Matrix-style tech becoming a reality?

[kyrathaba]

Sure, we’re not quite at the point where we’re teleporting about or living in space “Jetson’s” style, but technology has made some impressive advancements, even in just the last twenty years. Now, it would seem, that Dr. Theodore Berger and his team of scientists at the University of South California’s Viterbi School of engineering have built a microchip that can actually make the wearer (thus far, rats) know things. It’s a chip that is inserted into their brains, almost Matrix style. Sounds pretty interesting, right?

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[Deozaan]

Shouldn't that be in quotes?

[kyrathaba]

Thanks, Deozaan.  Fixed.

[Deozaan]

It does sound neat, and potentially scary. Perhaps I just didn't understand it, but it seems like it wasn't explained very well what it actually does.

[kyrathaba]

Typical when someone is trying to present science to the rest of us.  I agree it could have been better elucidated.

[zridling]

I would like such a chip before I:
- go to court
- negotiate a contract
- buy a car (or work on one!)
- take a chemistry test

For one subject, I could be a mini-Watson.

[kyrathaba]

Give me a chip for:

Law
Judo
C++
Economics
Small Engine Repair

[Crush]

Combine the chip with Dr. Nakamatsu´s Cerebrex and become a second Marilyn vos Savantis.

[40hz]

I'll take a chip for:

Genetics
Particle Physics
Cosmology
Mathmatics (as much as can be crammed in starting with Integral Calculus)
EMACS

[Stoic Joker]

Nope. I'll just be needing a chip for investment banking. That way I can make a retirement quickly, and then remove the horror and nonsense from my head.

Then I can focus on learning the things that I care about the old fashioned way ... so the process can be savored, and enjoyed.

[Josh]

I nominate mouser for a "Product Naming Chip"

[kyrathaba]

@StoicJ: +1

[Stoic Joker]

Possible Product Name: Universal Plug-in Ultra ThinkZ.

or U-PUTZ for short... 

[kyrathaba]

LOL (hilarious)!!

[Edvard]

Well, actually (hehe, see what I did there?),
as the commenter said, the research as presented in the paper is not about a plug-in memory chip, but an electronically-assisted means to transfer short term memories to long-term.
So, if it could be used on humans, you'd simply plug it in while attending a lecture or cramming for the final, and turn it off after the information was no longer needed or after the info had "burned in" to long-term memory.

Not as spectacular, but equally as intriguing IMO.