There are many applications for these types of technologies. There are a lot of examples of how properly shaped and formed RF signals can improve a person’s health when they are applied to the body. Here is a short list of some of the products / solutions that are currently available, and some that are still experimental or that (for some reason) are not being taken to market:
Military
Current Weapons / Tools
- A USA Special Operations Command unit made a mind-reading kit for elite troops – the experimental tool is among several that aim to combine sensors and AI to give U.S. operators a new edge.
- New drones that can be controlled by thought (another article here).
- US DARPA creates a surveillance system that is uses EEG for enhanced image filtering, called the Cognitive Threat Warning System).
- Another EEG enhanced imaging system, found here. This one, when coupled with commercial radar improved threat detection accuracy from 64% to 100%.
- An acoustic weapon that generates ‘sonic bullets’ that incapacitate an individual.
- Scientists are working on an EEG helmet system that displays images which, based on the EEG information collected when displayed, could help the person identify an enemy or detect if the person is telling a lie. The helmet system works by showing images to the user which, if the image is familiar with the image, will prompt spikes of electrical brain activity in specific brain regions if the user can identify the content of the image.
- A US NAVY SEAL team is testing a headset that enables the team to learn new skills faster (motor skills, targeting, increased speed, etc.).
- An US Army study uses EEGs to guide treatment for depression
- Will soldiers of the future will communicate using telepathy?
- A weapon slated to be used as a ‘crowd control’ solution which uses microwaves to induce sounds in your head. Another article here.
Espionage / Interrogation
- Here is an article suggesting that scientists were able to, using a commercial off-the-shelf brain-computer interface, hack a person’s brain, forcing them to reveal information that they’d rather keep secret.
- Here is another article reviewing the possibility of using side-channel attacks on Brain-Computer Interfaces.
Future Weapons / Tools
- The army wants AI to read soldiers’ minds – a new study from the Army Research Lab may help AI-infused weapons and tools better understand their human operators.
- Air Force wants neuroweapons to overwhelm enemy minds – military bureaucrats are asking scientists to help them “degrade enemy performance” by attacking the brain’s “chemical pathways.”
- The US government wants to create mind-controlled weapons – scientists are looking for ways of reading soldiers’ minds using tools like genetic engineering of the human brain, nanotechnology, and infrared beams; creating thought-controlled weapons, like swarms of drones that someone sends to the skies with a single thought or the ability to beam images from one brain to another! (MIT article here)
- US Darpa prior announced spending US$50 million on a project whose aim is to let people upload and download knowledge directly into and from their brains (Matrix style), later announcing it is now funding a project to implant tiny computers the size of a coin into head gear and people’s brains to allow them to communicate telepathically – something that, ironically, was achieved years ago using non-invasive methods. Article here.
- US Darpa wants to be able to remotely control troop minds – they want to augment troops’ brains, from the areas that regulate alertness and cognition, to pain treatment, and psychiatric well-being, using a gadget installed inside the troops’ helmets that uses ultrasound. The army posted an article here.
- An article regarding how the US Army wants soldiers to have telepathy – they want soldiers of the future to be able to read minds rather than use radios, PDA’s, and hand signals. Another article here. Another article here.
- The US Army is investigating how to interface the brain with technologies, so that they can be directly controlled by the brain and have bi-directional communications. Another article here. Another ‘like’ article here, provided by Time magazine. Another here.
- Using EEG for interrogations! Or a lie / enemy detector.
- Russia is investigating a gun that attacks an enemy soldier’s nervous system.
Commercial
- The technology used in the army’s new “Long Range Acoustic Device” could also be used to sell products.
- A technology that can ‘beam’ sounds into people’s heads, called the “Sonic Projector“.
- Another technology that uses ultrasound to ‘beam’ sounds into people’s heads – this one is currently used with billboards to provide a street-side multimedia experience!
- A device that uses camera technology to analyze the energy generated by the human body in the detection of such things as; lies, emotions, and intent.
- A device that offers one-step, three-factor pass-through authentication using in ear EEG.
- A device that can record your dreams and then play them back for you.
- A technology that detects the signals generated by a person’s vocal cords and translates it into speech.
- A company called, “This Place” combined Google smart glasses with an electroencephalography (EEG) headset, making it possible to take a picture without moving a muscle.
- A product that allows the recording of subliminal messages.
- Fun? Scientists have been able to record people’s dreams and then play them back to the person when they awaken! Essentially, the brain generates specific neural patterns when we visualize specific objects in our mind, and this device records any patterns generated while sleeping for later presentation. The research, while rudimentary, is around 60 percent accurate – which is still extraordinary!
