#neuroscience of telepathy
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Behind Test Subject 007: The Science of Anya’s Telepathy
Okay guys… I’m gonna come clean. I’ve had some scientific hypotheses brewing for a while now (not least to use in my fanfic, lol), but since we might be getting close to getting an Anya arc in the SxF manga, I figured that now was as good a time as any to actually try to arrange those theories in something resembling coherent and share them with you all.
Disclaimer: I am not trying to position myself as an expert. I have studied Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at university level, so just for fun I ended up doing a ton of research on this, and I’ve got a lot to cover, so… wish me luck 😅 References will be embedded in the text!
Heads up that this is on the long side and complex as hell and my head physically hurts, so I’ll tackle it in sections:
Part 1: Psychology
My actual subject, but I’ll only skim over a couple of theories…
Part 2: Cognitive Neuroscience (Structural basis)
In which I will look at the individual brain areas which could be relevant to telepathy
Part 3: Cognitive Neuroscience (Functional basis)
In which I talk about how those brain areas communicate to each other
Part 4: Physics
I’ll admit, not my strongest subject, but I’ll mention a couple of theories which could be relevant
If you're ready for your brain to melt, feel free to keep reading...
Part 1: Psychology
There are 2 main theories in Psychology which could offer some explanation for Anya’s psychic abilities.
Theory 1: Theory of Mind
In short, this describes a person’s capacity to understand other people. It is similar to sympathy or empathy, but actually it is the ability to understand that another person is different to ourselves, that they have their own desires, motivations, and thoughts, and that this is reflected in their behaviour. Even more importantly, it’s about being able to decode other’s mental states, whilst still being able to differentiate it from our own.
Any parent will know that it is a real effort to teach children about trying to understand other people’s perspectives: this is because children typically have an undeveloped Theory of Mind, and it is something that continues to develop even into adulthood. In adults, having a developed Theory of Mind helps us to understand other people’s perspectives, predict other people’s behaviour, and use both empathy and deception.
Anya has a really strong Theory of Mind, which is actually so impressive for her young age. She understands the complex web of all the secrets: that Twilight is a spy, Yor is an assassin, Yuri is in the Secret Service, and Bond is precognisant. She also understands who knows what about each other, and how she can use all of this information to her advantage - those are some crazy cognitive skills!!
In terms of how this is related to telepathy, you could argue that someone with a strong Theory of Mind (like Anya) may be more likely to:
Understand that people have hidden feelings that they don’t show
Demonstrate empathy for emotions
Collate information about their likes and dislikes and past behaviour to predict future behaviour.
If she is highly sensitive to these things, then it could look like telepathy (even if it isn’t).
Theory 2: Hyperesthesia.
Many people will have heard of synesthesia, which is a synthesis of the senses to the extent that the sensory information overlaps, but hyperesthesia is about being highly sensitive to external stimuli of the senses such as sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch.
I can imagine an overlap with Anya’s hyperesthesia and her Theory of Mind to pick up on the nuances of other people’s behaviour, to the extent that reading behaviour could inform the sensation of “reading minds”.
In a science-fictional world like SxF we could imagine that hyperesthesia could stretch into the sense of extra-sensory perception, by being sensitive to the electromagnetic signals in other people’s brains (or even geomagnetic - more on that in Part 4). From this, it is possible that Anya could “read” people’s minds through deciphering the electromagnetic waveforms that people’s brains might project (more on deciphering brainwaves in Part 3…).
Part 2: Cognitive Neuroscience - Structural Basis
I think we can all agree that Anya’s telepathic powers would largely be supported by the specific structures of her brain, especially given that Endo has already dropped hints of neuroscience in the manga, and we know that he’s very much interested in accurately depicting psychology and neuropsychology in his story.
The best way to encourage certain brain areas to develop is by doing exercises and tasks which would use that part of the brain repeatedly: for example, consistent gymnastics practice would enhance the cerebellum, the centre of balance and motor coordination. But, I can picture the experimenters in SxF trying something a lot less… humane.
Like, experimental neurosurgery.
For example, theoretically, they could artificially enhance certain brain areas by using a neural growth factor serum (this doesn’t exist in real life, but let’s indulge the science fiction elements for a second), and, theoretically, if the experimenters used glycoproteins as the serum’s main content (like laminins and netrins), they could control the pace and direction of neurons growing in a brain, choosing to focus on cellular growth in certain areas. Then, they would be able to view the activity of the targeted areas using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and measure it with electroencephalography (EEG, see Part 3 for more on this).
If Anya ever had experimental neurosurgeries during her childhood, they would have likely focused on the following areas:
Corpus Callosum:
The corpus callosum is the thick structure of white matter that connects the two hemispheres of the brain, allowing each hemisphere to send signals to the other. With an enlarged corpus callosum, Anya would be able to process neural signals at a much faster rate, and at an increased volume, helping her to process the additional load required for telepathy.
Wernicke’s Area:
Named after German neurologist Carl Wernicke, this part of the superior temporal gyrus (usually of the left hemisphere) is a major part of being able to understand language.
With an enhanced Wernicke’s area, Anya would be more sensitive to decoding the neural signals associated with linguistic thoughts, effectively enabling telepathic communication through language.
(As an aside, this would also give Anya an advantage in understanding other languages… which could explain her natural talent with Classical Language!)
Superior Temporal Sulcus:
This is another area that is important for processing human speech, and is critical for processing social cues, such as understanding others’ intentions (including Theory of Mind!). With experimentation in the STS, Anya would be better able to decode the subtle cues in others’ brains relating to thoughts and emotions.
Inferior parietal lobule:
As well as assisting in the interpretation of language and sensory information, the IPL is also involved in tasks like perspective-taking and understanding others' mental states. By increasing connectivity in this area, Anya can "tune into" the thought processes of others.
It’s also well-known for its’ role in visuospatial processing, which can help Anya see visual thoughts as well.
Anterior Cingulate Cortex:
This system is composed of a number of different parts of the brain, all working together to be able to process things like attention, decision making, inhibition and emotions. Most interestingly, it is associated with detecting conflicts and errors.
Increased sensitivity to the ACC would likely help Anya to detect cognitive dissonance and conflicting thoughts in others (the perfect formula to eventually understand tsundere tendencies…).
Amygdala:
The amygdala is often known as the centre of fear, but actually it is hugely important in threat detection, emotional processing and emotional memory. If Anya’s amygdala was enhanced, this would aid her ability to detect threats quickly, as well as her empathy skills and help her to intuit others’ emotions and thoughts.
(A negative side effect of an enlarged amygdala would be that Anya may be more vulnerable to the effects of toxic stress, possibly making her less resistant to the effects of psychological trauma.)
Mirror neurons:
Mirror neurons specialise in helping us to carry out and understand other people’s actions and behaviours, playing a key role in empathy and Theory of Mind. These hold internal representations of thoughts or actions, and could potentially be the key for Anya to be able to translate another person’s thoughts or intentions, assuming that she has a particularly active mirror neuron system.
Precuneus:
The precuneus is really difficult to research and is super complex, so I’ll do my best to keep this simple: Located in the medial parietal cortex, this part of the brain is essential for visuospatial imagining and processing, as well as episodic memory, self-reflection, and some aspects of consciousness.
I suppose the main thing is that it has a big role in mental imagery, including being able to model other people’s views, therefore helping Anya to process the mental images in other people’s thoughts.
Broca’s area:
This is very much non-canon, but I imagine that if Anya ever developed the ability to project her thoughts, the Broca’s area would be key for this.
While Wernicke’s area helps with speech understanding, Broca’s area is key for speech production. In my fanfic (SSS), Anya’s Broca’s area probably functioned normally for most of her life, but in the recent experiments imposed on her, the ability to project her thoughts was ‘unlocked’ through the increased activation of the Broca’s area.
Part 3: Cognitive Neuroscience - Functional basis
The thing is, it’s not enough to just know which parts of the brain work for what - there is also the question of how they connect and work together to be able to fulfil their functions.
Think of it as the wiring which connects the parts of a computer: a motherboard, mouse, keyboard, and graphics card (as examples) are built to fulfil their specific functions, but the real magic is in how they connect and send signals between each other so that everything works smoothly.
That’s where neural oscillations come in - otherwise known as brainwaves. These are generated by the action potentials of nerve cells, and their different speeds can be measured using electroencephalography, or EEG machines, which can measure the patterns of activity across a brain.
Let’s bear in mind that I’m really skimming the surface of this subject, so I won’t go into all the types of brainwaves in too much detail, but I will focus on the ones that I think could be more relevant to Anya’s telepathy:
Gamma waves
This is the pattern of neural oscillations which are correlated with large-scale brain network activity, and are largely predominant in learning, working memory, and processing new information. In other words: gamma waves help Anya to connect all the different parts of her brain which are relevant to her telepathy, so that all the areas can communicate to each other.
(Just as an aside: I found this hilarious study that looked at the effects of different types of nuts on brainwaves, which saw gamma wave responses being improved through pistachios, while peanuts aided in generating more delta waves. I wonder if the lab scientists of SxF caught on…)
Theta waves
Theta waves are especially prominent in childhood (during sleep). I imagine that the lab may have recruited children partially for this reason (the other reason would be that brains have more plasticity at a younger age, and so can be altered easier than an adult’s brain). In adults, theta waves are also prominent in hypnotic or meditative states, mind wandering, and the early stages of sleep.
I think it is really interesting that theta waves occur during deep relaxation, as well as the early stages of sleep, making it the only brainwave that can activate both during sleep and during wakefulness. (From what I can tell, anyway.) This could make theta waves an important component of Anya’s telepathy - for example, if her telepathy was important to her survival, then it is critical for her to be able to detect thoughts during sleep, and her amygdala could alert her if the thoughts were at all threatening.
