Downloadable skillz…sci fi dream or ???

(hat tip to Anne Johnson) This medical Express.com article describes experiments that indicate the possibility of manipulating neuo-pathways using magnetic resonance techniques to improve specific features of visual performance.

While just scratching the surface, the technique could open an ethical Pandora’s box as the subject was not aware of the specific behavior that they were being taught (programmed??) to do. After the “training” the subjects showed a discernible improvement in performance of the targeted task. Might be able to improve the ability of a sonar tech to differentiate false targets from real? help surgeons realte diagnostic imagery to what they see in the patient, etc, etc.

On the upside, the decoded neuro-feedback method has tremendous implications in memory, motor and rehabilitation. On the downside it acts on the subject as a kind of hypnotic suggestion that the subject is not aware of, with untold potentially nefarious applications…

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