What is "whole brain emulation"? Think of it as a model of the brain built on a 1:1 scale. Ultimately theorist propose a functioning model that is indistinguishable in its behavior from its original scanned brain. Sounds like science fiction? Anders Sandberg and Nick Bostrom of the Future of Humanity Institute have published "Whole Brain Emulation: A Roadmap" which provides an extensive overview what would be required to accomplish various functions of the brain and likelyhood of success in the foreseeable future. The appendix provides interesting "estimates of the computational capacity/demands of the human brain", which reviews previous research and then "forecasts future . . . computer performance . . . needed to make rough estimates of when brain emulation will become feasible in terms of computer storage and processing capacity."
During a surgery to reduce tremors, banjo player Eddie Adcock plays his banjo and responds to doctors directions. The deep brain stimulation procedure requires implanting of electrodes into the brain and in order to ensure accuracy doctors had to have Mr. Adcock awake to help in placement.
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