During wakefulness, I can imagine that Anya’s theta waves serve as the precursor for the activation of psi waves…
Psi waves
Just to confirm, Psi waves are definitely fictional, but my rationale is that historically, ‘Psi’ (ψ) has been used to denote the unknown factor which is linked with parapsychology and psychic phenomena.
My theory is that psi waves would be the frequency required for telepathy, which would allow Anya to detect and interpret other people’s thoughts through their pattern of neural activation. In other words: she can probably read brainwaves.
Modern science is already trying out methods to interpret people’s brainwaves (which is honestly both supremely cool and extremely terrifying), so it’s not too far out of the realm of possibility that Anya would be able to do the same thing just by unconsciously using her psi waves. The psi-waves would essentially mimic a brain-computer interface in being able to process and interpret neural activity (aka thoughts).
If you require a bit more concrete evidence to believe me, I’ve made a list below.
Right now, we can analyse brainwaves using EEG to:
Decode whether someone answers “yes” or “no” to conversational questions
Control the movement of simple robots, including wheelchairs, which can be locked/unlocked using EEG (and EMG) as a biometric security system
Detect and interpret what emotion someone is feeling, as well as learn how strong that emotion is (at an accuracy rate of 80-94%)
Deconstruct the cognitive processes underlying social interaction in people who struggle to verbally express themselves
And this study analysed brain activation using fMRI to interpret and reconstruct visual images
Neuroscience is really crazy, guys.
Part 4: Physics
So… this is the part I am the least confident about. Please be patient with me and forgive me for any mistakes 🙏. Also, this is the perfect time to remind you guys that I am really engaging with science fiction here. Emphasis on the fiction 😂.
Basically, there are 2 main theories from Physics that I think could explain Anya’s telepathy, as well as her weakness(es):
Theory 1: Geomagnetic Field Sensitivity:
All brain waves are generated by electrical activity in the brain, and they also generate electrical activity of their own, which creates an electromagnetic field around the brain.
Anya’s abilities could be tied to the geomagnetic field of the earth, especially during the New Moon: when the moon is positioned between the earth and the sun, this could affect the field’s strength. The subtle alteration in the geomagnetic field could disrupt the electromagnetic field generated by Anya’s brain, thus disrupting the neural processing.
In other words: the New Moon could interfere with Anya’s own electromagnetic field around her brain, via sensitivity to changes in the geomagnetic field, which could be why she can’t read minds during the New Moon.
Theory 2: Resonance:
Resonance can be observed in physics, acoustics, musical, electrical, and mechanical systems - but now scientists are even looking at resonance in consciousness, and resonance in brain waves on a quantum level.
Without going into too much detail (I am not qualified), I think Anya would generate a resonance frequency of her own that helps her to facilitate telepathic communication: through resonance, Anya could synchronise her Psi waves with the brain waves of another person, and it is this synchronicity that helps her to interpret the other person’s brainwaves.
If Anya ever encountered another telepath (as she does in SSS), I imagine that they wouldn’t be able to read each other’s minds because their resonance frequencies would cancel each other out.
In SSS, I also introduced the idea of a sub-auditory sound wave which would stop Anya from being able to use her telepathy. The idea behind this was to introduce another weakness for Anya: when this sound wave is emitted or detected, it interferes with the brain's natural telepathic frequency. This is because the sound wave oscillates at a frequency that masks the neural signals required for telepathy, and means that Anya can’t interpret those signals as easily.
Thanks for reading!
I told you this was long. Sorry 😅
The above is really just a collective mishmash of stuff I’ve been slowly putting together for about the last 6 months, and I fully accept there will be parts that are more plausible than others. 😂 But it was fun, and more than anything I am really excited to see what we get to find out in Anya’s backstory arc (when it gets here…), and if I see any mentions of brains or neuroscience in SxF I will literally die of joy
#spy x family#sxf#sxf theory#spy x family analysis#non canon#so far#we'll see what Endo does#since he really like neuroscience and psychology#thanks im going to sleep for a thousand years#sxf theories#neuroscience#psychology#neuroscience of telepathy#science of telepathy#telepathy#telepathy isnt real but if it was this is how it would work#also im really sorry for how long this is#i had no idea it would get so out of hand#no spoilers#i think#dont come at me#test subject 007#anya#anya forger#anya analysis
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The inventor of electroencephalography (EEG), Hans Berger, was motivated to try to understand the electrical fields produced by the brain partially because of a seemingly telepathic experience that his sister had. Berger was almost run over by a horse pulling a cannon, and when he got home, he received a concerned telegram from his father sent at the request of his sister (who lived miles away), inquiring about Berger's health. His family had never previously sent him a telegram (Millett, 2001). "It was a case of spontaneous telepathy in which at a time of mortal danger, and as I contemplated certain death, I transmitted my thoughts, while my sister, who was particularly close to me, acted as the receiver" (J. Berger, 1940, p. 6).
From Barušs, Imants & Mossbridge, Julia. (2017) Transcendent Mind: Rethinking the Science of Consciousness. American Psychological Association, Washington DC., pg. 32.
#neurology#neuroscience#cognitive neuroscience#eeg#electroencephalography#telepathy#esp#extra sensory perception#paranormal experiences#consciousness#neuropsychology#philosophy of mind
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Brain Enhancement Techniques Listed In a CIA Document | YouTube
Brain Enhancement Techniques Listed In a CIA Document | YouTube
Here’s some crazy shi* for y’all: Hemi–Sync© as developed by the Monroe–Institute is a technique of using pulsating soundwaves at carefully chosen frequencies, which will put the brain in a sleeplike state of relaxation, but without “blinking out” of consciousness. In fact, the type of consciousness obtained by following the fairly extensive program is several times more capable and aware of…
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#BobMonroe#brain#BrainEntrainment#brainwaves#CIA; Telepathy#EarthResonance#ElectromagneticField#EN#GateWayExpierence#HemiSync#MonroeInstitute#neurobiology#neuroscience#OBE#outofbodyexperience#RemoteViewing#Resonance#Telepathy#tomcampbell
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Ayesha Liveblogs Spy x Family S2
Awww, I like that Bond Forger the Dog also gets an intro about HIS secret identity. Equal opportunity deceit
Are we finally going to learn who exacty Yor is fighting? I would like to know!
Been there Anya, I also had little patience for watching the news as as a kid. Though, it seems more important in a pre-internet era
"Okay, you can change the channel." Loid Forger, International Spy, defeated by one (1) sad look from his little daughter
"I absolutely cannot tell him that I got shot in the butt while fighting a group of armed men." 10/10 episode plot, I cannot wait
"I've been relying on her too much without realizing it, and it's upset her. Yes, that must be it! I must do everything in my power to remedy this at once!" Loid immediately blaming Yor's mood on himself and deciding he has to be respond by being a better husband!!! I will keep saying it. He is THE Husband. World's Most Husband
"Why don't we go on a date?" HEE HEE
Puzzling that Yor thinks she hasn't been on a date though, when I can think of at least three dates so far (party-grenade-proposal date, lunch date, and drinks-and-reassurance date)
"I can't leave Anya alone at home, and this is a very important mission to ensure that we remain one happy family." It seems Loid has learned from the spy transmission debacle
"Last night, I came up with 862 date plans to ensure that Yor has fun." He's insane. I want to give him a leetle kiss
HAHAHAHA Franky being absolutely thrilled to bother Loid and Yor on their date. What a friendship 💕
Intriguing that Anya's telepathy has a distance limit. Tell me more!
Honestly, Yor having to position herself in a specific way to avoid pain is relatable. We love a chronic pain queen
"This woman had built up an immunity to poisons." HAHAHAHAHA the poison fixing Yor's pain. Sometimes, drinking does solve your problems!
LMAOOOO them censoring the bomb components. A real "don't try this at home" moment
NOT THE BABY MAKING THE BOMB. ANYA PLEASE
"I'm going to forget all this and live a normal life." Perfect. Forgers reforming their enemies left and right
"If it's not too much trouble, please invite me out again sometime." Never let being married stand in the way of your husband becoming your boyfriend 🥰
SCREAM at Bond's perception of what Loid does for work. I guess he's closer to the truth than most:
"Are you trying to do this for your... no. Are you trying to get revenge for your friends who were experimented on?" HAHAHA is Loid blushing because he wants to call himself his dog's dad?
FBKFJHFFHKJHF Loid taking on Bond as his mission back-up. He truly can be swayed so easily
WHERE DID LOID GET A DOG-SIZED SKI MASK AHHAHAHA
I love the giant puppy spy sidekick, employ this dog ASAP
"While they're busy playing, I'm going to work hard to get to the top," said Damian Desmond, Six Years Old, for whom The Top was beating all the other little bougie first graders
"Your friendship... preciously elegant." Me whenever I finish hanging out with my friends
I love that Henderson-sensei sends the kids out on a picnic as a punishment. He really is as silly as he is strict
I don't know if this is a vegetarian thing or a cultural thing but it always seems wild to me how people in anime bite into fish, scales and all
"Did you know that the most recent studies in neuroscience suggest that your brain feels really revitalized when you're spacing out?" I like Mr. Green, Grizzled Navy Custodian, too
HAHA Damian trying his hardest to space out. Me when people tell me to practice mindfulness
"Oh, you don't [have a goal], eh? That's perfectly fine!" "Actually, I want to live my life eating lots of snacks." "Splendid! You'll have to think earnestly about how to make that possible." I take it back, I LOVE MR. GREEN
Ready to sob about this field trip actually. AHHHHHHH:
"Good evening, Mr. Vile Trash." ACAB; All Cops are (Weird) Brothers
"What's so wrong about trying to improve the country my family lives in?" Nothing but the hostile, paternalistic nationalism of a Cold War, Frank Perkin, Newspaper Sensationalist and Adult Bully of Wealthy Children
"I'll request that your father gets some financial aid to get by." I feel like that will not make up for imprisoning his son, Yuri, but whatever helps you sleep
"Blech." That's also how I feel about Weird Brother Yuri, Anya
"Revenge will only make you sadder. I'll make you forget about all that with my love." This is the plot of Naruto
Honestly, I was super sold on the Bondman Polycule when it was just him, his spy partner Agent M, and the enemy spy lady who had all linked arms together. I feel like this could work:
"How was anything he did gentlemanly?" Loid said: I'm a one-woman kind of spy
"Lord Damian, how could you possibly pick the joker there." "Shut up!' [Internally] She's so unfair... Damn it! I like to believe Loid might approve of Damian's crush purely because he is also willing to do whatever Anya wants if she makes one (1) sad face
Poor Anya. She's really most suited to using her street smarts
"Garden? The group of assassins who have been in this country for ages? They're basically urban legends, aren't they?" FINALLY we're finding out more about Yor's job!! They do in fact seem at cross purposes with the spies
[Loid already walking away] "He's such a heartless jerk." I bet you $5 he has already decided to help Franky LMAO
Update from 8 min later: Alright, I owe you $5, he didn't care
"Am I normal?! Oh, thank goodness!" said Yor excitedly, as if that were not a moderately suspicious response to being called normal
Excited for an ep with no double-barreled title. Plot progression!
