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Angel Desai's picture

More on computers etc.

I found this article just today http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20080311/sc_livescience/tinybrainlikecomputercreated

 

Interestingly enough, it describes a new invention which simulates what the author of the article calls the brain. However, upon reading the article there seems to be a distinction which is lacking (and which we have touched on in class). Apparently this device is operated by stimulating a molecule in the center which then sends weak impulses or "shifts" surrounding molecules. This sounds suspiciously like a neuron (and what we called a computer!) rather than the brain! This article actually reminds me of a conversation I had with a lawyer who specializes in technological patents on the plane ride home! We wondered if technology as it is proceeding now has a cap. The last 20 years have brought so many innovations and at such a rapid pace that there must be some point at which we cannot move any further. This made me wonder if, like a computer, the brain has some sort of "cap" as well. We have exercised it to the point where we can now mimic the activities of neurons...but I wonder if the innovations of the brain are really limitless...

As to the discussion above concerning gender, while I agree that there seems to be a societal persistance in distinguishing between the sexes, there is something to be said about (maybe) actual differences! The problem here is that people often get caught up in semantics-saying a difference exists doesnt mean that one is wholly unequal with the other. I watched a news clip today about a study conducted in which a man appeared to be verbally abusing his girlfriend in a park. The researchers observed how many people stopped the man from hurting the girl and the overwhelming majority of people that did so were women. What does that mean in terms of the brain and behavior along gender lines?

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