The document discusses the complexities of the human brain, highlighting its vast number of neurons and synapses, and compares its functions to current technological advancements. It explores the potential of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neuroprosthetics, and innovative approaches in brain stimulation to enhance human capabilities. The text also addresses the future implications of these technologies in medicine and cognitive enhancement, as well as concerns related to memory manipulation and cyber-security.

1. Brain Technologies
Hamutal Meridor | @hamutalm

2. It all starts with a single neuron

3. But it’s complicated
A human brain has:
– 1011 neurons
– Each neuron connected to 10,000 others
(synapse)
– 1014 - 1015 synapses
In 1*1*1 mm of cortex:
– 100,000 neurons
– 100 million synapses
– 4 km of cables

4. Brain vs. Tech
Amazing biological vs. Exponential
technologies
machine

6. The Brain
• Complex functions
• Robust
• Low energy consumption
• Adaptive
• Highly connected
• Parallel computing

7. Brain is better at “life” tasks
Trying to mimic brain function is expensive &
hard:
– Object recognition
– Language
– Self driving cars

8. Watson
25 people | 4 years | 90 servers
1M lines of code

9. BUT
• We can tap into brain computing without
having to imitate it
• Machines can do things a human brain can’t

10. Neuro Prosthetics
• Cochlear implants
• Artificial eyes – webcam vision
• Thought-powered limbs - BrainGate

11. Prosthetic mind-controlled legs

12. And a whole body suit

13. Stimulating the brain
• TMS - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
• DBS - Deep Brain Stimulation

14. Samsung’s stroke detector

15. Alert for Epileptic Patients
Chip implant detects abnormal activity
preceding epileptic seizure

16. From medicine to the future brain
Fixing sick people à augmenting healthy people

17. Mind & Tech Go Mainstream
• Dropping costs
• BCI Kickstarter projects raise millions $$

18. Mindfulness

19. NeuroGaming

21. Pour Courtesy

23. Brain stimulation

24. Brain to Brain Communication

25. Mind Expansion
• Memory chip:
thought implantation in mice
• 6th sense:
infra-red vision

26. Restoring Memory
Hippocampal chip fixes ability to remember in
patients with Alzheimer’s
– Rats & monkeys
– Human trials

27. Top-Down

28. And Bottom-Up

29. Brainihack San Francisco!

30. 5 min tutrioal

31. Hacking your brain
• Erasing memories & implanting new ones
• Stealing memories & thoughts
• Cyber-security à mind-security

32. The Future