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Mind Control and Other Intriguing Science Jargon
Let’s dive into a fun science experiment that’s got a bit of a Rube Goldberg vibe to it. The concept of mind-controlled gene expression isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Here’s how it goes: a human volunteer dons an electrode headset and sits in front of a computer. While she plays a game or stares at a serene landscape, a Bluetooth gadget transmits her brain signals to a controller, which toggles an electromagnetic field based on her relaxation level. Sounds wild, right?
Now, enter the rodent participant. As the little mouse meanders through the electromagnetic field, a wireless implant in its skin starts to emit near-infrared light, waking up some specially designed cells that the researchers created. This leads to a chemical reaction that produces a protein known as secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP). So, when our human meditates, the mouse gets a boost of protein.
To break it down, the authors describe it as: “An electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain–computer interface (BCI) processing mental state-specific brain waves programs an inductively linked wireless-powered optogenetic implant containing designer cells engineered for near-infrared (NIR) light-adjustable expression of the human glycoprotein SEAP.” Boom.
But what about that computer game and the landscape? The authors noted, “To reach the mental state of concentration,” the participant played Minesweeper, while for meditation, she took deep breaths while gazing at a still image on the screen. (So many questions! Is Minesweeper still bundled with computers? What counts as meditation anyway? What kind of landscape is that?) The fancy algorithms in the headset help quantify a meditation index, though it’s limited in its own way. And the cells producing the protein? Not even mouse cells—just human cells in the mouse’s implant. The mouse is more like a petri dish than a true participant.
While the work is flashy and memorable, it’s more like a series of small steps rather than anything groundbreaking. But the idea of combining electrical signals with genetic manipulation—an electrogenetic device—could indeed be a game-changer for modern medicine. The researchers suggest that these devices could create mind-genetic interfaces that enhance existing electronic-mechanical implants like heart pacemakers or cochlear implants.
Maybe this Rube Goldberg approach isn’t the most efficient, but using the brain’s electrical data could be incredibly useful for conditions like epilepsy. If anything, these researchers are onto something creative when it comes to data manipulation.
Speaking of intriguing experiments, the paper adds to a long list of fascinating neuroengineering work. Last year, teams from Duke and Harvard Medical School shared their findings on “brain-to-brain interfaces” that let two brains exchange data. In one study, the actions of one rat influenced another’s decisions. Another more recent study from Washington University claimed to have achieved “the first brain-to-brain interface in humans,” where one gamer’s thoughts translated into actions on a touchpad for another. Baby steps, but still cool!
Some of the buzzwords like robotics and 3D printing are already making waves in the world of prosthetics—just check out this video. The difference lies in how quickly these technologies translate into real-world applications.
A mentor once said scientists might clone humans simply because they can, not necessarily because there’s a need. I love hearing about the latest brain-to-brain interfaces or mind-controlled tech, but sometimes I wonder if these studies offer solutions to problems that don’t really exist.
Nonetheless, there’s always room for a little serendipity in science. After all, one widely used blood thinner was initially developed as rat poison. And that little blue pill meant for hypertension turned out to have some unexpected benefits. Who knows? Within this wild electrogenetic system might lie the foundations for treating various neurological disorders—or maybe even a new version of Viagra. Not sure if that’s sexy or just surprising!
This article was originally published on November 25, 2014. If you’re curious about home insemination, check out this other post on our blog.
Summary:
This piece explores a quirky experiment involving mind-controlled gene expression, where a human participant’s brain signals affect a rodent’s protein production. The study showcases the potential of combining electrical signals with genetic manipulation, paving the way for innovative medical applications. While the work is more of a series of small advancements than a groundbreaking leap, it reflects ongoing trends in neuroengineering and the creative manipulation of data.