Seite - 62 - in Cyborg Mind - What Brain–Computer and Mind–Cyberspace Interfaces Mean for Cyberneuroethics

62 • Cyborg Mind Future Developments with Neuronal Interfaces for Vision Further developments are now being considered that use more sophisti- cated implants, such as wireless interfaces, enabling better and more coherent vision. However, in order for good images to be obtained on the retina, a large number of very small electrodes would be necessary, enabling an impor- tant amount of information to be received without creating a lot of heat that would otherwise damage the surrounding tissue. Moreover, in a similar manner to auditory interfaces, implants that are directly linked to the visual cortex are now being examined. Interestingly, if progress continues to develop with this technology, it may be possible for a person to distinguish the near-infrared region, which would be of great value in night driving.47 In fact, research published in 2013 has already demonstrated how sensitivity to infrared light can be developed in rats through the use of implanted devices.48 In addition, just as with hear- ing neuronal interfaces, it may be possible in the future to hardwire a person directly into the output of a video machine so that the person will ‘see’ pictures sent directly by a computer. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was initially developed in France in the late 1980s. It involves employing long needles, which can be manufactured with multiple electrodes on either their tip and/or their length. Using image-guided surgery, these are carefully pushed deep into the brain of a person to the position where it is believed the neurons are malfunctioning. In an attempt to address this functional deficit, pulses of electric current are then sent down to the affected region, resulting in a possible dramatic and positive effect on symptoms.49 Interestingly, what actually happens at the end of the electrodes remains unclear, but it is likely that the creation of a small current between the electrodes excites the neurons in the surrounding area and modifies com- munication between them.50 DBS has also been shown to initiate very real and important, metabolic and neurochemical brain changes when continual stimulation takes place.51 Applications of Deep Brain Stimulation In the past few decades, DBS has increasingly been considered as a treatment option for certain serious disorders. It has even been shown that placing elec- trodes in specific brain areas reduces tremor and rigidity in patients affected by Parkinson’s disease, increasing their ability to move and walk. In other situations, the procedure has been used to control chronic pain, epilepsy, migraine, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and obesity, with variable reports of improvement.52 This open access edition has been made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license thanks to the support of Knowledge Unlatched. Not for resale.