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Our Geek Future: Mind-controlled technology

By MICHAEL DAMBOLD Scene Writer on Dec 31, 2012, at 12:00 PM  Updated on 1/02 at 12:00 PM



PRAIRIE NERDS

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2012/12/STARGATE_SG-1_CAST_3334601.JPG


The future of mankind is bright, and technology is leaping in advancement every year. 100 years ago, we were riding around in Model T cars along dirt and early concrete roads. The best way to get the news was to look at a paper while riding on a Trolley Car.

Today, we zoom past the same fields and meadows in highways in the sky, in cars made from across the ocean. We listen to our touch-screen mobile devices that connect us with people all over the world. We are no longer saddled by time or space, and an entire world of information is at our fingertips.

So where is this technology going? What will we see in another 100 years? Flying cars, warp drive, holograms? Yes to all three. However, there's another, more interesting technology being developed today.

Mind Control and you

A technology that has been in development for a few decades now is called Brain-controlled interface (BCI) technology. The technology, already in production, allows the user direct neurological control of artifical limbs, computer functions and even computer games.

In many cases, the technology works by placing a microchip into the brain of the user, which then sends out signals to the limb or controlled machine.

This technology has been vital in allowing paraplegic and paralyzed patients communicate with the outside world, and will eventually lead to a possible mass-market audience.

Can you imagine turning your car on with a thought? Too lazy to get the remote? Just think about changing the channel, and it will change.

This is our future, for better or worse. Human rights watched are concerned for the possible misuse of the technology, and some have even speculated that mass-market chips will be the mark of the beast.

The chips are on the table and we can read your mind

If a chip inside of your head is too scary to think about, alternate neural interfaces are being developed that will read your mind via sensors that detect changes in brainwave patterns. Such technologies are already in development at IBM and Intel to actually read someone's mind.

The sci fi shows Stargate: SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis feature devices that are activated and controlled by thought.

Love it or hate it, the technology is around the corner and may pop up as mass-market items pretty soon.

Do you have a topic you would like the Prairie Nerds to address? Let us know at PrairieNerds@tulsaworld.com

PRAIRIE NERDS

'Avengers' news and rundown

A lot of news has been buzzing lately about Joss Whedon's newest installment of the 'Avengers' movies.

Recently, it ...

Review: 'X-Men' Vol. 4, the all-female cast comic

I have to be honest.

I was initially dubious about an all-female X-Men team. Not because I didn't want one, or that ...

Hobbit trailer gives us glimpses of new faces and places

In exciting news for all peoples geek and nerd, the 'Desolation of Smaug' trailer debuted yesterday.

The trailer is ...

CONTACT THE BLOGGER

Michael Dambold

918-732-8111
Email

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SCENE FEED

5 to Find: Restaurant specials for kids Every little bit helps.

7 minutes ago

Have you tried ... Pluots? By crossing an apricot with a plum, you get Pluots.

17 minutes ago

Weekly rewind Rating: (on a scale of zero to four stars)

1 hour ago

119 Comments

Obama's red line Buy ...

6 days ago

91 Comments

NSA spying

20 hours ago

90 Comments

Immigration Reform-o-rama Buy ...

3 days ago