Susoni

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2017 will be the year when brain-to-brain communication between humans takes a major step forward.

If that sounds incredible, consider that it’s already happened in studies with rats, mice and monkeys, and in a limited way with humans as well. None of the studies have quite accomplished mind reading, but they have bridged the chasm between brains in a way that didn’t seem possible until recently.

The most notable non-invasive study involving humans, so far, showed that people sitting in different rooms can play a simple computer game together by using equipment that enables each person to “communicate” information via brain waves. It was a basic test of the theory, but it worked, and it demonstrates what’s possible as the technology advances. Smaller studies testing brain-computer interfaces provide further proof of concept.

Animal studies have been more invasive, involving brain implants instead of EEG caps, but the results have been more astounding. One notable study showed that monkey brains connected via implants can work together as a unit to control a robotic arm. Similar studies with rats and mice have produced comparable results in the “hive mind” direction.

Combine these studies with amazing advances over the last few years enabling human brains to control robotic prosthetics, and it’s clear that we’re on the very edge of something big. My prediction: 2017 is the year we'll take the next major step and move brain-to-brain communication firmly into the science-reality column forevermore.