Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

HereSince1628

(36,063 posts)
Tue Apr 9, 2013, 03:20 PM Apr 2013

Homo-Rattus mind meld? Brain interface allows man to think sleeping rat into moving its tail

http://science.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/09/17673038-with-just-his-mind-man-wiggles-rats-tail?lite

<snip>

In February, scientists revealed they linked together the brains of two rats. This first known instance of a brain-to-brain interface apparently helped the rodents share data to accomplish certain tasks, even across intercontinental distances. However, this advance depended on microscopic electrodes implanted in the rats' heads.
Advertise | AdChoices

In the latest example of a mind-meld, researchers employed noninvasive techniques to link the brains of a human and a rat. The man had electrodes stuck onto his scalp that picked up brain-wave activity. The rat was placed in a machine that focused ultrasound pulses through its skull to its brain, and was anesthetized so that it would not wriggle its head during the experiment.

The volunteer had a video screen placed in front of him that displayed a flickering pattern of light. If he paid attention to the screen, his brain waves would synchronize with the strobe light. If he looked away, or even if he looked at it while thinking of something else, his brain waves would not synchronize with the light flickers.

When the man focused on the flickering pattern, that action signaled the ultrasound to stimulate the part of the sleeping rat's brain responsible for moving its body. In response, the rodent flicked its tail. The interface was accurate 94 percent of the time, with a time delay of only about 1.6 seconds from the moment the man initiated his intent to the rat tail's wiggling. [Video - Watch Man Wiggle Rat's Tail With His Mind Only]

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Homo-Rattus mind meld? Brain interface allows man to think sleeping rat into moving its tail (Original Post) HereSince1628 Apr 2013 OP
Mind-blowing. Really. Auggie Apr 2013 #1
Scary cool. nt rrneck Apr 2013 #2
Is that you, Ben, or is Willard tweaking your tail? n/t HereSince1628 Apr 2013 #3
Didn't they use this Newest Reality Apr 2013 #4
I thought that was Roves legion of RAT-F***ers doing W's dirty tricks. HereSince1628 Apr 2013 #5
Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Mental Health Information»Homo-Rattus mind meld? Br...