What is Artificial Intelligence?

Neurogrid, a neuron-like computer chip consisting of millions of silicon neurons

The human brain is a powerful information processing system. It is composed of about 10 billion nerve cells, or neurons and each neuron is connected to other neurons through about 10,000 synapses. The brain's complex network of neurons forms a massively parallel information processing system as contrasted to conventional computers, in which a single processor executes a single series of instructions.

The brain's neural network is seemingly described as a 'chaos' because the communication patterns among neurons vary much according to specific situation. This 'chaos' creates electrical impulses which when simulated by a robot will require at least 10 megawatts to operate, the same amount of energy produced by a small hydroelectric plant.

However, a computer scientist from Stanford University, Kwabena Boahen, developed a neuron-like computer chips which will require only at least 20 watts, close to the actual human brain's energy consumption. This microchip which initially consisted one million silicon neurons is called Neurogrid, but can accommodate more of up to 64 million to simulate the brain of a mouse.

Boahen and the team of scientists developed neurogrid primarily to provide a solution in brain simulation with an efficient energy usage.

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"Bionic" contact lenses are made up of tiny eletrical circuits

Regular contact lenses are thin, curved plastic or silicone-based disks that cover the cornea and designed primarily for vision correction. Like drops of water cling to the surface of the glass due to the surface tension, so are contact lenses adhere to the film of tears over the cornea. Contact lenses have been proven safe and effective way to correct vision.

However, scientists have discovered a new way to improve the user's vision, not only to correct but to enhance his personal view of the environment around him. Using nanotechnology, the "Bionic" contact lense is made up minute electrical circuits and light sensors, and is about 80,000 nanometers thick (as thick as a human hair). It's made up of organic materials in order to avoid vision obstruction.

The "Bionic" contact lenses were first placed onto the rabbit's eyes for 20 minutes and the test showed positive results. The rabbit didn't show any sign of discomfort, distress or irritations. The experiment was a success and scientists proposed the use of this technology to safe driving, and enhanced view in web surfing.

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Intel-developed sensor will allow you to operate your computer, cell phones, TVs and other electronic gadgets through your brain

Intel is one of the well-known and leading manufacturer of the universally-used microchips or micro-processors in the history of computing. On the company's 40th year anniversary, CTO Justin Rattner, recalled how computers used to be large and attended by several specialists and how it has evolved to a more intelligent, multi-task systems. This year also, marks the company's objective to merge human and machine intelligence by developing brain sensor that will eventually control computers by the year 2020.

At Intel's research lab in Pittsburgh, scientists are studying about the human brain waves, how to read and harness them, so they can be used to operate computers, television sets and cell phones. Brain waves are harnessed through Intel-developed sensors implanted in the human brain.

Using FMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Intel scientists can decode specific brain activities. These machines "determine that blood flow changes in specific areas of the brain based on what word or image someone is thinking of. People tend to show the same brain patterns for similar thoughts" he added. This technology is the next step to less-intrusive brain-computer interface.

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Basic Task Switching game, Lumosity

As the brain ages neurons can degenerate over time. Studies show that as humans become older, so brains do. Aside from taking supplements that make our brains healthy, science suggests that we must give our brains a dose of regular mental exercises to keep them from dying young.

Lumosity and LiveScience teamed together to develop games that will help our brains get a regular tune-up. Their main purpose is to provide scientifically designed brain fitness program. This brain training program was developed by some of the leading experts in neuroscience and cognitive psychology from Stanford and UCSF.

Lumosity's featured games include Lost in Migration (Attention Game), Word Bubbles (Flexibility Game), Memory Matrix (Memory Game), Word Sort (Problem Solving) and more. Each of this game focus on certain areas that help develop focus, increase mind flexibility, sharpens memory, enhance pattern recognition and improved problem solving skills.

Lumosity games have been reported effective to develop clearer and quicker thinking, improved memory for names, numbers, directions, etc., increased alertness and awareness, elevated mood and better concentration at work or while driving.

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Below are some of the featured games. Click on any to play.

Jesse Sullivan operates a bionic arm via nerve signals

The name cyborg has been in history for more than 40 years, when Manfred Clynes and Nathan Kline helped coin the term in 1960 as "self-regulating human-machine systems in outer space". Since then, the term cyborg (cybernetic organism) has been defined as an organism that has both artificial and natural systems.

This mechanism became popular over the years. Real cyborgs emerged from different sectors in society. One of the first to implement this mechanism is the military where they used prosthetics to aid a number of US soldiers losing limbs in Afghanistan and Iraq. Not only for the purpose of rehabilitation but for enhancing soldiers' effectiveness in battle, which is why exoskeletons were developed.

In the Medical society, implanted technologies were the most common method to repair or overcome the physical and mental constraints of the bodies. Microchips implanted in the brain enable totally blind persons to visualize their environment by allowing brain signals in the mid-cortex to communicate with an interface. Brain chips also enable robotic arms and legs to move by the power of thought. Other implants like retinal, ear implants and radio implants also made good reputations.

Cyborgs also became famous in movies. Fictitious characters in "Terminator", "The X-Men", "Star Wars" and anime movies were made popular because of their artificial "super-abilities".

Categorically, real cyborgs can be both human and robot. Either way, a cyborg is always human regardless of what makes him a robot.

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