It turns out that brain-zapping headphones that make you a better athlete are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to neurotechnology.
In addition to Halo Neuroscience’s “neurostimulating” headphones called Halo Sport; there’s the Thync ($199), a triangular gadget that attaches to your forehead and zaps you with low-voltage electrical currents that are supposed to activate your body’s “natural state of energy or calm.” There’s also Foc.us ($250) that is said to boost gamers’ focus and performance. And also Muse ($299), a meditation headband that measures brain waves the same lab technology used by doctors and hospitals.
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These gadgets go beyond Fitbits and activity wristbands – they pretty much hack your brain. Many work by stimulating key regions of the brain – with currents or magnetic fields – to affect emotions and physical well-being. And from Silicon Valley investors to large pharmaceutical companies, the technology is getting a lot of financial backing.
But some neuroscientists are concerned about putting this technology in the hands of non-experts. They say that even if the devices work as advertised, we don’t know whether they could have negative long-term consequences on the brain.
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While it sounds like more research and trials need to be done on these devices – it’s exciting to think how this technology could really be able to really help us in the near future.
Curated article from:
Washington Post
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