I truly don't know where this falls on the spectrum of ways that anime will depict black and brown characters LMAO. Like Donovan Desmond, the Shopkeeper has an extremely haunting aura:
"You will be providing protection on this mission." Oooooh, change of pace!
"Is there actually any reason why I should continue my job as a killer?" A question every assassin should ask themselves, I think
"HQ may or may not be trying to cut back on our shady overtime practices." Incredible. I can't believe even the underground spy agency has PTO. I wonder who regulates spy labour law
"If not for this bodyguard job, the three of us could've enjoyed this vacation together." AWWW Yor loves her family so much
"You can say this is a gangster's destiny." [Reba voice] A single mom who works too hard, who loves her kid never stops!
"Papa! We need to hurry up and explore the ship before it sinks!" "It's not going to sink! Stop scaring everyone." The fact the staircase looks distinctly modelled after that one scene from Titanic really sells Anya's point
Loid incapable of framing having fun as anything but a mission ljggkjgj truly he might benefit from a Real Psychologist
"That family's just for camoflauge, right?" "Yes, you're right... Is... that true?" I love Yor slowly admitting that she loves her family for their own sake 💗
As Yor was declaring doing her best, I did worry briefly that someone was going to [redact] Olka. Other anime have been less kind to me than Spy x Family
I love Yor making another mum friend in Olka 💞 Gal pals
Finally saying suspicious things in public has a consequence!!
"It's been a while since we've had dinner without Mama." "Yeah, it's a bit lonely." Hee hee, Loid misses his wife
I love the immediate transformation in Yor's face as soon as Olka/Shaty says she didn't order room service
I don't have much to say but I am really entranced by the assassin vs. assassin + informant goings on!!
"I may not look it, but I'm a married woman, so I'll have to decline." Absolutely loving Yor quietly and efficiently beating these hitmen unconscious as she passes through the cruise ship
"Which is it?! Would normal parents buy their child something in this situation or not?!" Loid is incapable of making a decision without thinking about how it looks in relation to him being a spy. Anxiety king
[In Anya's mind] "Yor! You're an assasin who hates frogs? Let's get a divorce. The Forgers are done." Like father, like anxiety-ridden daughter
"I am a normal father. A good father," said Loid, which is frankly not usually something a good or normal father would say
"Papa, you're not excited at all." Loid defeated by one (1) six-year-old's piercingly accurate psychoanalysis
Loid is facing a true Psychological Battle: The Fitting Room
Anya Ultimate Wingman Award for convincing everyone her mum's battle is actually a circus act
Awwww, Zeb, Fake Husband to Olka, likes her. I hope this is a healthy experience in Yor seeing other fake couples work it out, but I do also think Zeb could mega-die
"As long we people continue to be people, conflict will never end." Alright, Director Doomsday, calm down
"What am I? What am I doing this for?" [B Eilish voice] What was I made foooooor?
"Does she hate me? Or is she just going through a rebellious phase?" Loid whenever one of the Forger girls looks upset: THIS MUST BE MY FAULT SOMEHOW
A hasty and confident NO to Assassin Sniff's whole vibes
We interrupt this program to think about how cute Loid and Anya are!! I love Loid entertaining Anya and also supporting her while he thinks she's missing Yor
"Nice, Mr. Husband!" Oh good, we love a bulletproof vest for Zeb!
Truly a wild juxtaposition of Forger Family Fireworks Night:
"This might be a bit late to ask, but would you consider just peacefully going home?" I love you, Compassionate Combat
I'm having a hard time believing all this will happen without Loid eventually noticing; the fireworks are long gone. I actually do hope Loid crashes her battle, Director Doomsday is out cold
"I'm doing this to support my family.... wait. I guess I am also doing this for money. But... no, I make enough to survive now. I'm hunting down bad guys for my country! For my country? Have I always been so righteous? What am I doing this for?" Poor Yor, this is like the worst possible time for an existential crisis
YOR AND LOID BOTH BEING MOTIVATED BY THEIR DESIRE FOR OTHERS TO LIVE A PEACEFUL LIFE 😭💘😭💘😭💘😭💘
[In Yor's flashback] "Be it for someone else, or for a specific reason, having to endure a merciless job... That's something to be very proud of." I'm sure Loid will acknowledge me. He'll forgive me. I like to think so too, Yor!!
Never mind to Loid helping Yor out, he is busy disarming a bomb threatening to sink them. This truly is the Titanic LMAO
LGLHGLGJHGLJHG Anya accidentally tripping the assassins so they shoot each other. Like mother, like daughter 💖
"You'll be able to enjoy the symphony of agonized screams and roars coming through the wiretaps on this ship." I can't wait for Loid to sink this guy with his own clock-bomb
Update from 30 seconds later: See? Self-owned and sunk
Awwwww Yor really does deserve the baby hug after the day she's had:
"I pray that, someday, you and your family will be able to find true peace." OLKAAAA
"I know it was an emergency, but I ended up casting my family aside again." Loid and Yor having the same crisis about whether to prioritize their family or their jobs 🥺🥺🥺
Loid's blush at Yor catching him skipping as he continues to skip over in her direction. Hee hee
"I hope peaceful days like this will continue forever." ME TOO, YOR!
Get you a mum who would secretly beat up sharks for you ❤️🩹
Setting aside how fun snorkeling is, absolutely terrible idea to go into the ocean with an open wound OMG
Loid carrying his whole family is the cutest thing I've ever seen, 10 bajilion/10zo; perfect:
[Internally] "You did a great job." Loid is in loooooove
"I can never tell if he's actually clever, or clumsy." Me either, Handler
Anya learning about the vacation disparity of rich kids LMAO
"If youre going to create a persona for yourself, you need to be strategic and commit." Not Loid turning this lie lecture into a spy lecture in his mind
"Lying is too much work, so I'll try not to do it anymore." Anya's entire set of adult role models do nothing but lie all the time, she really has no frame of reference for honesty
I do a little bit hate the Becky fantasizing about Loid thing, I have been Cardcaptor Sakura'd too much in life
NOT ANYA SELLING OUT HER MUM FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF BECKY BEING HER RICH SIX-YEAR-OLD STEPMUM OH MY GOD
I feel like they take a lot of liberties in translating "Loid-sama" as "my precious Loid" but hey, he is precious
"Yor's going to get the wrong idea, somehow." Loid has finally registered that this child is obsessed with him and he is only concerned for wife not thinking he's a freak. A good husband above all else
"I really don't understand the children of rich people." Me either, Loid
I need you to see Loid's face as Becky declares that this is his expression of love for Yor:
"Your heart is as vast as the sky, and you're stronger than the earth itself. You're the perfect lady." Correct, Becky! Yor is amazing
"I had some extra souvenirs left after handing them out to everyone else. Do you want them?" LMAO @ the implication being lost on Fiona that he doesn't even think of her enough to warrant her own souvenir
I will say, I really do resonate with the theme of the ep being Loid is Hot and Amazing to Everyone But No One Will Ever Measure Up to Yor in His Eyes
"Maybe you're too nice, and biting and barking don't really suit you." Everyone in the Forger family is too nice for their job, including Bond Forger, Precognitive Puppy
Awwww Bond trying to help out all the humans with his visions
LNKFHKFHKJFH Loid really just got reprimanded by his dog
"And he went into save [Daisy the puppy]? What an impressive dog!" I love the Spy Dad-Psychic Puppy tag-team ❤️
[Internally] "I am a cool-headed spy. I cannot let my emotions show." Loid remains deadpan through SO many things but his dog looking a little funny while wet is his limit. What a man!
"Don't push yourself too hard. There's someone waiting back home who would be sad if you died." 1) V sweet, dad first, hero second. And 2) This is the second time Loid has directly spoken to his life situation with a simultaneous thinly-veined dog metaphor
WAHHHHHHH Loid and Bond's heroics being acknowledged by Anya giving them little paper Stellas:
Yor immediately joining in and congratulating them for their hard work on their walk!!! I LOVE ONE (1) SPY X FAMILY 😭😭😭😭😭 IT'S A NICE SHOW
#ayesha talks anime#spy x family#liveblogging#sxf series#spy x family series#ayesha liveblogs spy x family#long post#guns tw#moqueueton#been a while since i've been able to watch 2 seasons of a show in succession!! very fun to continue
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Title: Psychic Abilities: First Steps
Suggested Reading
Biases in Witchcraft
Dualities
Psychic Abilities & Mental Illness
Shadow Work: First Steps
Energetic Senses
The Subtle Body
Warding Basics
*- Closed or Semi-closed cultures/practices
This article uses yellow text, which may be difficult to read outside of dark-mode.
