Seo believes the brain could be mapped with incredible resolution if tiny sensors, less than a 100 micrometers in diameter, could be injected into the human brain. Called “neural dust,” these bio-neutral, polymer encased particles would contain a miniature CMOS sensor that would measure the electrical signals being fired throughout the brain. To power each particle, Seo says, each speck of “dust” would have piezoelectric properties, powering itself by means of ultrasound pressure.
But where would this ultrasound pressure come from? Well, Berkeley researchers say that each “neural dust” particle would communicate any electric signals it detects via ultrasound, a more efficient and safer alternative to sending subdural signals via electromagnetic waves.
In its initial configuration, this technology would be used to upgrade and replace MRI machines. However, it doesn’t take a huge stretch of the imagination to envision “neural dust” as the key to man-machine interfaces. Granted, that’s all wild speculation, and a number of hurdles need to be overcome before Dongjin Seo’s brain interface becomes a reality, but it’s still really cool that someone is working on making the singularity a reality.
Images Courtesy of Arxiv