• Scientists say they’re getting closer to Matrix-style instant learning
    115 replies, posted
[release] What price effortless learning? In a paper published in [URL="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/334/6061/1413.full"]the latest issue of [I]Science[/I][/URL], neuroscientists say they've developed a novel method of learning, that can cause long-lasting improvement in tasks that demand a high level of visual performance. And while the so-called neurofeedback method could one day be used to teach you kung fu, or to aid spinal-injury patients on the road to rehabilitation, evidence also suggests the technology could be used to target people without their knowledge, opening doors to numerous important ethical questions. According to a press release from the [URL="http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=122523&org=NSF&from=news"]National Science Foundation[/URL]: New research published today in the journal [I]Science[/I] suggests it may be possible to use brain technology to learn to play a piano, reduce mental stress or hit a curve ball with little or no conscious effort. It's the kind of thing seen in Hollywood's "Matrix" franchise. Experiments conducted at Boston University (BU) and ATR Computational Neuroscience Laboratories in Kyoto, Japan, recently demonstrated that through a person's visual cortex, researchers could use decoded functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to induce brain activity patterns to match a previously known target state and thereby improve performance on visual tasks. Think of a person watching a computer screen and having his or her brain patterns modified to match those of a high-performing athlete or modified to recuperate from an accident or disease. Though preliminary, researchers say such possibilities may exist in the future. But here's the bit that's really interesting (and also pretty creepy): the researchers found that this novel learning approach worked [I]even when test subjects weren't aware of what they were learning[/I]: "The most surprising thing in this study is that mere inductions of neural activation patterns...led to visual performance improvement...without presenting the feature or subjects' awareness of what was to be learned," said lead researcher Takeo Watanabe. He continues: We found that subjects were not aware of what was to be learned while behavioral data obtained before and after the neurofeedback training showed that subjects' visual performance improved specifically for the target orientation, which was used in the neurofeedback training. Is this research mind-blowing and exciting? Absolutely. I mean come on — automated learning? Yes. Sign me up. But according to research co-author Mitsuo Kawato, the neurofeedback mechanism could just as soon be used for purposes of hypnosis or covert mind control. And that... I'm not so keen on. "We have to be careful," he explains, "so that this method is not used in an unethical way." [/release] [URL="http://io9.com/5867113/scientists-say-theyre-paving-the-way-towards-matrix+style-learning--but-is-it-safe"] http://io9.com/5867113/scientists-say-theyre-paving-the-way-towards-matrix+style-learning--but-is-it-safe[/URL] Awesome
so what pill do we take?
[QUOTE=mastfire;33698216]so what pill do we take?[/QUOTE] The pill that makes you post quality post.
[QUOTE=mastfire;33698216]so what pill do we take?[/QUOTE] The one which has description: "I, for one, welcome our new overlords.."
[quote]I know kung-fu[/quote]
Where do I sign up as a test subject?
Automated learning would probably mean less time required for schooling; kids would just have to get into the Feedbacker and download the intel, then show a test or two to make sure that the information adhered correctly. In general it'd mean kids would need less school-time, though that'd raise the question of where kids would congregate and socialise outside of the playgrounds or school corridors. The issues of hypnosis and/or mind control come with the territory of working with the mind. Hopefully this can be expanded on for psycho-medical purposes. Y'know, mental health and all that.
If this method falls under the wrong hands...
[QUOTE=stuky4ever;33698285]If this method falls under the wrong hands...[/QUOTE] Go on.
[QUOTE=Dippeggs;33698290]Go on.[/QUOTE] All republicans could look smart...
[QUOTE=stuky4ever;33698285]If this method falls under the wrong hands...[/QUOTE] Needless to say Rick Perry must never get his hands on it. Him or ANY religious fanatic, for that matter. By that I mean he shouldn't be allowed to use it to indoctrinate a congregation of teenagers over the net; he should definitely be forced into one of these things to make him see how wrong he is.