Understanding Psychic Abilities
Psychic abilities often refer to skills or talents enabling individuals to gain information or influence beyond the scope of human senses or scientific understanding. Such capacities are frequently posited to transcend the boundaries of time, space, and matter. While they can be classified into various types – such as clairvoyance (perceiving remote or hidden information), telepathy (transmitting thoughts), and precognition (predicting future events) – the mechanisms underpinning these phenomena remain the subjects of controversy and speculation.
Historical Perspectives
Throughout history, diverse cultures have recognized and integrated the notion of psychic phenomena into their daily lives and spiritual practices. From ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians, who consulted oracles and seers for guidance, to indigenous tribes who believed in the power of shamans and medicine people to communicate with forces beyond human perception, psychic phenomena have occupied a significant niche.
In the medieval period, psychic occurrences were often intertwined with religious or supernatural explanations. Those who claimed to possess these abilities were either revered as divinely gifted or, conversely, vilified and persecuted for heresy or witchcraft. Notably, the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods began to scrutinize such claims, emphasizing empirical evidence and rationality. This shift led to a decline in the public acceptance of psychic phenomena as mere superstitions or the result of charlatanism.
Modern Interpretations
In contemporary times, the debate surrounding psychic phenomena has bifurcated into two dominant perspectives: the skeptics and the proponents.
Skeptics, often armed with a scientific background, posit that claims of psychic abilities lack empirical evidence. They argue that such phenomena can be explained by cognitive biases, logical fallacies, or mere coincidences. For instance, the confirmation bias might lead someone to remember only the instances when a psychic prediction was accurate and dismiss those when it was not. They also highlight instances where purported psychics have been exposed as frauds, using tactics such as cold reading to feign genuine abilities.
On the contrary, proponents assert that the existence of psychic abilities is a genuine and untapped dimension of human potential. While acknowledging that fraudulence exists, they argue that there are genuine cases that defy conventional explanations. They contend that science, in its current form, may not be adequately equipped to understand or measure these phenomena. Some postulate that advancements in neuroscience, consciousness research, or quantum physics might one day elucidate the enigmatic nature of psychic abilities.
Types of Psychic Abilities
Clairvoyance
Derived from the French words "clair" (clear) and "voir" (to see), clairvoyance essentially translates to "clear seeing." Clairvoyance refers to the claimed ability to gather information about an object, person, location, or event without any known humanly means. This phenomenon is often described as receiving visual information in the form of symbols, colors, or visions. Throughout history, many societies have revered clairvoyants as powerful figures. In some cultures, they played significant roles as advisors to rulers or as mediators between the physical and unseen worlds. Contemporary society, with its emphasis on empirical evidence, often views clairvoyance with skepticism, yet there remains a persistent cultural fascination with this ability. In many spiritual traditions, clairvoyance is seen as a heightened state of consciousness, a gift or a skill that connects the individual with higher dimensions or spiritual guides.
Telepathy
Stemming from the Greek words "tele" (distant) and "pathos" (feeling), telepathy can be understood as "distant feeling." Telepathy is the purported transmission of information between individuals without using known human sensory channels or physical interaction. It encompasses the transfer of emotions, thoughts, or even complex ideas. From ancient legends to modern science fiction, telepathic communication has captured the human imagination. While empirical research in telepathy remains inconclusive, it is a recurrent theme in popular media, underscoring the human yearning for connection. Mystic traditions may regard telepathy as a manifestation of universal interconnectedness, suggesting that at a deep level, all consciousness is one and separateness is an illusion.
Precognition
The term derives from the Latin "prae" (before) and "cognitio" (getting to know), effectively meaning "foreknowledge." Precognition involves knowledge or perception of future events before they occur, without any logical basis for such foreknowledge. This might manifest as dreams, feelings, or intuitions. Predicting the future has been a universal human pursuit, with precognitives often serving crucial societal roles as prophets, oracles, or seers. However, contemporary views on precognition are split, with skeptics pointing to cognitive biases as explanations. Many mystical traditions suggest that time, as humans perceive it, is an illusion. In such a framework, precognition might be understood as accessing timeless dimensions where past, present, and future coexist.
Claircognizance
"Clair" (clear) combined with "cognizance" (knowledge) indicates "clear knowledge." Claircognizance denotes an intuitive ability to just "know" something, without any logical basis or prior information. Individuals with this ability might suddenly know facts, insights, or understandings without knowing how they acquired them. The concept of inherent knowledge or insight is recognized in many cultures, often attributed to divine inspiration or profound intuition. However, in a world valuing empirical data, such spontaneous knowledge can be met with skepticism. Some spiritual interpretations posit that claircognizance is a connection to universal knowledge or the collective consciousness, suggesting an innate ability to tap into an omniscient source.
Clairsentience
Combining "clair" (clear) with "sentience" (feeling), clairsentience means "clear feeling." Clairsentience refers to the ability to physically feel or emotionally sense the energy or emotions of people, places, or events. This might manifest as gut feelings, sudden mood changes, or physical sensations. Empathy and heightened sensitivity have been recognized across various cultures. While some view clairsentience as a heightened form of empathy, others approach it with caution due to its inexplicable nature. Within mystical traditions, clairsentience might be seen as an enhanced sensitivity to the energy or vibrations of the universe, reflecting a deep interconnectedness of all things.
Compulsion
Derived from Latin "compellere," meaning "to drive or push together." Compulsion, in this context, refers to the purported ability to influence another's thoughts or actions without overt persuasion or physical interference. Historical records are replete with tales of individuals who held sway over masses, their compelling presence seemingly altering the will of others. Modern interpretations often approach such claims with caution, exploring psychological mechanisms behind suggestibility. Some spiritual interpretations suggest compulsion is an exertion of one's will or energy over another, tapping into the subtle dynamics of interwoven consciousness.
Common Misconceptions
While psychic abilities have been recognized and debated for centuries, modern society often conflates them with broader supernatural phenomena. To distinguish: psychic abilities are often defined as potential innate capacities of the human psyche, whereas supernatural phenomena encompass a broader range of occurrences that supposedly defy natural laws. An example of such a conflation might be equating clairvoyance solely with ghostly apparitions or haunted locales, limiting the nuanced understanding of psychic phenomena. This conflation can be attributed to myriad factors, including cultural narratives, folklore, and limited exposure to diverse interpretations of psychic occurrences.
The Hollywood Influence
The entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, has significantly molded perceptions of psychic phenomena. From sensationalized depictions of mediums speaking to the departed in horror movies to superheroes with telepathic abilities saving the world, these portrayals often prioritize spectacle over accuracy. While they capture the imagination and offer thrilling narratives, they may distort or exaggerate the nuances of genuine psychic experiences.
Hollywood's penchant for dramatization means that psychic abilities are frequently portrayed with an added layer of spectacle, potentially leading the general populace to harbor unrealistic or skewed expectations. For instance, telepathy in movies might be showcased as characters having fullblown conversations without speaking, while actual anecdotal accounts might reference fleeting impressions or emotions.
Skepticism and Belief
Public opinion on psychic phenomena is polarized, with skeptics and believers often at odds. Skeptics caution against gullibility, pointing to instances of fraud, the influence of cognitive biases, and the lack of empirical evidence as reasons for disbelief. On the other hand, staunch believers might dismiss skeptics as close minded or overly analytical.
However, a nuanced view acknowledges that both skepticism and belief have their merits. Blind skepticism might close one off to exploring uncharted territories of human experience, while unbridled belief risks being deceived by charlatans. An informed approach considers available evidence, remains open to possibilities, and constantly seeks deeper understanding, free from dogma.
New Age Influences and How to Avoid Them
The New Age movement, originating in the late 20th century, amalgamates various spiritual and metaphysical beliefs. While it has popularized many esoteric concepts, including some pertaining to psychic phenomena, it often does so without rigorous foundation or context.
To avoid undue New Age influences when exploring psychic phenomena:
Educate Yourself: Delve into historical, cultural, and scientific perspectives on psychic abilities. Understand that the New Age interpretation is just one among many.
Question Sources: Not all literature or speakers on psychic topics are reliable. Discern between those who have done comprehensive research and those echoing popular yet shallow narratives.
Practice Discernment: Be wary of commercialized aspects of the New Age movement, such as workshops or products that promise quick psychic awakenings without any substantial groundwork.
Theosophical Influences and How to Avoid Them
The Theosophical Society, founded in the 19th century, aimed to explore, study, and disseminate knowledge about the mystical and unknown. However, its interpretations of psychic and spiritual phenomena are specific to its doctrine.
To steer clear of Theosophical biases:
Broaden Your Horizon: While Theosophy offers a rich tapestry of esoteric thought, it's essential to explore other cultural, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives on psychic phenomena.
Recognize Distinctive Theosophical Concepts: By identifying core Theosophical tenets, one can differentiate them from other psychic or spiritual beliefs.
Engage in Open Discussion: Interacting with a diverse group of thinkers, researchers, and practitioners can help in discerning Theosophical influences from more universal or varied interpretations.
The Science Behind Psychic Abilities
Psychic phenomena have long captured human curiosity, leading to extensive investigations, both informal and academic. Over the past century, numerous institutions have endeavored to study psychic abilities under controlled conditions. These include efforts by prominent universities and independent research bodies.
One well-documented approach has been the use of Zener cards — a set of five symbols (circle, cross, waves, square, star) — to test for extrasensory perception (ESP). Participants predict the sequence of cards, and results are assessed against statistical probabilities to discern any significant deviations suggesting psychic abilities.
Another area of interest has been the study of telepathy, where participants, often in isolated chambers, attempt to transmit or receive thoughts, images, or emotions. Success rates beyond chance levels could, in theory, indicate telepathic capabilities.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite the extensive body of research, psychic phenomena remain a contentious topic in the scientific community. Some of the primary criticisms include:
Replicability Issues: A foundational principle of science is that experiments should produce consistent results when replicated. Psychic phenomena, however, often lack this consistency, leading many to question their validity.
