Could instant learning become a reality?
The power of feeding knowledge directly into your brain, as seen in the classic science fiction movie, The Matrix, could potentially require as much effort as going to sleep, scientists believe.
The researchers claim to have developed a simulator that can feed information directly into the brain of a person, and also teach new skills in a short period of time; comparing to "life imitating art".
The researchers believe that it could be the first step in the development of advanced software that will instantly make this type of learning a reality, again, as seen in The Matrix.
In this classic science fiction, the protagonist Neo is able to learn Kung Fu seconds after the martial art had been 'uploaded' directly into his brain.
Researchers at HRL Laboratories, California, say they have found a way to amplify learning. However, this amplification is on a much smaller scale than seen in the Hollywood films.
The Scientists studied the electrical signals inside the brain of a trained pilot. Subsequent to feeding the data into the novice subjects, the individuals learned the data of flying a plane in a flight simulator, and tranferred the material into reality.
The study published in the Human Frontiers in Neuroscience Journal, found that subjects who received brain stimulations through the head covered embedded electrodes improved their piloting skills, and learned the task 33 percent better than the placebo group.
"Our system is one of the first of its kind. It is a system of brain stimulation", said Dr. Matthew Phillips.
"It sounds a little science fiction, but there is a scientific basis for the development of our system."
"The specific task we were looking for is flying a plane, which requires a synergy of both returns, cognitive and motor."
"When you learn something, the brain physically changes. During the process called neuroplasticity, the connections are built upon the foundation and strengthened."
"It turns out that certain brain functions, such as speech and memory, are located in very specific regions of the brain, about the size of your little finger."
Dr. Matthews believes with time that brain stimulation could be implemented and used for tasks such as learning to drive, test preparation, and learning a language.
"What our system truly does is that this abundance of information is directed towards changes in specific regions of the brain as you learn ", Matthews added.
"The method itself is actually quite old. In fact, the ancient Egyptians used electric fish to stimulate and reduce pain about 4000 years ago.”
The matrix-style of learning could be actually become a reality.
Even Ben Franklin currents applied to the head, but rigorous, scientific investigation of these methods began in the 2000’s . We are building on that research to guide and customize a stimulator in the most effective way possible.
"Your brain will be very different from my brain when performing a task. What we found ... brain stimulation appears to be particularly effective in improving learning, actually."
Meanwhile, a recent study found that intelligent people are more easily distracted at work.
Sources:
Mark Molloy
Reuters
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