Conscious brain-to-brain communication in humans using non-invasive technologies

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Human civilization relies on information exchange via sensory and motor systems.
• Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and computer-brain interfaces (CBI) are emerging technologies for brain interaction.
• Combining BCI and CBI enables non-invasive, computer-mediated brain-to-brain (B2B) communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate conscious information transmission between human brains non-invasively.
• To establish the first human brain-to-brain interface for direct communication.
• To explore the potential of hyperinteraction technologies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a BCI system based on electroencephalographic (EEG) changes from motor imagery.
• Employed a CBI system using neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to induce phosphenes.
• Ensured no sensory cues (tactile, visual, auditory) were involved in the transmission.

Main Results:

• Successfully transmitted pseudo-random binary streams encoding words between separated subjects.
• Established internet-mediated B2B communication, demonstrating direct mind-to-mind information transfer.
• Achieved conscious transmission of information through intact scalps.

Conclusions:

• Provided a critical proof-of-principle for conscious B2B communication technologies.
• Opened new research avenues in cognitive, social, and clinical neuroscience, and consciousness studies.
• Envisioned profound societal impact and ethical considerations for future hyperinteraction technologies.