Methodological Flaws: Critics often point out potential flaws in the design or execution of psychic experiments. These could range from insufficient controls, potential biases, or even fraud.
Statistical Interpretations: While certain psychic studies claim statistical significance, skeptics argue that these could be anomalies or the result of incorrect data interpretation.
Potential Explanations
Given the elusive nature of psychic phenomena, several hypotheses have been proposed, ranging from the purely physiological to the quantum mechanical:
Subconscious Perception: Some suggest that what's perceived as psychic ability might be heightened sensitivity to subconscious cues. This could mean picking up on subtle body language, temperature changes, or even pheromones.
Quantum Mechanics: Some posit that the nonlocality principle in quantum physics, where particles can be interconnected over vast distances, might provide a framework for understanding psychic interconnections. Though this argument tends to be provided by those who do not understand quantum theory.
Unified Field Theory: Drawing from physics, some speculate that a yet to be discovered unified field might explain the interconnectedness of consciousness. Though this argument also tends to be provided by those who do not understand quantum theory.
Potential Biases Within Scientific Approaches
While the scientific method prides itself on objectivity, biases can infiltrate any field of study, including investigations into psychic phenomena:
Confirmation Bias: Researchers, like all individuals, can unconsciously favor data that aligns with their preexisting beliefs, potentially overlooking data that contradicts their hypotheses.
Publication Bias: Studies producing positive or sensational results are often more likely to be published than those with null or negative findings. This can skew the available literature and public perception.
Cultural and Historical Biases: Western scientific paradigms, rooted in materialism, might inherently dismiss phenomena that don't fit within this framework, whereas other cultures might approach the same phenomena differently.
It's crucial to approach psychic research with an awareness of these biases, ensuring comprehensive and balanced investigations.
Comfort with Paranormal Explanations and Experiences
Across the globe, individuals vary in their comfort levels with paranormal explanations. For some, a spiritual or mystical interpretation of an event is natural and enriching. For others, such interpretations might provoke discomfort, skepticism, or even fear.
Some cultures have rich traditions of spiritual and mystical experiences, making paranormal explanations more accepted and integrated. Direct personal experiences with phenomena that defy conventional explanations can either enhance comfort with the paranormal or, paradoxically, provoke greater skepticism. Awareness and understanding of various phenomena, whether through formal education, personal research, or exposure to diverse viewpoints, can influence one's comfort levels.
Developing Psychic Abilities: A Comprehensive Approach
The initial phase in understanding psychic abilities requires identifying subtle indications that point towards their potential presence. Historically, various cultures have believed in the capability of certain individuals to perceive information hidden from the regular senses. These potential indicators might include:
Heightened Sensitivity: Some individuals report a heightened sensitivity to their surroundings, especially in terms of emotions and energies. They often feel strong empathic connections, allowing them to sense the emotions and moods of those around them, even if subtly expressed.
Frequent Déjà vu: The sensation of having experienced something previously, even when encountering it for the first time, may indicate a potential psychic inclination. While this phenomenon can be explained by various neurological processes, some interpret it as a sign of precognitive ability.
Predictive Dreams: Though dreams often arise from the subconscious mind processing daily events, some individuals note dreams that appear to foretell future events. While not always accurate, these dreams' predictive nature often stands out due to its specificity and detail.
Practice Techniques
To nurture psychic abilities, one must employ certain techniques and exercises that are designed to enhance these potential faculties. Here are some scientificallyacknowledged methods that might be beneficial:
Meditation: Meditation is a tool that aids in focusing the mind and building awareness of one's thoughts and surroundings. By practicing regular meditation, individuals can develop a heightened sense of intuition and possibly tap into deeper levels of perception.
Mindfulness: Being present in the moment can help individuals become more attuned to their surroundings and the subtle energies therein. Practicing mindfulness, like meditation, can be a foundation for honing psychic skills by fostering a keen awareness of the world around us.
Exposure to Varied Stimuli: Engaging with diverse environments, cultures, and experiences can sharpen one's intuitive skills. By exposing oneself to a broad array of stimuli, it becomes easier to identify patterns and connections that might not be immediately obvious.
Consistent Training
Consistency is vital when cultivating any skill, and the development of psychic abilities is no exception. Regular practice and a commitment to growth are imperative. Keeping a record of experiences, feelings, and intuitions can be beneficial. Over time, patterns may emerge, providing insights into the development and accuracy of psychic abilities.
Seeking feedback from trusted sources helps in gauging the accuracy of one's psychic perceptions and offers opportunities for refinement. Engaging with literature and scholarly articles on topics like parapsychology, cognitive science, and neurology can provide a rounded understanding and facilitate better practices.
Identifying Cognitive Bias
While exploring psychic abilities, it is crucial to be aware of cognitive biases. These are systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgment, where individuals create their own subjective reality from their perception. Examples include:
Confirmation Bias: The tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions. In the context of psychic abilities, this might manifest as remembering only accurate predictions while disregarding inaccuracies.
Apophenia: The human tendency to perceive meaningful patterns within random data. This could lead individuals to believe they've identified significant psychic insights when, in fact, they're drawing connections from unrelated events.
Identifying Mental Illness Symptoms that Seem Like Psychic Abilities
It is essential to differentiate between genuine psychic experiences and symptoms of mental illnesses. Some symptoms can mimic psychic phenomena, such as:
Hallucinations: These are sensory experiences in which a person can hear, see, smell, taste, or feel something that isn't there. While some might interpret these as psychic visions or messages, they are often associated with conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Delusions: Strongly held beliefs despite evidence to the contrary. For example, believing that one has a unique ability to predict events or read minds, when, in reality, evidence does not support these claims.
Hyperactivity and Racing Thoughts: Conditions such as bipolar disorder can lead to periods of hyperactivity and rapidly changing thoughts, which can be misconstrued as psychic energy or heightened intuition.
If you or someone you know shows symptoms of mental illness, you can find a list of assistance and services at the end of THIS article.
Psychic Abilities and the Mind
The intricate network of the human brain, with its myriad neural connections, governs how we think, act, and perceive the world. Central to our understanding of psychic abilities is the role of cognitive functions. These are the mental processes that allow us to carry out tasks, make decisions, and interpret the world around us. A cornerstone of cognition, memory allows us to store and retrieve information from the past. It's been posited that individuals who claim to have psychic abilities might have an enhanced or different utilization of memory, allowing them to recall events or details others might overlook.
The capacity to concentrate on specific stimuli or events in our environment is critical for any psychic exploration. An acute sense of attention might enable some individuals to pick up on subtle cues or information generally unnoticed by the average person. Processing Speed is the time it takes for an individual to interpret and respond to stimuli. A heightened processing speed might allow for faster interpretation of sensory input, which some argue could be linked to certain psychic phenomena.
Role of Subconscious
The subconscious mind, operating below the level of conscious awareness, is a vast reservoir of thoughts, memories, and feelings. Its role in psychic abilities is a topic of significant interest.
Our subconscious continuously processes information, even when we are not actively thinking about it. These processes can lead to sudden insights or "gut feelings" that seem to come out of nowhere but might, in reality, be the result of the subconscious working behind the scenes. While dreams are a regular part of the human experience, some propose that they can serve as a conduit for psychic information. The subconscious mind, active during dreaming, might present information in symbolic or direct ways that could be interpreted as precognitive or clairvoyant insights. The subconscious mind plays a pivotal role in our emotional responses. Some individuals claim to "feel" others' emotions, suggesting that their subconscious minds might be more attuned to emotional stimuli from the environment.
Perception and Intuition
At the intersection of psychic abilities and the mind lies the realm of perception and intuition. These faculties determine how we interpret the world and react to it, and they play a potentially significant role in psychic phenomena.
Enhanced Sensory Perception: Some who claim psychic abilities report a heightened sense of sight, hearing, or other senses. This enhanced perception allows them to detect stimuli that others might miss, potentially leading to insights that seem psychic in nature.
Gut Feelings: Intuition, often described as a "gut feeling," is a form of innate understanding or knowledge without the need for conscious reasoning. While everyone experiences intuition to some degree, its role in psychic abilities might be more pronounced. This intuitive sense might be more developed or refined in some individuals, leading to perceptions that are out of the ordinary.
Pattern Recognition: Humans are naturally inclined to seek patterns in the environment, a trait that has evolutionary advantages. However, some propose that those with psychic inclinations might have an enhanced ability for pattern recognition, allowing them to see connections or insights that might elude others.
Ethical Considerations in the Exploration of Psychic Abilities
The exploration of psychic abilities is not merely an introspective journey; it often intersects with the lives of others, especially when abilities are employed to provide insights or guidance. Herein lies the critical juncture of ethical use versus misuse.
Objective Approach: It is paramount for individuals claiming to possess psychic abilities to approach every situation with an objective mindset. Allowing biases or personal beliefs to interfere can lead to skewed interpretations, which might misguide those seeking counsel.
Financial Exploitation: With the commercialization of psychic readings and related services, there is a risk of financial exploitation. Ethical practitioners should be transparent about their services' costs and avoid exorbitant fees or manipulative tactics that compel repeated visits.
False Claims: Authenticity and truthfulness are fundamental. Individuals should refrain from making unsubstantiated claims about their abilities or the results they can achieve, as this can mislead and potentially harm others.
Respecting Privacy
Delving into the personal lives of others, whether intentionally or inadvertently, comes with significant ethical implications.
Unsolicited Readings: It is ethically questionable to provide unsolicited readings or insights into another person's life or situation. Even if one believes they have valuable information, it is essential to respect boundaries and only offer insights when explicitly asked.
