California-based startup Kernel is about to start shipping a $50,000 helmet that can analyze neurons being fired in someones brain to dozens of customers across the US, Bloomberg reports.<\/p>\n
In other words, a helmet that can, at least to a small degree, read your mind.<\/p>\n
The technology behind it may have been around for many years, but so far, devices like it have often been as big as rooms and cost millions to set up.<\/p>\n
Kernel is hoping to democratize the technology by miniaturizing and commercializing it. A smaller device can also open new doors for researchers as trial participants are able to move around freely.<\/p>\n
The companys futuristic-looking Flow brain interface can record real-time data and establish precise patterns of brain activity using lasers, according to the companys website. All the user has to do is plug it to a computer via a USB-C cable.<\/p>\n
Kernels other helmet, called Flux, can measure the speed of neurons in real-time, and provide access to the intricate brain activity underlying functions such as arousal, emotion, attention, memory, and learning, the company claims.<\/p>\n
Its unclear which of the two helmets goes for $50,000 and what the price of the other helmet is.<\/p>\n
In addition to Elon Musks Neuralink and even Facebook, its yet another sign that private companies are increasingly motivated to get inside and understand what goes on inside peoples brains.<\/p>\n
Researchers could use data collected by the likes of Kernels helmets to study brain aging, mental disorders, strokes, and even what goes on inside the brain during a psychedelic trip, according to Bloomberg.<\/p>\n
To make progress on all the fronts that we need to as a society, we have to bring the brain online, Kernel CEO Bryan Johnson told the media company.<\/p>\n
The Flow helmet works by sending lasers through the skull to record brain activity rather than having a computer chip implanted inside your brain, as is the case for Neuralink.<\/p>\n
While a helmet is less invasive, its also not as accurate and is more likely to be confused by external electrical interference.<\/p>\n
The Flow device can measure changes in blood oxygenation levels, while Flux uses a process called magnetoencephalography, a neuroimaging technique for mapping brain activity by recording the brains magnetic fields.<\/p>\n
The first customers to receive the helmets include brain research institutions and other companies who want to better understand what goes on in their customers heads.<\/p>\n
According to Bloomberg, Johnson wants to eventually sell a device like Flow for the price of a smartphone, allowing everybody to get better insights into their mental health.<\/p>\n
Whether a mobile mind-reading helmet will be able to do just that remains to be seen.<\/p>\n
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View original post here: California-based startup Kernel is about to start shipping a $50,000 helmet that can analyze neurons being fired in someones brain to dozens of customers across the US, Bloomberg reports. In other words, a helmet that can, at least to a small degree, read your mind Continue reading
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