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In the quest to understand how the brain turns sensory input into behavior, Harvard scientists have crossed a major threshold.
Using precisely-targeted lasers, researchers have been able to take over an animal's brain, instruct it to turn in any direction they choose, and even to implant false sensory information, fooling the animal into thinking food was nearby.
"If we can understand simple nervous systems to the point of completely controlling them, then it may be a possibility that we can gain a comprehensive understanding of more complex systems," Ramanathan said. "This gives us a framework to think about neural circuits, how to manipulate them, which circuit to manipulate and what activity patterns to produce in them .
And really, what benefit could there possibly be?
Originally posted by fluff007
In scientific terms, yes its an incredible breakthrough. But, as long as it stays out of dangerous hands...