Researchers at the University of California have put together tiny robot brains that replicate the long term memory function in rats. Using this, they could switch long-term memory on and off with a button. Which means ‘electronic memory’ and the possibility of knowing stuff without having to learn stuff is suddenly a real thing.

Dr. Theodore Burger of USC explains the deal:

“Flip the switch on, and the rats remember. Flip it off, and the rats forget
[…]
These integrated experimental modeling studies show for the first time that with sufficient information about the neural coding of memories, a neural prosthesis capable of real-time identification and manipulation of the encoding process can restore and even enhance cognitive mnemonic processes.”

Aside from the pure brilliance of the possibility of having information electronically inserted into your brain, there are numerous other implications of such a technological breakthrough. Perhaps a cure for Alzheimer’s is closer than we thought. They’re working on monkey brains next…

[Source: PRN]
[Image: LAT]