th, 2022]
- Dubai on the Brain: NeuroVigil's Philip Low Assembles ... - May 6th, 2022 [May 6th, 2022]
- Research Associate: Participatory Research and Communications Officer job with KINGS COLLEGE LONDON | 292429 - Times Higher Education - May 6th, 2022 [May 6th, 2022]
- Face Recognition Software Market 2022: Size, Industry Share, Approaches, and Forecast By 2028, (Idemia (FR), Aware (US), Leidos (US), BioID (DE)) ... - May 6th, 2022 [May 6th, 2022]
- Stocktake: Investors wary on Musk's Twitter deal - The Irish Times - May 6th, 2022 [May 6th, 2022]
- Hydrocolloid Dressing Market Competitive Landscape Analysis With Forecast by 2027 - BioSpace - May 6th, 2022 [May 6th, 2022]
- Futuristics Overview of Neural Control Market: Industry Insights and Forecast 2022-2028 by MIT, Hebrew university, Haier, Neurotechnology,,, and more... - May 3rd, 2022 [May 3rd, 2022]
- Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Market Poised to Garner a Valuation of USD 5.48 Billion by 2030, Growing at a 14.72% CAGR - Report by Market Research... - May 3rd, 2022 [May 3rd, 2022]
- Stryker's InSpace subacromial balloon spacer two-year, Level 1 randomized controlled clinical study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery... - May 3rd, 2022 [May 3rd, 2022]
- Stryker to participate in the Bank of America Securities 2022 Health Care Conference - Benzinga - Benzinga - May 3rd, 2022 [May 3rd, 2022]
- Earnings week 2: Supply chain shortages slowed ResMed, other medtechs from meeting demand - MedTech Dive - May 3rd, 2022 [May 3rd, 2022]
- Mind-reading technology Are we ready for it? - Freethink - April 25th, 2022 [April 25th, 2022]
- The brain implant that can translate your thoughts into text - SBS News - April 15th, 2022 [April 15th, 2022]
- Stryker says 88 jobs to be eliminated in May, part of previously announced layoff schedule - The Ledger - April 15th, 2022 [April 15th, 2022]
- Moon Rabbit Collaborates with Foresight Institute to Speed Up Life Extension Research - CryptoNewsZ - April 4th, 2022 [April 4th, 2022]
- Cybin Announces Initiation of Kernel Flow Feasibility Study Measuring Psychedelic Effects on the Brain - Business Wire - April 4th, 2022 [April 4th, 2022]