Suppose you live in a world where you can download information directly to your brain and know you’re receiving a call because there’s tingling sensation in your finger. Freelance scientist Todd Huffman says the technology is not far off. In fact, he’s already put an implant in his own ring finger that allows him to feel the current running through every electrical appliance he uses.

While the goal of most scientists working with bionics is to help people living with illness or injury, the technology they develop does have “performance enhancing applications.” The bionics that allow people with epilepsy to experience fewer seizures and those with spinal chord injuries to control previously paralyzed limbs can be used to make you stronger, faster, and smarter.

According to Dr. Brian Litt, professor of bioengineering and neurology at the University of Pennsylvania, explains:

"It's a pretty small step to go from that to something that could be potentially used to enhance you in intelligence."

Philip Kennedy, the scientist that developed a brain implant to translate human thoughts into text, believes that there will be performance enhancing variations of his implant within 10 years. He says that the “direct-to-brain information downloads” in The Matrix are not that unrealistic and that the trick is to find a way to not overwhelm the brain in the process.

What do you think about medical technologies that can be used to engineer superhumans? Is it something that’s bound to happen? Allowing already brilliant people to use these technologies could give them the edge they need to come up with cures for cancer, better farming methods, or more efficient energy sources. That said, there’s plenty of room for abuse too. Should we embrace it or is it unethical? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Via PC Wolrd