[QUOTE=stuky4ever;33698285]If this method falls under the wrong hands...[/QUOTE] This could actually be a problem. Companies could pay a LOT to have ADVERTISING put in this. I shouldn't even need to worry about this happening, and yet with the way that major companies seem to be so horribly desperate to gain as much money as possible, I can actually see it happening.
[QUOTE=minilandstan;33698300]All republicans could look smart...[/QUOTE] That would be quite a achievement
[QUOTE=ironman17;33698302]Needless to say Rick Perry must never get his hands on it. Him or ANY religious fanatic, for that matter. By that I mean he shouldn't be allowed to use it to indoctrinate a congregation of teenagers over the net; he should definitely be forced into one of these things to make him see how wrong he is.[/QUOTE] As President, I'll end Obama's war on religion. And I'll fight against liberal attacks on our religious heritage! I'm Rick Perry and I approve this message.
IF he'll not see reason, even after heavy neurofeedback stuff, we could always use the tech to shatter his mind, drive him insane.
I've been playing piano for the last 9 years. I've spent a lot of time and energy to get as good as I am and now they're saying they're going to be able to make that sort of thing happen in an instant. It's a little unfair.
Again, like I said, science=awesome in some cases. This time, it is beyond awesome. I would volunteer as a test subject for this so I can learn new shit instantly. What about learning other languages, like Tagalog, or German, or Vietnamese?
Download all the porn
[IMG]http://www.volacci.com/files/imce-uploads/whoa.jpg[/IMG] Now i really hope all that stuff is actually going to be produced in our lifespan
As cool as this is it probably won't be affordable to the masses
Always wanted to know how to fly a helicopter...
[QUOTE=ironman17;33698347]IF he'll not see reason, even after heavy neurofeedback stuff, we could always use the tech to shatter his mind, drive him insane.[/QUOTE] Are you implying he isn't already insane?
[QUOTE=CrumbleShake;33698377]I've been playing piano for the last 9 years. I've spent a lot of time and energy to get as good as I am and now they're saying they're going to be able to make that sort of thing happen in an instant. It's a little unfair.[/QUOTE] I am not sure that knowing these things by instant learning would lead to perfect muscle memory though. You'd still be the better pianist.
WELP, there goes the 100k I'm spending on college! :v:
[QUOTE=CrumbleShake;33698377]I've been playing piano for the last 9 years. I've spent a lot of time and energy to get as good as I am and now they're saying they're going to be able to make that sort of thing happen in an instant. It's a little unfair.[/QUOTE] You're mistaking wisdom for knowledge, you have a lot of wisdom on how to play a piano, this machine dispenses knowledge.
[QUOTE=ewitwins;33698827]WELP, there goes the 100k I'm spending on college! :v:[/QUOTE] Don't worry, it will likely cost the same amount for this to teach you elementary school knowledge. [editline]13th December 2011[/editline] Not that it isn't damn cool or anything.
[quote=article]this novel learning approach worked even when test subjects weren't aware of what they were learning[/quote] Tinfoil hats out, guys!
[QUOTE=CrumbleShake;33698377]I've been playing piano for the last 9 years. I've spent a lot of time and energy to get as good as I am and now they're saying they're going to be able to make that sort of thing happen in an instant. It's a little unfair.[/QUOTE] Hahahahaha, who gives a fuck if it's unfair? At least you learn it.
[QUOTE=ironman17;33698282]Automated learning would probably mean less time required for schooling; kids would just have to get into the Feedbacker and download the intel, then show a test or two to make sure that the information adhered correctly. In general it'd mean kids would need less school-time, though that'd raise the question of where kids would congregate and socialise outside of the playgrounds or school corridors. The issues of hypnosis and/or mind control come with the territory of working with the mind. Hopefully this can be expanded on for psycho-medical purposes. Y'know, mental health and all that.[/QUOTE] They would be taught how to put their new knowledge to good use.
[QUOTE=lapsus_;33698922]Tinfoil hats out, guys![/QUOTE] More like tinfoil sunglasses.
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