Confidentiality: Similar to medical or therapeutic professions, individuals offering psychic services should maintain strict confidentiality. People's personal information, emotions, and situations should never be divulged without explicit consent.
Consideration of Potential Harm
The potential repercussions of psychic readings or interventions are not always immediately apparent. Therefore, a deep sense of responsibility and foresight is required.
Emotional Impact: Interactions can leave a lasting emotional imprint. Whether the information shared is positive or negative, practitioners must be sensitive to how it might affect an individual emotionally and mentally.
Dependency: There's a potential risk of individuals becoming overly reliant on psychic insights, sidelining their own judgment or decisionmaking abilities. Ethical practitioners should encourage autonomy and personal growth rather than fostering dependency.
Physical Actions: On rare occasions, insights or predictions might prompt individuals to take specific actions in their lives. It's crucial for those with psychic inclinations to understand the weight of their words and the potential physical ramifications they might have on others.
Psychic Abilities in Different Cultures
The concept of psychic abilities, while interpreted differently, exists in some form across various global cultures. Each culture's perspective provides a unique lens through which to understand and appreciate these phenomena.
Eastern Perspectives
In many Eastern traditions, psychic abilities are often interwoven with spiritual and philosophical systems.
Buddhism: Within Buddhist traditions, especially in Tibetan Buddhism*, there are references to "siddhis," which are supernormal powers attained through meditation and spiritual practice. These can range from clairvoyance to precognition. While these abilities are acknowledged, they're often considered secondary to the ultimate goal of enlightenment.
Hinduism*: Ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, detail various psychic abilities termed "vibhuti." These abilities are said to emerge as one progresses along the path of yoga. However, they're treated with caution and are not the primary focus of spiritual development.
Daoism*: In Daoist traditions of China, psychic phenomena might be attributed to the harnessing of "qi" or vital energy. Daoist practitioners often engage in exercises to cultivate and balance qi, which in turn can lead to heightened abilities.
Western Perspectives
The Western world, influenced by a mix of JudeoChristian beliefs, scientific rationalism, and GrecoRoman philosophies, has its own take on psychic phenomena.
Ancient Greece: Oracles, like the famed Oracle of Delphi, played essential roles in ancient Greek society. These priestesses were believed to possess the ability to communicate with the gods and offer prophecies.
Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, individuals who claimed to have psychic abilities or other supernatural powers often faced persecution, associated with witchcraft and heresy.
Modern Era: With the rise of spiritualism in the 19th and 20th centuries, psychic abilities gained renewed interest. While often met with skepticism, especially from the scientific community, there remains a segment of the Western population that believes in and seeks out psychic experiences.
Indigenous Beliefs
Indigenous American Cultures: Among the Navajo*, there are individuals known as "hand tremblers" who are believed to diagnose illnesses or predict events. Similarly, the Lakota Sioux have "heyokas" or sacred clowns, who act in ways contrary to societal norms and offer unique insights.
Aboriginal Australians*: Dreamtime stories and spiritual beliefs play a central role in Aboriginal culture. The concept of "Dreaming" refers to both the ancient stories of creation and the personal dreamjourney of an individual, which can offer guidance and insights.
Shamanic Cultures of Siberia*: The term "shaman" originates from the Tungusic peoples of Siberia. Shamans in these cultures serve as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds, accessing knowledge and healing through altered states of consciousness.
Maori of New Zealand*: The Maori have "tohunga," experts in specific areas, including those who interpret signs, dreams, and omens. They play a crucial role in guiding societal decisions and understanding the world.
African Cultures: Among the Dagara* of West Africa, there are individuals recognized as having a unique connection to the spirit world, often identified at a young age and trained to serve the community. Similarly, the Zulu* of South Africa have the "sangoma," traditional healers who diagnose and treat illnesses and communicate with ancestors.
Psychic Abilities and Personal Growth
The exploration of psychic abilities transcends mere curiosity about the supernatural. For many, it is an avenue towards profound personal growth, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and one's place in the larger tapestry of human experience.
Self-awareness and Understanding
The journey into psychic phenomena often demands a heightened sense of selfawareness. This introspective path can lead to significant personal revelations.
Delving into psychic practices necessitates continual selfreflection. This process can unearth previously unrecognized aspects of one's character, beliefs, and motivations. Such insights offer opportunities for personal development and transformation. The exploration of psychic abilities can help individuals distinguish between their inner voice — that intuitive sense of knowing — and the cacophony of external influences. Recognizing and trusting this voice can guide decision making and foster a stronger sense of identity.
Some individuals believe that their psychic inclinations provide clarity about their life's purpose or direction. By tapping into these abilities, they feel more aligned with their personal and spiritual goals.
Emotional and Mental Health
The intertwining of psychic exploration and emotional and mental wellbeing is multifaceted and profound.
Processing Trauma: For some, psychic practices serve as a conduit for addressing and processing past traumas. By confronting these issues, individuals often find a path to healing and acceptance.
Managing Stress: Techniques often associated with psychic development, such as meditation and mindfulness, are beneficial for managing stress. These practices promote relaxation, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Boosting Confidence: Recognizing and honing psychic abilities can bolster confidence. Individuals often feel empowered by their unique insights and the validation they receive from accurate perceptions or predictions.
Influence on Relationships
The ripple effects of psychic exploration extend into interpersonal relationships, shaping interactions and connections in various ways.
Enhanced Empathy: A heightened sensitivity to the emotions and energies of others can foster deeper empathy. This understanding can lead to more compassionate and supportive interactions with loved ones.
Navigating Conflicts: With increased intuition and perception, individuals might find it easier to navigate conflicts. Recognizing underlying issues or emotions can facilitate communication and resolution.
Building Trust: For those who share their psychic experiences with close friends or family, it can foster trust. When perceptions or insights prove accurate, it reinforces the bond between the psychic individual and those they interact with.
Psychic Abilities and Shadow Work
Shadow work refers to the process of confronting and understanding the darker, often suppressed facets of oneself. The interplay between psychic abilities and shadow work is intricate.
Unearthing Hidden Fears: Psychic experiences can bring to the surface latent fears or insecurities. These revelations, while challenging, are essential for personal growth. By addressing these fears, individuals can move towards holistic wellbeing.
Confronting Denial: Denial is a defense mechanism, shielding individuals from painful truths. However, psychic insights can pierce this veil, forcing a confrontation with realities one might prefer to ignore. This confrontation, though initially unsettling, is a step towards authenticity and selfacceptance.
Integration for Wholeness: The culmination of shadow work, when combined with psychic exploration, is the integration of all aspects of oneself. Recognizing and accepting both light and dark facets lead to a more balanced and whole self.
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I'm not a huge fan of crossovers, but I've had a Danny Phantom Psychonauts AU rattling around my head for the past week or so. There's no character crossover whatsoever; just that all the ghosts are replaced with human psychics and it follows the rules of the Psychonauts universe.
Danny comes from a family with strong anti-psychic views, and when he manifests abilities of his own, starting with telepathy, Danny naturally tries to hide it from his parents at all costs. Despite Sam and Tucker thinking it's cool and sticking by him, Danny finds it annoying at first, hearing everyone's unfocused thoughts, until he finds out that he can use it to identify fellow psychics with their own specialties in the city who are able to teach him a thing or two, though not always willingly.
Since there's a lack of ghosts, a few major plot beats would obviously change, like the rift that breaks Vlad, Jack and Maddie apart. Vlad's powers suddenly awakened in college during a stressful lament alone over Maddie preferring Jack over him. Unfortunately, his was in the form of Blastokinesis and took place in their lab at college, destroying all the neuroscience research papers they were working on and most of their equipment. Jack and Maddie both assumed it was a psychic cover-up and that Vlad was a victim of it, as he couldn't handle his own outburst and was found unconscious at the scene. Now knowing neither Maddie nor Jack would accept him due to their pre-existing prejudice, Vlad isolated himself from them to control his new powers for the next 20 years, all the while growing incredibly bitter about their past relationship.
Seeing as I've got so many ideas about how everything would play out wasting away (especially all the ghosts' AU counterparts), I might make this into a full fic one day, but I think I need to finish a couple more chapters of Second Thoughts before I do it.
#danny phantom#danny phantom au#psychonauts#this is what happens when you try to write two fics from two separate fandoms at the same time#i'd love to answer asks about this if anyone has any#fanfiction
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Elon Musk's Neuralink Implants First Brain Chip in Human: A Look at the Tech and the Future
Elon Musk's brain-computer interface (BCI) company, Neuralink, has taken a significant step forward with the successful implantation of its first wireless brain chip in a human patient.
This marks a major milestone in the field of neurotechnology and has sparked both excitement and debate about the potential of this technology.
What is Neuralink's Brain Chip?
The chip, currently in its early stages of development, is designed to connect the human brain directly to computers.
It uses thin, flexible threads implanted in the brain to record and transmit neural activity wirelessly.
This technology has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with the world around us, potentially allowing for mind-controlled devices, enhanced communication for those with disabilities, and even treatment for neurological conditions.
Initial Results and Future Goals:
While the initial results only show promising detection of neural activity, it's a significant first step.
Musk has stated that the first product, called "Telepathy," aims to enable control of phones, computers, and other devices using only thoughts.
He envisions this technology initially benefiting those with paralysis, allowing them to communicate and interact with the world more easily.
Challenges and Concerns:
Despite the potential benefits, Neuralink's technology faces several challenges and ethical concerns.
Safety is paramount, and the company has faced criticism regarding its animal testing practices.
Additionally, the potential for misuse and the ethical implications of directly accessing and manipulating brain activity need careful consideration.
The Race for Brain-Computer Interfaces:
Neuralink is not alone in this field. Other companies, like Blackrock Neurotech and Precision Neuroscience, are also developing similar technologies.
This race for BCI dominance could lead to rapid advancements, but it's crucial to ensure responsible development and prioritize safety and ethical considerations.