- Companies are manufacturing products and performing research for corporations looking for an edge on their competition, such as:
- OpenWater – a new company devising a new generation of portable medical imaging technologies that uses red and near-infrared light, and ultrasound pings. The core of their break-though image quality is in their opto-electronic and holographic systems, and novel lasers that enable their portable system to rival the resolution and image quality of multi-million dollar medical imaging scanners. They also have concepts for brain scanning systems. Another article can be found here.
- Mindmaze – a neurotechnology company whose discoveries are positively impacting the lives of people with debilitating brain injuries. The company is also leveraging their research beyond healthcare, looking to extend human capabilities.
- ELSYS Corp – a company that makes products that ‘reads’ micro-vibrations, which can be translated into human emotions, and devices that can detect human aura, and technology used to detect when someone lies.
- Jaguar has incorporated technologies that detect when a driver is becoming drowsy, is not very alert, and can detect the driver’s heart rate and breathing.
- Freer Logic – a company that produces arm-bands that measure neuro-signals (from the brain) that can be used to monitor and train those suffering from ADHD. They also manufacture a Neurobiomonitor headrest which provides real-time brain data without contacting the vehicle’s driver. (another article here) (and here is a video advertisement)
Educational / Human Performance
- The US Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory USD $2.5M to develop an implantable neural device that records and stimulates neurons to help restore memory.
- Accelerated Learning! Scientists have developed a way of amplifying learning in a way that almost mimics the methods used in “The Matrix”!
- A device dubbed the ‘thinking cap’ can selectively manipulate a persons ability to learn through the application of a mild electrical current to the brain – with the effect enhancing or depressing learning depending on the direction of the current applied.
- A headband worn by students that provide teachers with neurofeedback on attention levels via color-coded lights.
- Part of the US Department of Homeland Security’s “Readiness Optimization Program”, a device that helps workers remain at the top of their game when working and get quality rest when off shift.
- Thync launched its mood-altering headset which enables a person to find a state of calm or boost your energy with controls on your smartphone (article here).
- A device, with blueprints and construction information found online, which enables a person to alter their performance by applying electrical currents to the scalp – homemade tDCS!
- The techniques applied in warfare activities on snipers are being transformed into company boardrooms in an attempt to make better leaders / performers.
- A fascinating venture called, “Glass Brain“, that generates a visual representation of the signals generated by the brain.
- A commercial product that uses tDCS to help you sleep. Here is a ‘roadmap‘ that outlines electrode placements and related supporting studies. Another that identifies more placements and associated benefits.
- A training technique termed, “Neruofeedback“, is promising new method of restoring brain function in mental disorders.
Medical
Current Devices / Solutions
- An interesting product that seems to have an ability to detect cancers early – the TrimProb BioScanner. I wonder why this product is not mass-produced and used as part of your regular check-up?
- The ability to artificially restore hearing, using the Microwave Auditory Effect.
- A implantable device called, “Auditory Brainstem Implant” that restores hearing in the deaf.
- How about devices that produce sound that nobody can hear, except for the intended receiver? This is useful in advertising on the street, listening to movies or music in cars, etc.. I wonder why this is not promoted for deaf?
- The neural control of prosthetics! Another team’s solution here. Another article here. Another here. An article regarding people who have had their hands replaced with bionics.
- The ability to restore the sense of touch to those using prosthetics.
- How about a prosthetic arm that you can control using your brain, and that provides you with the sensation of feedback? Another article here. Here is a link to some other interesting devices. Here is a call out from DARPA for a reliable neural interface technology capable of performing dexterous manipulation functions that approach the capabilities of natural limbs.
- The relief of otherwise intractable neuropsychiatric illnesses, such as depression. Another article here.
- An electroencephalogram (EEG)-based BCI was developed to control a functional electrical stimulation (FES) system for overground walking and assessed its performance in an individual with paraplegia due to SCI. In the study, a participant performed 30 real-time, BCI-FES controlled overground walking tests, and demonstrated the ability to purposefully operate the BCI-FES system by following verbal cues.
- The ability to restore memory formation and recall in the injured brain.
- Researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the US have developed a portable ultralow-field MRI system. Its low power requirements allow the unit to be deployed in medical centers in developing countries as well as in military field hospitals. (Video)
- A technology that can treat early MS-like symptoms using near-infrared (NIR) light.
- We are able to predict a persons sex from brain rhythms using ‘deep learning’.
- A smartphone application that keeps watch over schizophrenic patients by monitoring behavioral patterns that can predict a relapse.
- A neurotech start-up called, “Rythm“, raised $11M to design a technology that helps to improve sleep quality.
- One day, a new Magnetic Brain Stimulation technique may trump the use of drugs for individuals suffering from severe depression
- Researchers built a brain-machine interface used to control a prosthetic hand using thoughts, rather than muscular activity.
