Brain-Computer Link in the Works

The Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA) is working on a device roughly the size of two nickels stacked atop each other that could provide unprecedented connectivity between the human brain and computers. Once perfected, the Neural Engineering System Design could enhance the ability to use computers to augment brain function. Blind persons possibly could have some sense of vision and deaf persons could hear, for example. The program is well in its infancy right now. Its engineers say that the current technology could be compared to having two supercomputers talk to each other via a 300-baud modem.