How the Brain Works The Facts Visually Explained by DK (z-lib.org)

THE BRAIN OF THE FUTURE

The Expanded Brain 190 191

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

In transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), pulses of

electric current pass through a coil and generate magnetism

that penetrates the skull to influence brain cells and their

impulses. The coil’s position and motion, and pulse strength

and timing, are adjusted to modify particular brain regions.

TMS is being tried for many kinds of brain and behavioral

conditions and also possibly to heighten thinking and other

mental processes.

Memory chips

The abilities of electronic devices can be extended by

adding more memory, often in the form of microchips.

The brain could be similarly upgraded. Microdevices

to receive, store, and send data are being shaped like

ultrafine webs, chains, and grains. Implanted on or

in the cerebral cortex, they could develop connections

with individual nerve cells and assist them in thinking

and memory. Already, chips can advance hippocampus

memory tasks such as long-term recall.

Stimulating the brain

Anodal tDCS uses a positive

current to speed up nerve cell

activity. The positions of the skin

electrodes determine which

brain regions are aroused. Tests

show that effects can persist

even after the current ceases.

Positively charged

electrode can

stimulate neural

activity in brain

Embedded

microprocessor

and memory chips

Constant electrical current

supplied from battery

Wire coil

enclosed in

plastic case

Activated neurons

Skin patch for wireless

power and monitoring

Implanted

neural grains,

webs, or chains

Radio waves

provide power

Neurograins on cortex

surface form connections

with neurons

Area of brain

being stimulated

Magnetic

field

Resting neurons

Anode

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RTE

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ARTIFICIAL

HIPPOCAMPUS

N

EU

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IN

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Magnetic pulse

When in use, the magnetic coils change polarity and

produce magnetic pulses, which penetrate the scalp.

This produces electrical activity in surrounding neurons.

Neurograins

Scientists are developing a

technique in which tens of

thousands of “neurograins”

each independently interface

with a single neuron and

send data to an electronic

patch on the scalp.

US_190-191_The_expanded_brain.indd 191 20/09/2019 12:39