Crédit : Digital Trends

Scientists have been developing for the last few years a brain implant that would boost memory, called in their jargon an implantable “cognitive prosthetic”. This new development could be useful for many people even to the cynical.

The implant works like a pacemaker, it constitutes an array of electrodes embedded deep in the brain and it monitors electrical activity. When needed, the implant delivers a stimulating pulse. It means that when the brain is functioning well, the system remains quiet.

This development gives the opportunity to people with deficits to improve their way of living. Because having a decent memory is a matter of livelihood, independence and identity. Older people with dementia will have more years living independently. People with traumatic brain injury will regain just enough sharpness to find a job or a career. It also allows brains that are in a low-functioning state to jump in to a high-functioning state.

Source : The New York Times

Photo credit : © Unsplash