Brain Science: Is This the Next Generation Search Method?

July 6, 2011

I can hear the theme of Twilight Zone now. The voice of Rod Serling intones in my inner ear, “You are entering the world of search. Nothing is as it seems. You no longer type. You let the system think for you. The system is essential for national security…”

Most people would not equate neuroscience with beefing up national security, but Dr. Chris Forsythe and Dr. James Giordano say that brain science is not only necessary, but critical to our national security. Their article “On the Need for Neurotechnology in the National Intelligence and Defense Agenda: Scope and Trajectory” is a fascinating discussion on how “the impacts of neuroscience and neurotechnology will be far-reaching, changing the landscape of human capabilities, and will necessitate readdress of guidelines, policies and practices (1,2).” They go on to say that:

The ratio of applications to discoveries in brain science is high, and international advances in neuroscience and neurotechnology highlight the importance of maintaining US competitiveness in these areas. For example, researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Germany have demonstrated capability to predict test subjects’ decisions for simple choices based on neuroimaging-based assessment of brain activity arising prior to the subjects’ conscious awareness of their decision.

The experts then point out four areas where neuroscience could be applied and contribute to our national security. These areas are: (1) nano-neuroscience, (2) advanced neuropharmacologicals, (3) neuro-imaging and neuro-manipulative device, and (4) neuroinformatics and cyber-neurosystems.

After reading this complex, yet intriguing article, I must say that this is a trajectory of considerable significance. These next generation methods for national intelligence and defense are important to our future and its time we start taking them seriously. I no longer need to search. The system just knows. Great. Will the theme music play each time I need information.

Jennifer Wensink July 1, 2011

From the leader in next-generation analysis of search and content processing, Beyond Search.

Written by Stephen E. Arnold · Filed Under News, Search, Technology

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Stephen E. Arnold monitors search, content processing, text mining and related topics from his high-tech nerve center in rural Kentucky. He tries to winnow the goose feathers from the giblets. He works with colleagues worldwide to make this Web log useful to those who want to go "beyond search". Contact him at sa [at] arnoldit.com. His Web site with additional information about search is arnoldit.com.