Deep brain stimulation...to get your mind right

[Pyrrho]

https://heal.nih.gov/news/stories/deep- ... timulation

Although the human brain is only about 3 pounds, it is packed with 86 billion neurons and billions of other cells, including those that make up blood vessels – all encased in a protective bone structure. Finding the precise spot to target with a stimulating contact and electrode is tricky.

This deep brain stimulation procedure takes about 6 hours, during which Rezai threads a tiny 1 mm-diameter brain lead with four electrode contacts through a nickel-sized hole in the skull and down to brain structures that are part of the reward circuit. The brain wire is connected to a pacemaker in the chest that can both stimulate and record electrical activity. Only the research team can tune up or down electrical stimulation of brain within study participants.

Larry Niven is going to want royalties.

[ed]

Vlh.