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first aired on June 3, 2009
Coast to Coast Summary
Lecturer and author Dr. Nick Begich discussed the latest research on telepathy in the battlefield, where brain waves alone can give commands. Today’s science-fiction may be tomorrow science-fact, he commented. Begich described some of DARPA’s far-out experiments which could allow military communication through analysis of neural signals rather than vocalized speech, using EEG to read the brain waves. A similar technique might be employed with “mind reading binoculars” which could pick up threats faster than the conscious mind can process them. Begich noted that other branches of the military such as the Air Force and Navy were also experimenting with mind/brain technologies.
He raised ethical concerns over the use of such neuro-technology, and the possible imposition of learning people’s inner/private thoughts. People wrestle with their thoughts, which are later formalized into behavior, so analysis of the thought process may not yield accurate conclusions about a person’s actions.
Down the road, it may be possible to create or delete memory sets– but how could one discern the truthfulness of testimony such as in a court of law?, he asked. We are now seeing the convergence of computer, biological, and electronic systems, allowing the unprecedented interface between humans and machines, he pointed out. Begich also touched on research into mind control, and how sound, light, or currents can cause changes in mental states.
