Scot Bastian Ph.D.
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Mind Meld with a Rat. Betazoid or Vulcan? You Decide!

4/11/2013

4 Comments

 
Picture
There have been a lot of astonishing things happening in the world of neurobiology. This qualifies as one of the more intriguing. Scientists at Harvard have, for the first time, engineered a brain-to-brain electronic communication between two different species. Another first, they were able to do it "noninvasively," which is a good thing, since one of the species was a human being. (It might be difficult to find grad students who would volunteer to have their brains directly drilled into.). The rat in the experiment had electrodes implanted into his brain. (My guess is that the rats were not volunteers.) Humans were attached via electrodes attached to their scalp and stared at a synchronized flickering strobe light. The electrodes were connected to an electronic translator controlling ultrasound pulses linked to the anesthetized rat. The human guinea pig could then direct a controlled flicking of the rats tail.
     Okay, this communication didn't exactly qualify as intellectual, and it only went one way, but imagine the applications once this technology is perfected, extended, and made wireless. The possibilities are endless! Just think, you might actually be able to control your cat (instead of vice versa) through an electronic mind-link. Herding cats might become a real possibility! Links between rats has already been accomplished and when we develop human-human links we may actually be able control our spouses. Men may be forced to do chores! Women may be directed to this part censored by internet police! We could maybe get our own pet zombies! I see this as more than just a seminal experiment, I see it as "One small step for science, one giant leap toward the Borg collective." Come on, you know you want this! Resistance is futile! Who needs telepathy--we have science!
      Whew. Okay, I've caught my breath now. Below is the video of the experiment.                 


4 Comments
CArl Nelson link
4/16/2013 05:44:09 am

Thank you for your interest I'm sending a microprobe. If you would please insert it just to the inside or your left eyeball, pull back slightly after popping through the first resistance, and activate the red sensor; then walk to your computer and connect it to your wifi. I will be able to monitor your well-being and send you a monthly analysis at no charge. You may also qualify to receive a month's free mental connection to our 'happy rats': rats especially bred to be both optimistic and fun loving. Enjoy!

Reply
Carl Nelson link
4/18/2013 12:26:41 am

Our records indicate you have not yet inserted the probe. If there are difficulties,one of our trained personnel are available 24/7 to assist. Please call 1.800.HAPYTIM

Reply
DoYa Think Blogger
4/19/2013 07:17:15 am

Actually, I did insert a probe, but I messed up and put it into the wrong eyeball. Maybe that's why it won't work.

Reply
Carl Nelson link
4/20/2013 03:25:01 am

Our records indicate that you also inserted the wrong end! This can be extremely dangerous. :( Please remove at once, or call 1.800.HAPYTIM for technical assistance.




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    Scot Bastian Ph.D. is a scientist and artist who lives in Seattle WA.

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