The Future of Neurotechnology:
Neuralink's first human implant is just the beginning.
As BCI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking applications in various fields, from healthcare and communication to entertainment and gaming.
However, it's important to approach this technology with caution and ensure it's developed and used ethically and responsibly.
This blog post provides an informative overview of Neuralink's recent achievement, its potential impact, and the challenges and considerations surrounding this emerging technology.
It encourages readers to stay informed and engage in discussions about the future of neurotechnology.
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#brain chip#elon musk#elonmusk#neuralink#Human Brain Chip#srkshaju#neurotechnology#srkshazu#The Future of Neurotechnology#Neuralink's Brain Chip#technology#computing#Micro Chip#science
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Unusual Muse Associations
tagged by @alaraxia ! and i thiiink i'll tag @the-cooler-sidestep if they haven't done it already (if you have then uh. i tag the Fandom, Generically)
Morgan Walsh — Shiver — Fallen Hero
Seasoning: cinnamon
Weather: rainy and foggy days. he prefers a layer of weather between himself and other people.
Colors: deep, forest greens and ocean blues. colors that you can feel yourself sinking into.
Sky: the inky black of a 2 am clear night. It’s the only time he likes a non-cloudy sky.
Magical Power: easy to default back to telepathy, but morgan was always envious of shapeshifting.
Plant: Purple Hyacinth
Weapon: his whole body and environment. he's scrappy, and more than willing to find advantages.
Subject: neuroscience
Social Media: several burner emails. cycles through them for picking fights on twitter (he's one of those guys). debating making a 'fan account' for shiver on a neocities equivalent as a honeypot (he tells himself).
Makeup Products: moisturizer and concealer.
Candy: peanut butter and chocolate pieces.
Fear: dying suddenly and randomly.
Ice cube shape: that really small crushed ice that looks closer to snow than proper cubes.
Method of Long Distance Travel: a ducati monster 696. Something he can tuck away from view if needed.
Art Style: still lifes with charcoal
Mythological Creature: chimera
Piece of stationary: a ridiculously full pencil case. contents include pencils of various lengths, stolen diner pens, two erasers (one with questionable teeth marks), a near empty pack of gum, and a single electric blue gel pen.
Three Emojis: 💬🥱✋(ones he'd use) 💣🚬🎂(ones i associate)
Celestial Body: mars
#fallen hero#fh: r#oc: morgan#fh oc: morgan#sidestep#hiiiiiiii i wanted to try and emulate hotel dusk's style a lil bit#and honestly i'm pretty pleased with how it turned out#*so i'mma do it again*
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Exploring the factors and types of ESP from a cognitive neuroscience perspective involves examining how the brain processes information and generates subjective experiences. While mainstream cognitive neuroscience does not generally support the existence of ESP, understanding the cognitive processes involved in reported experiences can provide valuable insights. Here are some factors and types to consider:
Factors in ESP Experiences:
Intuition:
Intuition involves rapid, unconscious processing of information that leads to a gut feeling or a sense of knowing. ESP experiences often involve intuitive insights. Cognitive neuroscience explores the neural mechanisms underlying intuition, which can help demystify certain aspects of ESP.
Pattern Recognition:
The brain is highly adept at recognizing patterns, even in seemingly random information. ESP experiences may be linked to heightened pattern recognition abilities. Cognitive neuroscience studies how the brain processes and interprets patterns, shedding light on the cognitive mechanisms at play.
Emotional Processing:
Emotions play a significant role in shaping subjective experiences. ESP experiences are often accompanied by strong emotional responses. Cognitive neuroscience investigates the neural pathways involved in emotional processing and how emotions can influence perception and decision-making.
Memory and Recall:
Memory processes can influence the perception of ESP experiences. Cognitive neuroscience explores how memories are encoded, stored, and retrieved, providing insights into why certain experiences may be remembered as ESP phenomena.
Attention and Focus:
ESP experiences may be linked to states of heightened attention or focus. Cognitive neuroscience studies the neural mechanisms of attention and how attentional processes can influence the perception of information.
Types of ESP Experiences:
Telepathy:
Telepathy involves the transmission of information between individuals without the use of the known senses. Cognitive neuroscience can explore how social cognition and interpersonal understanding contribute to the perception of telepathic experiences.
Clairvoyance:
Clairvoyance is the ability to perceive information about distant or unseen events. Cognitive neuroscience can investigate how the brain processes and interprets information about spatial relationships and events outside the direct sensory field.
Precognition:
Precognition involves the perception of future events. Cognitive neuroscience can examine the neural processes involved in anticipation, prediction, and the construction of mental simulations of future scenarios.
Psychometry:
Psychometry is the idea that an individual can gain information about a person or event by touching related objects. Cognitive neuroscience can explore how sensory information from touch and object recognition processes contribute to psychometric experiences.
Remote Viewing:
Remote viewing is the ability to gather information about a distant or unseen target. Cognitive neuroscience can analyze the cognitive processes involved in attention, memory, and imagery that may contribute to reported remote viewing experiences.
It's important to note that while cognitive neuroscience can provide insights into the cognitive processes associated with reported ESP experiences, the scientific community generally approaches these phenomena with skepticism due to a lack of empirical evidence supporting their existence. Understanding the neuroscience of perception, memory, and cognition can contribute to a naturalistic exploration of these reported phenomena.
#witchcraft#witchblr#witches of tumblr#spiritual growth#psychology#self awareness#esp#psychic abilities
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New IRIS oc: Justice!
They were hired on as an IRIS employee because of their background in psychiatry and neuroscience, meant to interview the patients who’d come in contact with ALTRs. With the added bonus of being blind, they’re unable to be affected by most visually-active anomalies.
They were eventually assigned to examine the fire of ‘36, and were sent back in time with the intention of observing the cataclysm and coming back with information. However, their sense of morality got the better of them. They tried to stop the fire from happening, but were unsuccessful- and wound up loosing most of the information they were sent to gather.
Now they’re on the hunt for anomalies, using IRIS tech to jump through time. With their wits, their heightened senses, and telepathy, they’re searching for answers!
#IRIS oc#jse jackieboy man#jse egos#jse oc#jse community#jse art#jse echo#jse fanart#jse fandom#jse#Jacksepticeye#jacksepticegos#jacksepticart#jacksepticeye egos#jacksepticeye iris#Jacksepticeye Iris oc#owo#my art#my ocs#my ocs art#i named them Justice#bc Justice is blind#that’s it#that’s the joke#they’re a big pun
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A cyborg is born 1-30-2024
The first human to receive an implant from Neuralink is recovering well, according to Elon Musk, marking the latest milestone for the emerging brain-computer interface industry. BCIs are aimed at helping people with traumatic injuries like paralysis, but if all goes well, Musk hopes to extend this to hearing and vision loss, and eventually merge humans with artificial intelligence. The implants use "ultra-fine" threadlike electrodes to detect and help transmit "neuron spikes," or the electrical and chemical signals in participants' brains.
Quote: "The first @Neuralink product is called Telepathy," Musk wrote on X. "Enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking. Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal."
The FDA gave Neuralink approval for clinical trials on humans in May 2023, prompting the company to start recruiting candidates in September. The neurotech firm has already shown success with extensive tests on primates, such as monkeys that have been able to move cursors or play video games like "Pong" using just their brains. Some of Neuralink's activities have been criticized for their surgical work, but the in-human clinical trial marks one step closer toward commercialization, especially for a startup that's reportedly valued at around $5B.
Not the only show in town: The latest development casts another spotlight on Musk's ability to allocate time to his many ventures at the same time as shoring up social platform X and electric vehicle maker Tesla (TSLA). Most of Neuralink's competitors are also not publicly traded, including Synchron, Onward, Precision Neuroscience and Blackrock Neurotech. Where Neuralink stands ahead of the pack is the ability for its device to go deeper into the brain, as well as containing far more electrodes that target individual neurons (instead of groups or clusters), with the aim of offering a higher degree of precision.
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Does Telepathy Exist?
Telepathy has long been a subject of fascination and debate among scientists, sceptics, and believers alike. The concept of telepathy, or the ability to communicate with others using only the power of the mind, has been depicted in countless books, movies, and TV shows. But does telepathy actually exist in real life?
Proponents of telepathy argue that there is strong anecdotal evidence to suggest that telepathy is indeed a real phenomenon. Many people claim to have experienced telepathic connections with others, receiving messages or thoughts without any physical means of communication. Some even claim to have communicated telepathically with animals or plants.
Furthermore, studies have been conducted to explore the scientific basis of telepathy. One famous study, known as the Ganzfeld experiments, involved participants attempting to send and receive images to each other using only their minds. While the results of these studies have been mixed, some researchers believe that they provide enough evidence to suggest that telepathy may be a real phenomenon.
On the other hand, sceptics argue that there is no conclusive empirical evidence to support the existence of telepathy. They suggest that any perceived telepathic experiences can be attributed to coincidence, chance, or wishful thinking. Sceptics also point out that telepathy goes against our current understanding of physics and neuroscience, making it unlikely to be a real phenomenon.
So where does that leave us? The debate over the existence of telepathy is likely to continue for years to come. While there may be some compelling evidence to suggest that telepathy could be a real phenomenon, the lack of concrete proof and the challenges presented by current scientific understanding make it difficult to definitively say whether telepathy exists.
Ultimately, whether telepathy exists or not may come down to personal belief. Some people may continue to hold onto their own experiences and beliefs in telepathy, while others may remain sceptical until more concrete evidence is presented. Until then, the mystery of telepathy will continue to captivate our imaginations and fuel debate.
Read the full article
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Explain the newest trends and advancements that the animal communicator has been using.
Animal communication has been a subject of fascination and intrigue for centuries. From the subtle gestures of a domestic pet to the intricate vocalizations of wild animals, the ways in which creatures interact and convey messages have long been studied by scientists, ethologists, and animal lovers alike.
