Opening Insights
Billionaire pays for research into 'neural recording', a creepy-sounding technique which could change the lives of people suffering serious illnesses
The billionaire has just pledged to hand over £40 million to researchers working to combat deadly diseases.
Informational Insights
This cash will be distributed by the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, an organization which aims to “enable doctors to cure, prevent or manage all diseases during our children’s lifetime”.
Some of the projects are likely to ring alarm bells among paranoid people who fear technological progress will come at the expense of human freedom.
One of the researchers who will receive funding is Dr. Rikky Muller, CEO and founder of a firm called Cortera.
She is working to develop “clinically viable and minimally invasive neural interfaces” designed to be used by people suffering severe disabilities.
Dr. Muller hopes that recording brain activity will allow paralyzed people to control prosthetic limbs.
Her implants can be placed inside the brain and have the potential to change people’s behavior by altering their “physiological responses” – the term for reactions which take place in response to external stimuli.
One famous physiological response is the fight or flight response, which readies people for conflict or escape when confronted with a threat.
They work by monitoring the electrical signals sent within the brain.
Possibilities for Consideration
Take a moment and examine…
- As you reviewed the material above, what stood out to you?
- What is the potential impact, economically and/or socially?
- What action is needed to stop or support this idea?
- You may want to consider whether you:
- want to be aware of,
- should become supportive of,
- would want to be active in this topic?
Add Your Insight
I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Being willing is not enough; we must do.
LEONARDO DA VINCI