Electric ‘thinking cap’ can help you learn faster, better. Robert Reinhart applies the electrical stimulus to subject Laura McClenahan.
After 20 minutes the headband is removed and the EEG cap will capture readings of her brain as she executes the learning task. (Credit: John Russell / Vanderbilt University) In a new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, Vanderbilt psychologists show that it is possible to learn through the application of a mild electrical current to the brain, and that this effect can be enhanced or depressed depending on the direction of the current. The medial-frontal cortex is believed to be the part of the brain responsible for the instinctive “Oops!” Response we have when we make a mistake. Previous studies have shown that a voltage spike originates from this area of the brain milliseconds after a person makes a mistake. Reinhart and Woodman set out to test several hypotheses, including: Stimulating the brain The learning task. Science Of Persuasion. Brain waves can cut braking distances, researchers say.
29 July 2011Last updated at 09:44 By Judith Burns Science reporter, BBC News Volunteers wearing EEG caps used a driving simulator Tapping into drivers' brain signals can cut braking distances and avoid car crashes, according to scientists.
Researchers at the Berlin Institute for Technology attached electrodes to the scalps of volunteers inside a driving simulator. The system detected the intention to brake, and cut more than 3m (10ft) off stopping distances, the team report in the Journal of Neural Engineering. The team's next aim is to check the system in a series of road tests. The 18 volunteers were asked to keep 20m (66ft) behind the simulated car in front, which braked sharply at random intervals. Scientists used a technique called electroencephalograhy (EEG) to analyse the drivers' brain signals. The system was able to pinpoint the intention to brake 13 hundredths of a second before the driver applied pressure to the brakes. "We were surprised it is so predictive. 'Point of no return' Culture & Meme.
Ironic effects of anti-prejudice messages. Posted by Anonymous on July 11, 2011 Organizations and programs have been set up all over the globe in the hopes of urging people to end prejudice.
According to a research article, which will be published in an upcoming issue of Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, such programs may actually increase prejudices.Lisa Legault, Jennifer Gutsell and Michael Inzlicht, from the University of Toronto Scarborough, were interested in exploring how one’s everyday environment influences people’s motivation toward prejudice reduction.The authors conducted two experiments which looked at the effect of two different types of motivational intervention — a controlled form (telling people what they should do) and a more personal form (explaining why being non-prejudiced is enjoyable and personally valuable).In experiment one; participants were randomly assigned one of two brochures to read: an autonomy brochure or a controlling brochure.
Like this: In Eyes, a Clock Calibrated by Wavelengths of Light. CIA Microwave Weapons, Mind Control, and a Secret Dirty War. Microwave Hearing. Technology. As we've learned, Japan is into enhancing what the human body can do.
(See yesterday's innovative kissing machine.) Today's installment of "What will Japan think of next? " is of the more adorable variety. A company called Neurowear has invented a set of furry cat ears that, when you wear them, can read and express your state of mind. The ears — referred to as "necomimi," which is a combination of the Japanese words for cat and ear — sit atop a headband that uses sensors to read your brainwaves, reports Popsci, a website covering science and tech news. As you can see in this video, the cat ears stick up straight when you're focused on something and lay down flat when you're at ease. According to the Neurowear official website, "If concentration and relaxing time comes at the same time, your new ears rise and move actively. " Even if you don't voice your thoughts, the ears will express how you feel. Laugh now. Mind controller: What is the ‘burundanga’ drug? (Wired UK)