Neurograins Abby Snipes

What Is It? Wireless powered implants, each smaller than a grain of rice, could serve as "neural dust" that can one day scan and stimulate brain Such research could one day help lead to next-generation brain-machine interfaces for controlling prosthetics, exoskeletons and robots, as well as "electroceuticals" to treat disorders of the brain and body. While current research primarily focuses on the medical applications, It also may lead to an age of telecommunication. In order to do this Scientists are expected to weave together a vast network of "neurograins" which can be worn as implants on top of the cerebral cortex or even embedded inside it in order for speech to be interpreted by computers. Image pbs.org

Social Issues: personal Interactions Mute individuals can use the neurograins to digitally broadcast neurons to a computer to interpret and communicate. The implants will detect how the brain processes and decode spoken language so it can be interpreted and understood by computers to break language barriers when visiting other countries for business. Zuckerberg has admitted that his firm is secretly developing a mind-reading brain “interface” designed to allow humans to communicate telepathically. This allows quicker easier communication. Hacking this signal will allow for stealing of thoughts that may result in decreased privacy. Increases the ways of bullying by talking about someone in front of their face through telecommunication. Communication is less personal and it strains relationships by limiting face to face interaction. Image from resources

Economic The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently awarded $65 million to six different teams that will begin developing neural implants that convert neural activity into 1s and 0s of digital code, creating jobs. More jobs in cybersecurity in order to prevent hacking of the neurograins. New form of Advertisement and revenue. Image from www.spectrum.ieee.org Cost of production. Cost of Research. Many are unable to afford the final product causing high expense and little demand. Lose jobs across seas for phone production because may reduce need for telephones.

Cultural Those with a chip may have greater understanding of technology. Those with the chip may have enhanced senses in the future in order to “smell the roses” better. This may create more inspiration and creativity to create art. Those with the chip my enhance cognitive function for the duration of one’s lifespan allowing for more productivity and time in the workforce. IMAGE FROM RESOURCES Societal pressures may frown upon the chipping of children which raises questions as to when one should be implanted. Many older people already complain of decreased social skills due to cell phones, some may argue this will as well. Some religious groups may say god intended the brain to function a certain way so why attempt to enhance it.

Environmental Factories, for electronic communication devices, releasing harmful chemicals will shut down causing better air quality. May help stroke patients recover ability of speech. May help paralysed individuals walk again. Image from resources Unknown factors such as harmful radiation. Need for mining of harmful materials needed in electronics. If too large may cause swelling of tissue and cause more harm than good. -

Political Government will debate restrictions of age allowing for the same implanting of neurograins. What is an adult? Teenage? 18? 24 (brain matures)? Creates more need for legislature hopefully, increasing productivity of government. Further discussion on Net Neutrality will begin as data will be implanted in the nervous system. Government will have to track data collection for advertisers more closely. IMAGE from aztec-signs.biz Government must outline laws on government access of information on the new technology. Government must create legislation to prohibit hacking from businesses or individuals attempting to either harm or profit from it. Government may take advantage of the data of people and attempt to use it for investigations. Will they need a subpoena?

Ethical Offer novel therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. These devices could yield a new approach to controlling prosthetic limbs. Using an array of penetrating, micro-wire electrodes that record and stimulate targeted neurons, it may be possible to restore speech in stroke patients. Image from energy.mit.edu -Advertisement agencies attempting to profit off of the development of the brain thing to access demographics and show you product on your devices you would most likely buy. Hackers may be able to steal information more easily. Should the government be able to access all of the transmission of people for the safety of the country? (Patriot Act) Should children have a device that may hinder brain development? The brain doesn't fully mature until mid 20s?

Resources https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/3-brain-technologies-to-watch-in-2018/ http://www.innovationtoronto.com/2018/04/first-implanted-ultrasonic-neural-dust-sensors- could-monitor-internal-nerves-muscles-or-organs-in-real-time-and-treat-disease/ http://news.berkeley.edu/2016/08/03/sprinkling-of-neural-dust-opens-door-to- electroceuticals/ https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/3999810/us-government-wants-to-plug-implants-into- human-brains-which-let-us-communicate-telepathically/ http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2017/07/13/darpa-spends-65-million-to-meld- mind-and-machine/#.Wxfy0SjwbIU https://www.popsci.com/tiny-wireless-implants-could-monitor-your-brain#page-2