Scientists believe they could be the first steps in developing advanced software that will make instant, Matrix-style learning a reality.
In the classic science fiction film, protagonist Neo is able to learn kung fu in seconds, after uploading the martial art directly to his brain.
Researchers at California-based HRL Laboratories say they have found a way to amplify learning, just on a much smaller scale than that seen in the Hollywood movie.
They studied the electrical signals in the brain of a trained pilot and then fed the data into novice subjects as they learned to fly a plane in a realistic flight simulator.
The study, published in the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, found that subjects who received brain stimulation through capsules with embedded electrodes improved their riding skills and learned the task 33% faster than the placebo control group.
“Our system is one of the first of its kind. It’s a brain stimulation system. It sounds kind of like science fiction, but there is a great scientific basis for the development of our system. The specific task we were looking at was ‘flying an aircraft,’ which requires a synergy of cognitive and motor performance. When you learn something, the brain physically changes, connections are made and strengthened in a process called neuroplasticity (the nervous system’s ability to change, adapt and shape itself at a structural and structural level). functional when subjected to new experiences), and certain brain functions, such as speech and memory, are located in very specific regions of the brain,” explained Dr. Matthew Phillips.
Dr Phillips believes brain stimulation could be implemented for tasks such as learning to drive, exam preparation and language learning.
“What our system does is actually direct these changes to specific regions of the brain as you learn. The method itself is actually very ancient. In fact, the ancient Egyptians, 4000 years ago, used electric fish to stimulate and reduce pain. Even Benjamin Franklin applied chains to his head, but rigorous scientific investigation of these methods began in the early 2000s and we are building on this research to target and personalize a stimulus in the most effective way possible. Your brain will be very different from my brain when. perform a task. What we found is that brain stimulation appears to be particularly effective in improving learning,” concluded Dr. Phillips.
