Neurobiological war with the brain
Any technology or any discovery, especially a revolutionary new and promising, immediately attracts the attention of not only the general public, but also the military. Now there are the first experimental samples of systems that allow driving a vehicle (wheelchair) using brain signals. Several electrodes are fastened on the head of the “driver”, the signal from which is fed to the control computer, where it is converted into a form that can be understood by the units of the wheelchair. It is argued that until the creation of such a system for driving a car or even an airplane, there were a few years left. The main problem is to ensure a high degree of recognizability of “commands” coming from the brain. Now this figure rarely exceeds 85-90%.All these studies can be called dual-use work, because by and large driving and a tank quite similar. And the main problem is still the interaction of the brain with electronics. To pair these two dissimilar objects, you need to know enough the anatomy, features of functioning and other nuances of the human brain. Since the brain will be well studied sooner or later, why not make a bold assumption about the future use of the technology? If the brain can “directly” communicate with technology, bypassing push-button, lever, and other similar interfaces, then why can a technology not communicate with the brain and impose its will on it? Technologies based on this principle can be very useful in military affairs, and the direct interaction of equipment and the brain in the future can even change the picture of war.
Neurobiological effects on the human nervous system can be divided into two main areas. Let's call them “improving” and “worsening”. For example, after the "treatment" of the first type of soldiers becomes less susceptible to psychological stress, more enduring in moral terms, etc. In turn, after a “worsening” impact, a fighter (of course, an enemy) begins to think worse, is nervous, or even frankly afraid to go into battle. It should be noted that in these examples there is a very large touch of the modern look of war. It is obvious that in the future, when such technologies reach practical use, the war will change. Among the changing factors may be including remote-controlled equipment with control using brain signals.
The main means of influencing the mental and physical qualities of an individual is currently medications. Such methods can achieve tangible results, but, unfortunately, all these "magic pills" are characterized by side effects, and even addiction, followed by addiction. Thus, drug enhancement of opportunities cannot be considered a universal and practically useful way. If only because the main feature of a mass army - a huge number of soldiers with their own health features - may require a wide range of more or less narrowly specialized preparations for each case. It is unlikely that such costs will pay off by improving the capabilities of the fighter, which will give the drugs.
Another promising way of influencing the human body as a whole and the nervous system in particular is based on the use of radio waves with the necessary parameters. It is noteworthy that devices based on this principle, which are based on this principle, are found exclusively in science fiction, while some equipment with a negative effect enjoys wider “demand”. T.N. psychotronic weapon Now is one of the most popular urban legends. In the nineties, there were even meetings in our country against its use. Rallies ended long ago, but they are still remembered in an ironic vein. Despite the skepticism of some of the public, research in this area has indeed been conducted. But a positive result, it seems, they did not give. How else to explain the fact that the work begun almost a hundred years ago is still among the doubtful? Nevertheless, theoretically, the effect of radio waves on the human brain is possible, the problem lies only in the power, configuration of the signal, the irradiation of specific brain regions, etc. As a result, even if a certain success is achieved, such technologies will face the same problems as medicines - compatibility with the characteristics of a particular individual. But imagine that the military of any country have at their disposal a mobile unit for psychotronic influence on the enemy. What will it give? Perhaps it will turn out in such a way to provoke panic attacks, or at least a simple anxiety of a certain number of enemy soldiers. Only their specific numbers raise questions, for even a simple metal helmet with a certain set of circumstances can shield a soldier’s head from the radiation of enemy equipment.
Where great prospects for specific drugs or irradiating technology are seen in the medical field. Modern medicine involves the examination of the patient before his treatment. Thanks to this, it will be possible to choose the way of exposure that will be most effective in the case of a particular patient. Yes, patients usually do not provide armed resistance to doctors. In turn, the military application of technologies related to direct influence on the organism or psyche is still a matter of the future. And their appearance, introduction into practice and input into the defense system will be difficult and slow. Get at least the recently announced system ADS. It is alleged that its directed radio beam is capable of creating a burning sensation on a person’s skin. However, immediately after the official announcement of the existence of ADS, reasonable assumptions appeared that it was possible to defend against it with the help of banal thick clothes. Of course, the emergence of new means of warfare will immediately be followed by the appearance of means of counteracting them. And not necessarily fantastic weapons will be confronted by equally fantastic means.
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