Science fiction has long been fascinated with the notion of the cyborg
– a man-machine who could be controlled by means
of neural
implants. In this article, John Horgan looks at the current state
of brain research, assessing just how realistic is the notion of mind
control.
A typical human brain, we are told, contains about 100 billion cells,
each of which is linked by synapses to perhaps 100,000 other cells,
with hormones and neurotransmitters modulating signal transmission
between them. The synapses constantly adapt in response to new
experiences, which means that the brain constantly changes, handling at
least a quadrillion operations per second. In other words, the
human brain is far more complex and flexible than any computer.
Melding man with machine could hardly improve the man.
In order to control a human mind, Horgan points out that scientists
would first have to master the set of rules which turn brain impulses
into thought and emotion – the brain’s neural code. Since every
individual responds to any given stimulus in his own unique way, the
likelihood is very small.
Nonetheless, neuroscientists have enjoyed very limited success with
brain implants in animals and even people. As one example, Horgan
describes a demonstration in 1964 by José Delgado of Yale University
wherein Delgado was able to halt a charging bull by sending a signal to
electrodes in the bull’s brain. In human experiments, he was able
to make limbs move and induce sensations such as terror, rage, and
sleepiness. However, these were simply reactions to stimuli and
Delgado himself did not believe mind control possible.
The question arises why anyone should bother to experiment with
implanting electrodes into brains. Curiosity aside, the purpose
of most neuroscientists is therapeutic: programmes are underway
to attempt to help the blind see, the paralyzed move prosthetic limbs
merely by thinking, and the deaf to hear using implanted artificial
cochlea (which has been encouragingly successful). Scientists are
also attempting to restore and enhance memory.
There has been some progress, but success seems to depend on science
being able to provide the brain with opportunities to invent for itself
new ways of processing information to make the implants work. Note that
the patient’s brain adapts to make the implant work – not the other way
around.
So is mind control possible? The uniqueness of every individual
makes it extremely unlikely, at least outside science fiction.
Mind control is, indeed, a myth.