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Brain-hacking chip could give us superpowers

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Superhuman Powers - Level 4

Elon Musk put a computer chip in a pig's brain. This could lead to computer-to-brain technology in humans. Mr Musk is a technology pioneer. He makes electric cars and space rockets. Gertrude the pig shows his latest project - to allow us to control computers with our brains. This could enhance our brainpower. He believes his technology is a giant leap into the future. He said it will change our lives by giving us superhuman powers.

Results from Gertrude the pig show the potential the technology has. It could help people with brain conditions like strokes and dementia. It could wire our brain directly to the Internet. As in a science fiction movie, we could control devices just by using our thoughts. The most futuristic part of the technology is what Musk calls "superhuman cognition". This will help us to stop artificial intelligence becoming strong enough to destroy the human race.

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11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Superhuman Powers - Level 5

Elon Musk has shown off a pig with a computer chip in her brain that could lead to computer-to-brain technology in humans. Mr Musk has an impressive record in pioneering technology, from electric cars to space tourism. Gertrude the pig reveals his latest ambition - to allow us to control computers with our brains. Computers could enhance our brainpower. Musk announced that trials would begin on humans one day. He believes the technology is a giant leap into the future. He said it would greatly change our lives by giving us superhuman powers.

Mr Musk said results from Gertrude the pig showed the potential the technology could deliver. He hopes it will help people with neurological conditions like strokes and dementia. It could also mean our brain is wired directly to the Internet. Just like in a science fiction movie, we could control Internet-enabled devices by using our thoughts. The most futuristic aspect of the technology is what Musk calls "superhuman cognition". This is to help us stop artificial intelligence becoming powerful enough to destroy the human race.

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11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Superhuman Powers - Level 6

Technology trailblazer Elon Musk has unveiled a pig with a computer chip implanted in her brain that could pave the way to computer-to-brain interfaces in humans. Mr Musk has a near-unrivalled record in pioneering technology, from electric cars and hyperloop travel to space tourism. Gertrude the pig showcases his latest ambition - to allow us to control computers with our brains. Conversely, computers could enhance our brainpower and abilities. The interface is part of a tech startup called Neuralink. Mr Musk announced that trials would soon begin on humans. He believes the technology represents a giant leap into the future and will considerably change our lives by giving us superhuman powers.

The results shown in Gertrude the pig were somewhat modest in comparison to the potential Mr Musk envisages the technology will one day deliver. He hopes Neuralink will help people with neurological conditions like strokes, dementia and headaches. It could also mean our brain is wired directly to the Internet. Just like in a science fiction movie, we could control phones, computers and household devices simply with the power of thought. The most mind-blowing aspect of the technology is what Musk calls "superhuman cognition". This is to counter artificial intelligence becoming powerful enough to destroy the human race. He added the technology will "achieve symbiosis with artificial intelligence".

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25 online activities    |    27-page printable    |    2-page mini-lesson



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