Scientists have developed a method to control the growth pattern of neurons to build digital logic gates that perform like those inside a computer or inside electronics.

These neuron circuits could serve as intermediaries between computers and the nervous system, allowing for example a paralised person to control a robot arm. (via NewScientist)  

Scientist at the University of Reading have developed a machine which can be controlled by neurons. Read about the world’s only cyborg, Professor Kevin Warwick, the head behind the robot with the biological brain. (via forbes.com)

Remember how higher cognitive abilites are shaped by our body (see Embodied Intelligence Or Thinking with The Body)? 

Read how new studies and robot design change the old views of cognition.  

(via ScienceNews) 

In our days it is normal to do several things at the same time: We listen to the radio while reading the newspapers, or drive and talk on the phone. This is called multitasking.

But, are we really multitasking? That is, is our brain capable of paying attention to more than one object at the time? Read about the human myth of multitasking.

(via npr.org)

Contrary to long standing dogma, new research has shown that the human brain is malleable: It has the the ability to change during a lifetime, even in old age.

Listen to the interviews with Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz and Dr. Norman Doidge (via ABC All in the Mind: part 1 and 2).

Remember the prediction of the singularity, where machine intelligence surpasses human intelligence (see Special Report: The Singularity and Singularity: What Happens When Machine Intelligence Surpasses Human Intelligence?)? 

Vernor Vinge, mathematician and computer scientist, predicted this in his essay “The Coming Technological Singularity”, but also gives tips on how we can stay ahead of things. So he advocates intelligence amplifciation: Humans can become steadily smarter by collaborating with one another and with computers.

Are you afraid that humans can become obsolete?