Neural "Extension Cord" Developed

moon_monkey writes "Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a 'neural extension cord' by growing neurons attached to a microchip. The cord is made by gradually moving two batches of neurons apart, as they naturally grow towards one another. This biological 'data cable' could then interface with the brain once implanted, the researchers say." From the article: "...in the long run, it may not be necessary to interface directly with nerves at all. 'In Europe most researchers in this field are using non-invasive EEG,' [an outside researcher] explains... 'The signals are weaker so more complex processing is needed, but not having to perform surgery on the nervous system has many advantages,' [he] says."

Interesting but...

[__aaclcg7560]

Is it compatible with Windows Vista's DRM requirements?

Understatement of the year

[Spazmania]

not having to perform surgery on the nervous system has many advantages

I nominate this guy for the Understatement of the Year award.

Power Strip

[eviloverlordx]

Extension cords are well and good, but what we really need is a neural power strip. You can never have too many of those.

oh yeah...

[macadamia_harold]

The cord is made by gradually moving two batches of neurons apart, as they naturally grow towards one another. This biological 'data cable' could then interface with the brain once implanted, the researchers say.

That way, in the future, people can have an almost lifelike experience watching Ow! My Balls!

Re:Power Strip

[DBCubix]

USB gadgets are cool and everything, but I am waiting for the neural gadgets to warm my coffee, light silly lights, and the neural-powered George Foreman grill would be cool too.

Yay Degree

[unchiujar]

Instant learning for classes. No I can finally finish college.
I knew procrastinating worked...

Hey -- wait a minute...

[wtansill]

"...in the long run, it may not be necessary to interface directly with nerves at all. 'In Europe most researchers in this field are using non-invasive EEG,' [an outside researcher] explains... 'The signals are weaker so more complex processing is needed, but not having to perform surgery on the nervous system has many advantages,' [he] says."

We at "Lobotomies 'R' Us" would beg to differ...

Re:Sound like the beginning of tuning

[pluther]

I never realized how many idiot comments people made on /. until today.

You must be new here.

I saw a subtitle for the matrix once...

[Jaqenn]

I saw a subtitle for the matrix once for when Neo wakes up: "I'm lying naked in a vat of nutrients, with my bodily functions handled by tubes, connected to the internet by a fiber-optic cable wired directly into my brain...THIS IS LIKE A DREAM COME TRUE!!!"

Re:Understatement of the year

[Lazerf4rt]

OK, all you need are 8 of these neural data links, interfaced to a twisted pair cable. Plug that into a 10-BASE-T hub, and think really really fast to implement the 802.3 protocol in your brain. As long as you can remember your MAC address, you're golden.

Better than telecommuting!

[Zeek40]

So does this mean I can finally just send my brain to work while I stay home without dieing? hmmm.... I'll need to grow hands from my brain too, so it can shut off the alarm clock on its way out.

I am Monkeo

[Anonymous Coward]

I know flung poo.

Bring out the Squid.

[dw604]

I want a neural power squid [thinkgeek.com].

Re:Power Strip

[xeromist]

Yes, but for the typical slashdotter a neural powered grill might be a bad idea. Imagine the fire hazzard if they were hooked up when they read the latest DRM or MS article!!!

Re:sweet

[steveo777]

Brain to brain networking would be cool to, maybe.

Not if someone hacks into your brain and fills it with porn, penis enlargement, and second mortgage ads. Nothing worse than having to 'click-through' just to brush your teeth...

Re:How about repairing spinal injuries?

[Greyfox]

How about attaching a THIRD arm somewhere? I often find I need more than two. Hell I want SIX arms like that Indian goddess Whazzername! Finally I'd be able to carry the groceries, scratch my nose, find my keys and smack the kids all at the same time! Awesome!

Re:Implications

[FireFury03]

The patterns in the meat of your brain do not have some kind of universal or raw format.

You mean my brain doesn't use OOXML? But Microsoft told me.... :)

Re:Interesting but...

[kfg]

Is it compatible with Windows Vista's DRM requirements?

The roadmap has it slated for SP4; but I advise reading the EULA very carefully before installing.

And beware the blue haze of death all in your brain.

KFG

Re:Implications

[NMerriam]

This would be incredibly tricky, as there is no data format to speak of that the brain uses - program and data are all bound together in one messy lump.

That's the clearest evidence against Intelligent Design I've heard all week. Everybody knows that a real God would have used a Model-View-Controller architecture.

Re:Better than telecommuting!

[corbettw]

That would be the exact opposite of what a number of my coworkers do currently.

Re:Neural Rape!

[powerpants]

If you couldn't handle their classes, what makes you think you could overpower them mentally? You might just be setting yourself up for... whatever-the-fook-we're-talking-about.

Re:oh yeah...

[Gat0r30y]

i'm much more interested in the experience of a female orgasm, personally. I'll bet your into unicorns and other mythical type things too man. Seriously, its a neural extension cord, it cant make imaginary things become real.