The initiative stems from the disappointing predictions of progress in this field based on Stevenson’s Law. Similarly to how Moore’s Law has predicted exponential growth in the number of transistors on a silicon chip since 1965, Stevenson’s Law predicts exponential growth in the number of neurons that can be read simultaneously. According to Stevenson’s Law, the number of neurons that can be recorded simultaneously will double every seven years, and currently sits at about 500. DARPA’s goal of 1 million neurons will substantially break out from the limits of Stevenson’s Law.
The goal of recording or “reading” brain neuron states is the goal to stimulate or “write to” at least 100,000 neurons in the brain. The stimulating device should be the size of a nickel or smaller and will operate wirelessly. Some of the research will involve studies on human subjects, requiring research teams to obtain investigational device exemptions from the FDA and follow the agency’s safety standards.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
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