2. Traditional Methods vs. Modern Advancements
Historical Overview
Historically, human understanding of animal communicator was limited to direct observation and interpretation of behavioral cues. Ancient civilizations often assigned symbolic meanings to animal behaviors, viewing them as omens or messengers from the divine.
Evolution of Animal Communication Techniques
Over time, traditional methods of animal communication have evolved alongside scientific and technological advancements. What once relied solely on subjective interpretation has now been supplemented by empirical research and innovative technologies.
3. Technological Innovations in Animal Communication
Recent years have witnessed a surge in technological innovations aimed at enhancing our understanding of animal communication.
Wearable Devices and Sensors
One notable advancement is the development of wearable devices equipped with sensors that monitor various aspects of an animal's physiology and behavior. These devices can track movement patterns, detect physiological changes, and even translate vocalizations into human-readable data.
AI and Machine Learning Applications
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have also revolutionized the field of animal communication. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can identify patterns in animal behavior and vocalizations that may be imperceptible to the human eye or ear.
4. Telepathic Communication: Myth or Reality?
The concept of telepathic communication with animals has captured the imagination of many, but its validity remains a subject of debate.
Exploring the Concept of Telepathic Communication with Animals
Proponents of telepathy argue that humans possess innate psychic abilities that allow them to communicate with animals on a non-verbal level. However, skeptics maintain that telepathic communication lacks scientific evidence and is likely the result of wishful thinking or misinterpretation of natural cues.
Scientific Perspective vs. Anecdotal Evidence
While anecdotal accounts of telepathic communication abound, scientific studies have yet to conclusively prove its existence. Researchers continue to investigate claims of telepathy, but rigorous experimental protocols and reproducible results remain elusive.
5. Bioacoustics: Understanding Animal Sounds
Bioacoustics, the study of animal sounds, offers valuable insights into the communication strategies of various species.
Utilizing Sound Analysis for Communication
By analyzing the frequency, amplitude, and duration of animal vocalizations, researchers can decipher the meanings behind different calls and songs. This information provides invaluable clues about social structures, mating rituals, and territorial boundaries.
Case Studies and Research Findings
Numerous studies have demonstrated the complexity and sophistication of animal vocalizations. From the intricate songs of whales to the rhythmic chirps of insects, each species exhibits unique communication patterns that reflect its evolutionary history and ecological niche.
6. Neuroscientific Insights into Animal Communication
Recent advances in neuroscience have shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying animal communication.
Brain Imaging Studies on Animal Cognition
Using techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), researchers can map the brain activity of animals engaged in communication tasks. These studies reveal similarities and differences in the neural circuits responsible for language processing across species.
Implications for Understanding Interspecies Communication
By understanding the neural basis of animal communication, scientists hope to bridge the gap between humans and other species. Insights gleaned from neuroscientific research could lead to more effective methods of interspecies communication and enhance our appreciation for the rich tapestry of life on Earth.
7. Ethical Considerations in Animal Communication
As technology continues to advance, ethical considerations surrounding animal communication become increasingly important.
Privacy Concerns and Consent
The use of invasive techniques or intrusive devices raises concerns about the privacy and autonomy of animals. It is essential to respect the rights of sentient beings and obtain informed consent whenever possible.
Impact on Human-Animal Relationships
Furthermore, the widespread adoption of communication technologies may alter the dynamics of human-animal relationships. While these tools offer unprecedented opportunities for understanding and connecting with other species, they also raise questions about power dynamics and exploitation.
8. Future Prospects and Challenges
Despite the remarkable progress made in the field of animal communication, significant challenges lie ahead.
Predictions for the Future of Animal Communication Technology
Experts predict that future advancements in technology will continue to revolutionize our understanding of animal communication. From AI-powered translation devices to sophisticated brain-computer interfaces, the possibilities are endless.
Addressing Ethical and Practical Challenges
However, as we embrace these technologies, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the ethical and practical implications. Safeguarding the welfare of animals and respecting their intrinsic value should be paramount in all endeavors related to animal communication.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, the field of animal communication is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven by technological innovation and scientific discovery. By harnessing the power of AI, bioacoustics, and neuroscience, researchers are unraveling the mysteries of interspecies communication and forging new connections with the natural world.
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Breaking Into Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Technology
Exploring Elon Musk's Competition
Are you fascinated by the remarkable advancements in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology and Elon Musk's venture, Neuralink?
BCIs is evolving rapidly, and it's essential to understand the landscape before diving into the intricacies of this cutting-edge field.
Elon Musk's Neuralink Milestone
Elon Musk recently made headlines by announcing the successful implantation of Neuralink's brain chip, aptly named "telepathy," into a human patient. This achievement marks a significant step towards Musk's vision of enabling individuals to control electronic devices using their thoughts.
Despite the buzz surrounding Neuralink's breakthrough, it's important to recognize that the field of BCIs has been active for over two decades, with several other players making notable strides in the development of similar technologies.
Meet the Competition
Let's take a closer look at some of the notable players in the BCI arena, each contributing distinct innovations and applications to this transformative field:
1. Blackrock
- Blackrock Neurotech, established in 2008, has been a key player in the BCI domain, pioneering the Utah Array, an implantable electrode smaller than a thumbnail. Their devices have empowered individuals with severe forms of paralysis to regain independence by controlling devices and accessing the internet using their thoughts.
2. BrainGate
- BrainGate, a consortium that originated from Brown University's research in the late 1990s, introduced the first implanted BCI for human use in 2004. Their devices, about the size of a baby aspirin, have enabled paralyzed individuals to communicate and even play video games through the power of their thoughts.
3. Synchron
- Synchron, based in Brooklyn, has developed a minimally invasive BCI called the stentrode, successfully implanted in several individuals globally. This innovative BCI sits inside the blood vessels of the head, transmitting brain signals wirelessly to control devices, presenting a unique approach to BCI technology.
4. Academic Institutions
- Numerous universities and research institutions worldwide are also at the forefront of BCI research, conducting one-off surgeries and trials to explore the potential of BCIs in enhancing the lives of individuals with paralysis and other neurological conditions.
What Neuralink Must Prove
While Neuralink's recent achievement is indeed remarkable, it's crucial to acknowledge that the company is at the initial stages of operationalizing its BCI technology. Successfully enabling individuals to control devices using their thoughts is just the beginning of a longer journey.
The competition in the BCI space is robust, with each player offering distinct technological innovations and addressing unique applications and user needs. As Neuralink and its counterparts continue to push the boundaries of BCI technology, it's imperative to closely monitor their progress and the impact of their innovations on individuals with neurological conditions.
Final Thoughts
The emergence of BCI technology presents a promising frontier in the intersection of neuroscience, medicine, and technology. As Musk and his contemporaries strive to harness the potential of BCIs, the future of these innovations holds the promise of significantly enhancing the quality of life for individuals with paralysis and other neurological challenges.
As the field of BCIs continues to evolve, it's an exciting time for tech enthusiasts and professionals to witness and contribute to the transformation of this groundbreaking technology.
So, are you ready to delve deeper into the world of brain-computer interface technology and witness the unfolding innovations that could reshape the future of human-computer interaction? The journey may be complex, but the potential rewards are undoubtedly worth the exploration.
#tutortacademy#machinelearning#datascience#algorithm#brain chip#elon musk#neuralink#elon twitter#neural implant
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Neuralink Celebrates Successful Brain-Chip Implantation in Landmark Human Trial
In a groundbreaking achievement, Neuralink, the brain-chip startup founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, announced the successful implantation of its brain-computer interface (BCI) in a human patient on Sunday. Elon Musk revealed that the first recipient is recovering well after undergoing the procedure, marking a significant step forward in the company’s pursuit of aiding patients dealing with paralysis and various neurological conditions.
Promising Results and Neuron Spike Detection
Elon Musk expressed optimism about the initial results, stating on the social media platform X that the implanted device demonstrated promising neuron spike detection. Neuron spikes, as defined by the National Institute of Health, represent the electrical and chemical signals used by cells to convey information within the brain and throughout the body.
FDA Clearance and Human Trials
Neuralink received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last year to commence its first human trial, a pivotal moment for the startup’s mission to address paralysis and neurological disorders. The company had previously gained approval for human trial recruitment in September. The trial involves the use of a surgical robot to precisely position the BCI implant in the brain region responsible for controlling movement intentions. The primary objective is to empower individuals to control a computer cursor or keyboard solely through their thoughts.
Telepathy: Neuralink’s First Product
Elon Musk unveiled that the inaugural product resulting from Neuralink’s efforts would be named “Telepathy.” The startup’s PRIME Study, a part of the trial, focuses on evaluating the safety of the wireless brain-computer interface and the surgical robot used in the implantation procedure.
Scrutiny and Challenges
While celebrating the successful implantation, Neuralink faces scrutiny over safety concerns. The company recently incurred fines for violating U.S. Department of Transportation rules related to the transportation of hazardous materials. Furthermore, four lawmakers urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether Musk misled investors about the technology’s safety, citing veterinary records revealing issues such as paralysis, seizures, and brain swelling in monkeys with Neuralink implants.
Musk responded to these concerns, asserting that no monkeys had died due to Neuralink implants. He explained that the choice of “terminal” monkeys was made to minimize risks to healthy ones, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring the safety and efficacy of the groundbreaking technology.
Despite the challenges, Neuralink’s successful human implantation brings hope for advancements in neuroscience and the potential for groundbreaking solutions to improve the lives of individuals grappling with paralysis and neurological disorders. The company’s continued progress and commitment to safety will undoubtedly be closely monitored as it paves the way for a new era in brain-computer interface technology.
Curious to learn more? Explore our articles on Enterprise Wired
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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: BNWT "The Future of the Mind" softcover.
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