Open source BCIs, like those offered by OpenBCI, make the technology accessible to more people who can use in creative and innovative ways. I mentioned in the article that some people in the cosplay community are looking how to use BCIs to control their costumes and I'm excited to see how other communities can incorporate BCIs into their creations.
Biohybrid BCIs are interesting because I can imagine a future in which BCI becomes like a new organ that is growing with us. Instead of poking our brains with ever thinner electrodes, why not bioengineer living electrodes that perfectly connect with neurons? They could get energy from the same nutrients as natural neurons, self-organise, self-repair and be less likely to be rejected by the brain. I think that could be an interesting path forward.
Diagnostic, therapeutic and clinical remedial applications of invasive BCI are, of course, welcome.
But we need to be wary of BCI marketed for recreation, entertainment, telepathy or human enhancement inviting a Pandora's Box of potential addiction and psychosis.
I will be exploring the topics of safety in the third part but I can say here that as much as I am excited about what new possibilities BCIs can open, I am concerned how would the tech look like in practice. I want BCIs to make us better but on our current trajectory and with the current economic incentives, I'm not optimistic.
Great article! It looks like many interests from both Tech and Biotech are converging here. Which BMI system are you most excited about?
I'm interested in open source and biohybrid BCIs.
Open source BCIs, like those offered by OpenBCI, make the technology accessible to more people who can use in creative and innovative ways. I mentioned in the article that some people in the cosplay community are looking how to use BCIs to control their costumes and I'm excited to see how other communities can incorporate BCIs into their creations.
Biohybrid BCIs are interesting because I can imagine a future in which BCI becomes like a new organ that is growing with us. Instead of poking our brains with ever thinner electrodes, why not bioengineer living electrodes that perfectly connect with neurons? They could get energy from the same nutrients as natural neurons, self-organise, self-repair and be less likely to be rejected by the brain. I think that could be an interesting path forward.
This is an incredible piece. Thank you for sharing your ideas and research.
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Diagnostic, therapeutic and clinical remedial applications of invasive BCI are, of course, welcome.
But we need to be wary of BCI marketed for recreation, entertainment, telepathy or human enhancement inviting a Pandora's Box of potential addiction and psychosis.
I will be exploring the topics of safety in the third part but I can say here that as much as I am excited about what new possibilities BCIs can open, I am concerned how would the tech look like in practice. I want BCIs to make us better but on our current trajectory and with the current economic incentives, I'm not optimistic.
Looking forward to parts 2 & 3.