'Memory prosthesis' improves human memory for the first time
A professor from the University of Southern California has developed a device which can improve the human memory. Research associate professor of biomedical engineering Dong Song collected data from brain electrodes implanted in 20 volunteers during memory improvement tests. Song's device then analysed the patterns to find the best-performing areas of the brain, before stimulating them in the same way. This resulted in a 15% improvement in short-term memory, and working memory boosted by a quarter. The work could lead to a breakthrough for Alzheimer's and dementia sufferers.
It’s all starting to take shape Lea Paterson/Science Photo Library

A “memory prosthesis” brain implant has enhanced human memory for the first time. The device is comprised of electrodes implanted in the brain, and is designed to mimic the way we naturally process memories, and can boost performance on memory tests by up to 30 per cent. A similar approach may work for enhancing other brain skills, such as vision or movement, says the team behind the work.

“We are writing the neural code to enhance memory function,” says Dong Song of the University …