Exploring Neural Augmentation through Engineering

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This chapter delves into the potential of enhancing human abilities through neural augmentation via engineering techniques, discussing the stimulation of cells to improve vision and sensory perception. It emphasizes the ethical responsibility in advancing neural technologies for the betterment of humanity and the need for a thoughtful approach. The conversation also touches on the precision required in manipulating neural circuits and highlights contrasting approaches in treating mental health issues, showcasing advancements in neural prostheses for paralyzed individuals.

In this episode, my guest is Dr. E.J. Chichilnisky, Ph.D., a professor of neurosurgery and ophthalmology at Stanford University. He studies how we see and uses that information to build artificial eyes that restore vision to the blind.

We discuss how understanding the retina (the light-sensing brain tissue that lines the back of our eyes) is critical to knowing how our brain works more generally.

We discuss brain augmentation with biologically informed prostheses, robotics, and AI and what this means for medicine and humanity.

We also discuss E.J.’s unique journey into neuroscience and how changing fields multiple times, combined with some wandering, taught him how to guide his decision-making in all realms of life.

This episode ought to be of interest to anyone interested in learning how the brain works from a world-class neuroscientist, those interested in the future of brain therapeutics and people seeking inspiration and tools for navigating their own professional and life journey.

For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com.