pz

The problem I have with this engineering approach is that it seems to ignore much of the known biology. There is much more information in the organization of the visual cortex than a simple spatial map of a 2-D visual world. You could accomplish precisely the same thing these researchers are doing by setting up a camera and processor to generate a tactile map of the visual world on a suitably sensitive patch of skin -- the person could learn to respond to the pattern of stimulus and interpret the world around them.

By drilling into the skull and sticking all those wires into the brain, they are just doing it in the most dangerous, most expensive, most complex way possible. The claims for endowing subjects with even greater powers of perception is simply unsubstantiated hype built on a lot of false premises.

Godless Dave

Should this be in S&S? I don't see what it has to do with evolution.

Camaban

Seeing as the main reason someone would get it is to restore sight (Which it seems well on its way to doing/have done) I can't see how it's unsubstantiated hype.

And, as for doing it the most dangerous and complex way possible, I'll admit that, but look at it long term (better ways will be found)

Ab_Normal

The fellow in question lost his eyesight through two separate accidents which, at first reading, would have been preventable by wearing safety glasses. I don't think he's too worried about the dangers of the operation.