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These Wearable Devices Designed to 'Hack' Your Brain Are Equal Parts Fascinating and Terrifying
People are divided.
Knowledge is power and time is money, so it's no surprise that brain specialists are constantly scouring for ways to maximize knowledge while using the least amount of time.
That's where transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) comes in.
The method uses electrical currents to stimulate electric charges already existent in brain cells. Even without tDCS, the brain uses electricity stored in cells to fire chemical information past the junctions between other cells.
The argument used by some neurologists is that tDCS speeds up this process, allowing users to learn information more rapidly and more permanently. As a result, various companies in the United States have built different wearable devices designed to bolster the brain's learning capabilities by self-administering tDCS.
These devices—whose evidence is anecdotal and which aren't FDA approved—claim to assist with everything from motor skill development to treatment of mental illness.
Some remain skeptical.
What is opinion on transcranial direct-current stimulation(tDCS) for personal use at home. @oopoo64 Potentially dangerous. It's NOT a toy.— Dr Karl (@Dr Karl) 1404484740.0
@noahWG I do TMS and tDCS research. Self-administered brain stimulation is bullshit crackpottery & potentially v dangerous. Avoid.— Chris Chambers (@Chris Chambers) 1358975119.0
Michael D. Fox, a neuroscientist and an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, cautioned potential users:
"There is much about noninvasive brain stimulation that remains unknown. Some risks, such as burns to the skin, are well recognized. However, other potential problems may not be immediately apparent. As neuroscientists we perceive an ethical obligation to draw the attention of both professionals and DIY users to some of these issues."
Nevertheless, some swear by the technology.
Proponents of some devices, like the Halo Sport, claim that self-administered tDCS can benefit athletes around the world.
Great to see another peer reviewed article using #HaloSport hitting the press - #tDCS enhances running endurance… https://t.co/kvEVRS7d72— Daniel Chao (@Daniel Chao) 1551115511.0
Evidence supports benefits from brain stimulation #tDCS in #autism @abrunoni https://t.co/2iCez1nfL0— Mac Keith Press (@Mac Keith Press) 1550575206.0
nice work @HaloNeuro. Halo Sport looks to be an incredible bit of technology. https://t.co/qB0Zbu4Sol— Joe Moak (@Joe Moak) 1455137285.0
Whatever the future of self-administered tDCS may be, the results are sure to be shocking.