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Why are Memories Forgotten?

Do you remember what you ate for dinner two months ago? Or do you remember the last text message you sent to that friend you last talked to? For most of you, no, you don’t know, our minds are just simply not made to remember insignificant details, but some people can remember, but most forget. So why do we forget things, and how are they stored? Firstly, how are memories made in the first place? As much as we talk about the brain being this muscle being capable of being highly intelligent with an inner monologue and mental thinking capacity; most of our brain is made up of neurons.  According to the Brain Institute of Queensland, neurons are fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, responsible for the sensory input from the external world, relaying motor and thinking skills, transforming and relaying electrical signals for every step. When we experience something, the neurons in our brain physically interact with our senses, and create something called synapses, which are sto
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Brain-computer interfaces and their potential applications

Brain-computer interfaces and their potential applications



## Introduction

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are a type of technology that allow people to control machines using their thoughts. BCIs have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology and have a wide range of applications in medicine, national defense, and even the workplace. In this article, we will explore the current state of BCI technology, its potential applications, and the challenges that must be overcome to fully realize its potential.


## What is a Brain-Computer Interface?

A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a technology that enables a person to control an external device using brain signals. BCIs acquire brain signals, analyze them, and translate them into commands that are relayed to output devices that carry out the desired action[2]. BCIs can be used to help people with disabilities, enhance human-computer interactions, and improve national defense capabilities, among other uses[1].


## Potential Applications of BCIs

### Medicine

BCIs have the potential to revolutionize the field of medicine. Researchers are developing BCIs that allow people with paralysis to control prosthetic limbs using their thoughts[1]. BCIs can also be used to help people with neurological disorders such as stroke and Parkinson's disease. A survey published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) explored possible ways that BCI technology can be applied to motor rehabilitation following stroke, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders[3]. The survey found that BCIs have the potential to improve motor function and quality of life for people with these conditions.


### National Defense

BCIs can also have applications in national defense. For example, servicemembers might operate a drone hands-free on the battlefield using a BCI[1]. BCIs can also be used to monitor the cognitive state of pilots and other personnel to ensure they are alert and focused[4].


### Workplace

BCIs could also have applications in the workplace. For example, BCIs could be used to monitor employee attention and engagement during meetings and presentations[4]. BCIs could also be used to improve productivity by allowing employees to control devices using only their thoughts[4].


### Psychology

Recent studies have demonstrated that BCIs are a potential tool to investigate affective states, expanding the applications into psychology[5]. BCIs can be used to monitor brain activity and detect changes in emotional states, which could be useful in treating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.


### Communication

BCIs can also be used to provide alternative communication means for persons with disabilities bypassing the need for speech and other motor activities[6]. Language models have been developed to allow users to type individual characters, words, or even sentences by decoding their brain activity[6]. This technology has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.


## Challenges and Limitations

While BCIs have great potential, there are also significant challenges that must be overcome to fully realize their potential. One major challenge is the accuracy of the technology. BCIs rely on the ability to accurately detect and interpret brain signals, which can be difficult due to the complexity of the brain and the variability of brain signals between individuals[4]. Another challenge is the security of the technology. BCIs raise questions about the security of brain data and the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive information[1]. Finally, there are ethical and equity concerns surrounding the use of BCIs. For example, there are concerns about the potential for BCIs to be used to monitor and control employees in the workplace[4].


## Conclusion

Brain-computer interfaces have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology and have a wide range of applications in medicine, national defense, and the workplace. While there are significant challenges that must be overcome to fully realize their potential, the possibilities are vast. As the technology continues to develop, it will be important to address the challenges and limitations to ensure that BCIs are used in a safe, ethical, and equitable manner.


Citations:

[1] https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-106118

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3497935/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843196/

[4] https://hbr.org/2020/10/what-brain-computer-interfaces-could-mean-for-the-future-of-work

[5] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2021.578875

[6] https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/14/4/5967

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