- New products that while connected externally (to the ear) can interface with the Vargas nerve in the body, which is connected to many different organs, and when electrically stimulated, cause an effect that can be specifically isolated to an organ. This is known as trans-cutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Another article here.
- A company, Advanced Brain Monitoring, whose products are used to interpret brain and physiological function as they relate to chronic diseases and early stage neurodegeneration, and to improve sleep quality and enhance performance.
Future Devices / Solutions
- An article, somewhat aligned with my own goals: the use of low power continuous wave frequency modulated radar for medical applications, specifically for remote monitoring of vital signs in patients.
- Scientists have recently “re-discovered” a way of physically destroying viruses and cellular materials using RF frequencies (published article here). Here is another example. And another. And yet another.
- “Re-discovered” because close to 100 years ago, an inventor Dr. Rife, invented a device that used radio frequencies to kill or devitalize desired micro-organisms, such as: syphilis, typhoid, anthrax, spinal meningitis, staphylococcus, cancer sarcoma, cancer carcinoma, etc.. The devices went past human trials, and they began to sell his equipment for use with the general public.
- In trying to understand why there would be a close to 100 year stall of this technology, I’ve come to understand that upon the inventor’s death all of the units were purchased by pharmaceutical companies and destroyed, and the science discredited in favor of the pharmaceutical companies. Can’t help but wonder how far this technology could have advanced if it was not shut down for human greed.
- Referenced elsewhere on this website, a RF device that, when worn on the head, helps to cure Alzheimer’s.
- Another device that when worn on the head can help to eliminate brain tumors.
- We may have found a future alternative to using anesthetics during surgery, as scientists were able to find a way to ‘turn off’ someone’s consciousness using electronics (another article here).
- A team of researchers are investigating how EEG could lead to earlier diagnosis of autism.
- DARPA has an initiative to use brain chip implants to guide mental health.
- A US Darpa initiative called N3 will use optics, acoustics, and electromagnetics to record neural activity, and/or send signals back to the brain at high speed and resolution. The technologies must be either completely noninvasive interfaces that are entirely external to the body or minutely invasive interface systems that include nano-transducers that can be temporarily and non-surgically delivered to the brain to improve signal resolution. The teams will:
- The Battelle team aims to develop a minutely invasive interface system that pairs an external transceiver with electromagnetic nano-transducers that are non-surgically delivered to neurons of interest. The nano-transducers would convert electrical signals from the neurons into magnetic signals that can be recorded and processed by the external transceiver, and vice versa, to enable bidirectional communication.
- The Carnegie Mellon University team aims to develop a completely noninvasive device that uses an acousto-optical approach to record from the brain and interfering electrical fields to write to specific neurons. The team will use ultrasound waves to guide light into and out of the brain to detect neural activity. The team’s write approach exploits the non-linear response of neurons to electric fields to enable localized stimulation of specific cell types.
- The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory team aims to develop a completely noninvasive, coherent optical system for recording from the brain.
- The PARC team aims to develop a completely noninvasive acousto-magnetic device for writing to the brain. Their approach pairs ultrasound waves with magnetic fields to generate localized electric currents for neuromodulation. The hybrid approach offers the potential for localized neuromodulation deeper in the brain.
- The Rice University team aims to develop a minutely invasive, bidirectional system for recording from and writing to the brain. For the recording function, the interface will use diffuse optical tomography to infer neural activity by measuring light scattering in neural tissue. To enable the write function, the team will use a magneto-genetic approach to make neurons sensitive to magnetic fields.
- The Teledyne team aims to develop a completely noninvasive, integrated device that uses micro optically pumped magnetometers to detect small, localized magnetic fields that correlate with neural activity. The team will use focused ultrasound for writing to neurons.
- US Darpa has selected seven teams of researchers to begin work on the Agency’s Electrical Prescriptions (ElectRx) program, which has as its goal the development of a closed-loop system that treats diseases by modulating the activity of peripheral nerves (article here).
- Circuit Therapeutics plans to further develop its experimental optogenetic methods for treating neuropathic pain.
- A Columbia University team will pursue fundamental science to support the use of non-invasive, targeted ultrasound for neuromodulation.
- A team at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health will seek to map the nerve pathways that underlie intestinal inflammation. They will also explore the use of neurostimulation technologies based on the cochlear implant (used for hearing loss) but adapted to modulate activity of the vagus nerve in response to biofeedback signals.
- Johns Hopkins University aims to explore the root mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease and the impact of sacral nerve stimulation on its progression.
- A Massachusetts Institute of Technology team will aim to advance its established work in magnetic nano-particles for localized, precision in vivo neuromodulation through thermal activation of neurons.
- A Purdue University team will study inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and its responsiveness to vagal nerve stimulation through the neck.
- A team at the University of Texas will examine the use of vagal nerve stimulation to induce neural plasticity for the treatment of post-traumatic stress.