In a world where technology is advancing at a dizzying pace, the field of braintech – the interface between the human brain and technology – represents one of the most fascinating and challenging frontiers of modern science. In a riveting interview with Dr. Jacob Blumenthal, a patent editor at the Ehrlich Group, neuroscientist, braintech expert, and intellectual property specialist, on Lior Novik’s podcast "Political Science," we were introduced to this exciting world and the revolutionary possibilities it offers.
Dr. Blumenthal defines the field of braintech as "a very broad concept that includes the ability to influence processes happening inside the brain and nervous system, as well as understanding what's happening inside this 'black box' using technological means." He emphasizes that the field enables us to identify and understand brain processes, including emotions and thoughts, in ways that were previously impossible.
One of the main topics of discussion was Elon Musk’s innovative chip, developed by his company Neuralink. Dr. Blumenthal explains that Musk's chip contains many ultra-thin electrodes implanted into the brain, aiming to allow paralyzed individuals to control computers or robotic devices using thought alone. "It’s not just the chip," he stresses, "Musk also developed a robot that can precisely and delicately insert these chips."
Despite the impressive progress, Dr. Blumenthal warns that there are still many challenges. "In the first patient, some of the electrodes broke inside the brain," he notes, raising important ethical and safety concerns.
The interview also touched on technological advances in the medical field. Dr. Blumenthal describes how braintech technologies are currently being used to treat diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. "In Parkinson's, for example, there’s a treatment called Deep Brain Stimulation, where an electrode is implanted in the brain area responsible for movement, providing electrical pulses that prevent tremors," he explains.
According to Dr. Blumenthal, Israel is a global hub in the braintech field. "On one hand, we have excellent academic centers and brain researchers, and on the other hand, we have high-tech entrepreneurs who know how to turn ideas into tangible products," he says. Unfortunately, the recent war has increased the need for mental health rehabilitation technologies and resilience building, pushing the field forward.
One of the fascinating topics discussed in the interview is the future possibility of enhancing human abilities through technology. "There are people who are already seeking to enhance themselves," says Dr. Blumenthal, "For example, a healthy person who wants an additional hand." This is an example of a new era where people turn to technology to expand their natural abilities.
Dr. Blumenthal stresses the importance of protecting intellectual property in this emerging field. "Once you have a new insight, before you go and tell the world about it, you need to consult with someone who understands intellectual property," he advises, to ensure that innovative inventions can be protected and benefit both their developers and society as a whole.
The interview also touches on ethical and cultural issues related to braintech. Dr. Blumenthal notes that the younger generation is more open to adopting new technologies, but there are still concerns among the general public. "My generation was heavily influenced by movies like 'WarGames' and 'The Terminator,' which presented frightening scenarios of machines taking over," he says. However, he believes that as more people experience the benefits of braintech technologies, particularly in the medical field, resistance will decrease.
One of the intriguing points raised in the interview is the possibility of developing braintech technologies for home use. "Today, there are companies selling kits that you can put on your head, giving you the ability to receive brain signals and operate things at an affordable price," explains Dr. Blumenthal. He adds that the combination of these technologies with advanced artificial intelligence opens up entirely new possibilities.
Towards the end of the interview, Dr. Blumenthal outlines a fascinating future vision: "You might want to implant a chip that helps with memory, or you might want your memory to be external, or transfer your thoughts and store them outside your body." He emphasizes that while these ideas may sound like science fiction, the basic technology already exists, and progress in the field is happening very quickly.
Dr. Blumenthal concludes with cautious optimism: "We are at a point where everything is becoming very rapid and will propel the field forward." He believes that in the near future, we will see more and more solutions and products based on brain-machine interfaces, from simple solutions to complex interfaces for people who have lost motor abilities.
The interview with Dr. Blumenthal offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of braintech and highlights the immense potential of this field to change our lives. While there are still many technological, ethical, and cultural challenges, it is clear that we are standing on the brink of a new era where the boundary between humans and machines is becoming increasingly blurred. The big question that remains is how society will cope with these dramatic changes and what their implications will be for our lives in the near and distant future.