Explore Topics:
AIBiotechnologyRoboticsComputingFutureScienceSpaceEnergyTech
Artificial Intelligence

The Tiny Brain Chip That May Supercharge Your Mind

Alison E. Berman
Aug 17, 2016

Share

How will we interact with the intelligent machines of the future? If you're asking Bryan Johnson, founder of startup Kernel, he'll tell you those machines should be implanted inside our brains.

His team is working with top neuroscientists to build a tiny brain chip—also known as a neuroprosthetic—to help people with disease-related brain damage. In the long term, though, Johnson sees the product applicable to anyone who wants a bit of a brain boost.

Yes, some might flag this technology as yet another invention leading us toward a future where technology just helps the privileged get further in life.

But helping restore brain function in stroke survivors or memory for those with dementia would be life changing for those individuals and their families.

In her article, "Putting a Computer in Your Brain is No Longer Science Fiction," Elizabeth Dwoskin from The Washington Post takes a fascinating in-depth look at Johnson’s journey to founding Kernel and the potential of the technology.

Be Part of the Future

Sign up to receive top stories about groundbreaking technologies and visionary thinkers from SingularityHub.

100% Free. No Spam. Unsubscribe any time.

“Kernel is cognitive enhancement of the not-gimmicky variety. The concept is based on the work of Theodore Berger, a pioneering biomedical engineer who directs the Center for Neural Engineering at the University of Southern California, and is the start-up’s chief science officer.

Read the full story here.


Image source: Shutterstock

Alison tells the stories of purpose-driven leaders and is fascinated by various intersections of technology and society. When not keeping a finger on the pulse of all things Singularity University, you'll likely find Alison in the woods sipping coffee and reading philosophy (new book recommendations are welcome).

Related Articles

A digital human with glowing eyes and geometric designs

The Hardest Part of Creating Conscious AI Might Be Convincing Ourselves It’s Real

David Cornell
Hand holding a premium credit card with chip

OpenAI Slipped Shopping Into 800 Million ChatGPT Users’ Chats—Here’s Why That Matters

Patrick van Esch
and
Yuanyuan (Gina) Cui
ChatGPT-Like AI Unveils 1,300 Regions in the Mouse Brain—Some Uncharted

ChatGPT-Like AI Unveils 1,300 Regions in the Mouse Brain—Some Uncharted

Shelly Fan
A digital human with glowing eyes and geometric designs
Future

The Hardest Part of Creating Conscious AI Might Be Convincing Ourselves It’s Real

David Cornell
Hand holding a premium credit card with chip
Tech

OpenAI Slipped Shopping Into 800 Million ChatGPT Users’ Chats—Here’s Why That Matters

Patrick van Esch
and
Yuanyuan (Gina) Cui
ChatGPT-Like AI Unveils 1,300 Regions in the Mouse Brain—Some Uncharted
Science

ChatGPT-Like AI Unveils 1,300 Regions in the Mouse Brain—Some Uncharted

Shelly Fan

What we’re reading

Be Part of the Future

Sign up to receive top stories about groundbreaking technologies and visionary thinkers from SingularityHub.

100% Free. No Spam. Unsubscribe any time.

SingularityHub chronicles the technological frontier with coverage of the breakthroughs, players, and issues shaping the future.

Follow Us On Social

About

  • About Hub
  • About Singularity

Get in Touch

  • Contact Us
  • Pitch Us
  • Brand Partnerships

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
© 2025 Singularity