Nearly 100 years ago, America was in the throes of the Great Depression. Even during these tumultuous times, though, engineers managed to use skill and grit to build something amazing: The Hoover Dam. Situated at the Arizona and Nevada border, this impressive concrete marvel attracts almost 1 million visitors annually. So, how was this feat of engineering accomplished?
Would you get a brain chip implant?
Imagine yourself in any of these tragic scenarios.
- A massive accident left you paralyzed from the neck down.
- You’re diagnosed with ALS, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
- You suffer from anxiety, depression, epilepsy or schizophrenia.
- You’re in constant pain.
- You woke up blind.
What if I told you that a computer chip in your brain would let you regain a quality of life or even possibly a cure? The FDA recently approved human trials for just that.
BMI = Brain Machine Interface
Enter Elon Musk’s company Neuralink. They’ve invented a coin-sized device that plugs directly into your brain. The Brain Machine Interface (BMI) is powered by a lithium-ion battery, with very thin wires that listen and talk to your brain cells — almost like they’re having a conversation.
Signals the Neuralink device picks up are sent to a special computer that understands what your brain is trying to do or say and turns those thoughts into actions.
For example, a paralyzed person could text just by thinking about what they want to say. Progressive neurological diseases could be stopped because the device tells the brain not to make those changes. Pretty incredible stuff here.
Now, the FDA is on board — and the competition is beefing up
Musk says implanting the device will soon take only 30 minutes with no anesthesia. Of course, it’s not the only brain chip in the game.
Synchron’s device lets folks send text messages with their minds, while Blackrock Neurotech’s brain chip allows wearers to control cursors, devices, wheelchairs and prosthetics.
Tech advancements that dramatically impact our lives are the ones I think are the most important. Share this with your family and friends. Neuralink is in the news a lot lately and I don’t think many people know what it’s working on.
How to filter certain words from your Facebook feed
There was a time when the whole internet was buzzing about Wordle. People were sharing results on social media, bragging about beating the day’s game and accidentally spoiling the fun for friends who hadn’t played yet. That’s why one reader asked Kim, “Is there a way to mute words on Facebook so I don’t see my friend’s Wordle posts?”
Put down your phone: … after you finish this newsletter. Researchers found scrolling social media for just 15 minutes less improved subjects’ health, immunity, sleep, anxiety, depression and loneliness.
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For millions, the holidays are a mixed bag of emotions. Ease the anxiety and depression with a special gift for yourself.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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