Blindsight | Brain Computer Interface

Context:

Neuralink plans to implant its FDA-designated ‘breakthrough device,’ the Blindsight chip, in a human for the first time by 2025.

Blindsight:

• Blindsight: A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) implant to restore vision.
  • Bypasses the retina.
  • Directly stimulates the visual cortex.
• Visual Cortex:
  • Part of the cerebral cortex (outermost nerve cell tissue layer).
  • Processes visual data from the retinas.
• Blindsight Components:
  • Contains a microelectrode array.
  • Embedded in the visual cortex.
  • Stimulates neurons or nerve cells.

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI):

• BCI: System that processes brain activity and sends signals to external software, enabling control of devices through thoughts.
• Difference from Traditional Control:
  • Unlike motor control (e.g., flipping a switch), BCIs bypass muscles and peripheral nerves, allowing direct control via brain activity.
• Types of BCIs:
  • Invasive:
    • Electrodes surgically implanted into the brain.
    • High signal quality but involves surgical risks.
  • Non-invasive:
    • Sensors placed on the scalp (e.g., EEG headsets).
    • Safer but offers lower signal quality.
  • Partially invasive:
    • Electrodes placed inside the skull but outside brain tissue.
• Applications:
  • Healthcare: Diagnosis of brain disorders, assistive tech for the physically challenged, etc.
  • Communication and Control: Thought decoding, smart device control, environment auto-adjustment systems, etc.
  • Commercial: Transportation, advertisements, etc.
  • Others: Games and entertainment, Security and authentication, Neurofeedback and brain function enhancement.
• Concerns:
  • Usability challenge: Limited user acceptance of BCI tech.
  • Safety issues: Risks like tissue damage, seizures, cognitive impairment, and unknown long-term effects.
  • Ethical concerns: Issues of informed consent.

Source: Indian Express

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Previous Year Question

With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following statements:
1. Web 3.0 technology enables people to control their own data.
2. In Web 3.0 world, there can blockchain based social networks.
3. Web 3.0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

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