The concept of mind uploading, which involves the transfer of our minds to a computer

The #concept of #minduploading, which involves the #transfer of our minds to a #computer after our physical #body #dies, has been a popular theme in science fiction since the 1950s. Recent developments in #science and #technology are moving us closer to achieving this goal. In 2016, a #Russian millionaire revealed plans to work with neuroscientists, robot builders, and other experts to create technology that would allow us to upload our minds to a computer to live forever. He predicted this would be achieved by 2045. However, this seems unlikely, but we are making significant steps towards understanding the human brain and potentially #reproducing it.

Whole-brain #emulation is one potential route to mind uploading, as detailed scans of the brain and its activity would allow us to reproduce a #person's #biological brain and potentially mind in a computer. The most promising technique is "scan and copy," where the structure of a preserved brain would be scanned in detail using techniques like electron #microscopy.

However, there are concerns about the separation of the mind from the body, and the assumption that the mind is the outcome of what the brain does. This #controversy has led to ongoing debates about the philosophical and scientific challenges of whole brain emulation and mind uploading, with little awareness among the #public.

#Neurotechnology, or methods to directly record or modify human #brain activity, is rapidly advancing, with examples such as brain-to-computer interfaces and implantable devices like #Stentrode. Advances in artificial #intelligence (#AI) allow us to better decipher #brainwaves, and may allow us to "write to" or modify the brain in the future. Therefore, guidelines and #legislation are needed to ensure that our human and #neuralrights are protected.

The time it might take to emulate the #human #brain is uncertain, but it could take 100 years, with mind uploading being another big leap. As #technology advances, such as magnetic resonance #imaging (#MRI) and the highest resolution ever scanned a whole mouse brain, it is important to remember that these developments have the potential to transform what it means to be human. | Article: theconversation.com/how-uploading-…