DARPA looking for way to speed up the process of learning

If the brain is a common set of biological "wires" and "circuits", why not just upgrade its components to make us better and smarter? At least this is the theory behind a new project, the secret research Department of the advanced research projects of the Ministry of defense (DARPA), according to the announcement made this week. The objective of the project is looking for opportunities to improve cognitive abilities by activating the so-called synaptic plasticity of the brain.

Recent studies show that the stimulation of specific peripheral nerves (channels that transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body) by initiating the production of neurochemical substances, reorganiza neural connections that can improve human capabilities for learning. In the framework of its program "training Directed neuroplasticity" (Targeted Neuroplasticity Training) DARPA is funding eight research projects aimed at finding methods to improve the effectiveness of learning through electrical stimulation. The ultimate goal is the adaptation of this technology in practice to improve the efficiency of learning soldiers. Ideally, the "modified" so the soldiers can, for example, to learn a new language in just a few months, not years. In the end, if DARPA will be able to find a way so to modify the brain, the results will likely find their application not only in military but also civilian areas.

"the goal of the project aimed training neuroplasticity – understanding the neural processes that regulate cognitive functions responsible for learning man" — says program Manager Doug Weber.

In Other words, DARPA will examine the fundamental biology and to develop neurostimulation devices that are using our "biological wires and chips", can increase learning ability.

One of the DARPA-funded teams working within the walls of Johns Hopkins University, will focus on the study and analysis of the processes responsible for our speech and hearing. The researchers plan to conduct experiments with stimulation of the vagus nerve and to check whether its stimulation can accelerate the process of understanding and learning a new language. Another team, based in the Florida University, will examine how stimulation of the vagus nerve will affect the perception of ability to purposeful activity, decision-making, and spatial navigation in laboratory rodents. The team from Arizona state University will study the effects of stimulation of the trigeminal nerve and its impact on visual, sensory and motor functions of volunteers-military, studying the principles of intelligence, surveillance, firearms training and decision-making.

It Should be noted that in the market there are products that offer improvement of cognitive, psychological and physical abilities. However, the level of understanding of how to actually work these products is extremely low. According to many scientists, these products do not work at all. At least as we promised by the manufacturers in their advertising campaigns. Therefore, the aim of the program DARPA is more precise review and study the effectiveness of implantable and non-invasive techniques to enhance human abilities, as well as verification of actual work available now methods.

"We have some knowledge about the connections of the peripheral nerves, however, know virtually nothing about the effects that can be caused by neurological stimulation of their functions", — said Weber.

If between neurostimulation and efficiency in learning will be discovered the real relationship, the next phase of this program will be to develop devices which allows to increase the speed of learning of foreign languages, the effectiveness of image analysis and solutions of tasks related to spatial navigation.

"In General terms, the analogy between computer and brain, of course, is not true", — said Michael Kilgard, a leading researcher team of the University of Texas at Dallas, participating in this project.

"in the brain But between the points "a" and point "B" do have some connection. When you cut these ties, you lose function. The point is that this "wiring" of the brain can create new connections. And we have technology to watch and study these connections."

Until recently, the work Kilgard was associated with the restoration of damaged pathways in the brain. In the areas of studying deep brain stimulation (we are talking about implants) and methods of transcranial direct stimulation (change of function by means of noninvasive electrical stimulation) progress has been made. Especially in matters of electrical stimulation, used to adjust operation of the damaged neurocanal of the brain, for example, to aid in the treatment of various mental illnesses. The same Kilgard have achieved quite some success in the treatment of post-traumatic syndrome with targeted neuroplasticity therapy.

"We want to understand how to cure brain damage and what it takes to win "wires" of the brain. After all, if you can recover the lost function, you may have the opportunity to improve the efficiency of this function, for example, faster to learn new things?"

According to Kilgard, ever (and preferably in the near future) we will be able to develop a device costing only a few hundred dollars, you can safely and easily to accelerate our ability to learn new languages. With the current level of funding, Celgard hoped for 5 years to develop a working prototype of such a device and send it for approval to the FDA (the American "the Office of the food and drug administration").

Sorry, some more definite specifics at the present stage of development of the project yet. Moreover, you can even say that the whole idea until it rests no more than ordinary scientific speculation. To say about whether it work at all, — it is impossible.

"We use the most advanced tools to study molecular and cellular processes involved in the functions about which we are discussing today. But even the most advanced tools have their limitations", — said Weber.

Serious difficulties scientists have to face and the social aspect. The probability that such studies DARPA will be viewed by some as an attempt to create a new race of cognitive-enhanced super-soldiers. The truth is that the Agency currently has several other projects on the study of the brain. In particular, in development there are projects on brain implant ID chips that can cure mental illness, and to restore motor function and working memory in injured soldiers.

Currently, the program is aimed to give the brain a "slight acceleration", which increases its efficiency and speed in learning new skills by about 30 percent compared to conventional methods of training. But when you consider that the use of conventional analeptics and depressants such as Ritalin (banned in Russia) and Modafinil, are commercially available in the United States and is often used by students to focus and struggle with sleepiness, causes a lot of debates among the public, what can we say about the actual modification of the brain. There will always be those who will be strongly opposed.

Usually, opponents of such methods are to protect the pure nature of the human body. Supporters, in turn, say that the search for ways and means of improving the work processes of the natural functioning of the human body is a logical step to the evolution. Therefore, the research DARPA certainly will launch a series of new debates on this topic.

"the First questions when you open any new technology is most often associated with its safety, equal accessibility for all and freedom of choice. It is important to answer each of these questions and reassure the public" — concludes Weber.