Neurable, a neurotechnology company based in Boston has created a brain-computer interface (BCI) that looks like headphones that can read a person's mind.
It has cloth sensors that track neurons that work as a mobile EEG to monitor the electrical impulses in the brain and learn what the person is concentrating on, according to MailOnline.
The headphones are connected to an app that uses machine-learning algorithms that learn when the brain is distracted. Then the system would send a silence notification that turns up noise-canceling white noise or suggest a mental break to recharge the brain.
Mobile EEG Headphones
Ramses Alcaide, the CEO of Neurable, said that the inspiration for Enten came from his uncle who made his own prosthetics after losing his legs in a car accident.
Alcaide, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Michigan, wrote in a blog post of Neurable that he became fascinated by how engineering could be used to improve human mobility and human autonomy. Through this, he was able to come up with an idea to address these core issues to the source: the brain.
The name Enten means 'to understand' in Spanish and works as a mobile EEG that monitors neural impulses from the brain.
It uses cloth as sensors instead of the typical sticky electrode pads to enable the headphones to easily slide on and off. Alcalde said that Enten can suggest a mental break, block notifications, and increase noise-canceling white noise to maximize the high-productivity hours of a person, which is only two to three hours a day.
This will increase the person's focus across the entire day. The technology is coupled with machine-learning algorithms that read the mind when it is concentrating or being distracted.
"Enten is 'intelligent," Alcaide says, "leveraging passive controls to minimize distractions, and active controls to auto-mute notifications when you're in the zone."
According to The Washington Post, the neurotech company will eventually add features, like keeping track of how often the person fidgets, drink water and smiles. Also, they envision Enten to be able to choose a song from the playlist with a facial gesture.
Neurable is accepting pre-orders for Enten starting at $279 for each headphone, the early bird rate from its original price of $399.
How To Stay In Focus When Studying
Brainscape identified five ways to maintain focus when studying. These include setting study goals that are appropriate to one's mental gear.
Secondly, try some variety of study methods to improve concentration. After all, breaking the monotony of one's routines could change things up.
Third, set automated study reminders. Program study notifications into a mobile phone, personal computer, or tablet that will alert the user when to study and what lessons to study.
Fourth, reward yourself when you achieve a study goal. Embrace your dopamine addiction by giving small rewards, it could be taking a 15-minute walk, or eating your favorite treat.
Lastly, take a break and reflect on your studies. If you have a hard time concentrating, it could be due to the lack of having a reflective downtime to process things in your mind.
Check out more news and information on Neuroscience in Science Times.
