http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
What'd be the point of being mid copulation, only for this device to kick in..

"Sorry love, i fancy a sandwich"

*leaves*]]>Dec 23rd 2008 5:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
.....no it is not chocolate...


The iPhone!]]>Dec 23rd 2008 8:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
you don't get out of the basement very often do you?]]>Dec 23rd 2008 11:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 24th 2008 2:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 24th 2008 1:34AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 24th 2008 9:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
This is NOT a "sex chip", nor was this technology created for said purpose. They simply re-purposed existing deep brain stimulation (DBS) technology which is currently being used experimentally to treat Parkinsons, Epilepsy, major depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder among other conditions. Even in this case, they were not attempting to enhance a healthy person's sex drive --- they were trying to correct a "disorder" of sorts whereby the patient doesn't experience normal sexual pleasure.

Anyways, I'm incredibly surprised to hear of this. The article didn't provide in depth details, but it sounds like they have the electrodes somewhere in the patient's orbitofrontal cortex. Since learning about DBS, I've always wondered what exactly would happen if you implanted the electrodes so as to directly stimulate dopamine neurons in the nucleus accumbens, which is the "pleasure center" of the brain. Most addictive drugs, in addition to sexual activity and even eating mediate a release of dopamine in that region of the brain.

Although DBS is currently a very crude experimental technology, the swift pace of scientific progress will no doubt lead to a future in which tiny electronic devices are able to mediate your mood, emotions, and state of consciousness. It is interesting to ponder how such technology would be regulated. Would everyone have brain implants that are able to mimic the actions of different drugs? Would such an "electronic high" that is able to create perpetual feelings of euphoria, well-being, contentment, and perhaps even empathy and compassion without the side effects or problems associated with conventional drugs lead to a peaceful and harmonious world without so much greed and selfishness? Or would it act as an impediment to societal progress from everyone being content with their situation. Certainly the desire for success and material wealth, recognition, etc drives much of the world's progress today.

Perhaps the device would only be activated on occasion, essentially acting as a high-tech replacement for alcohol, marijuana, or whatever else at weekend parties. Perhaps future employers would have detection technology to make sure you are not using the device during work hours.... Oh man this stuff brings up a lot of interesting questions..



]]>Dec 25th 2008 12:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
(I keed, I keed)]]>Dec 23rd 2008 5:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
(I keed, I keed)]]>Dec 23rd 2008 5:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/but i do think eggothewaffle would know a lot about eating
]]>Dec 23rd 2008 5:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
Thank you for the Fifth Element reference. And for clearly beating me to the punch. ]]>Dec 23rd 2008 5:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 6:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 7:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/at least she had the chip....]]>Dec 23rd 2008 5:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 6:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 9:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 10:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
What?]]>Dec 23rd 2008 5:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
That's what she said.]]>Dec 23rd 2008 6:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
that's what she said...]]>Dec 23rd 2008 6:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 6:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 24th 2008 3:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
Unfortunately the courts would rule it as a form of rape, but until they do....

;)]]>Dec 23rd 2008 7:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 10:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/and thats provided by p0rn..

]]>Dec 23rd 2008 5:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
But hijacking brains? I smell criminal offense.]]>Dec 23rd 2008 6:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 24th 2008 8:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
Population after release: 60 Billion! Better hurry up with the space station and Mars expedition as we need all the space to stash people in!]]>Dec 23rd 2008 5:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 9:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 5:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/Dec 23rd 2008 6:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/scientists-research-sex-chip-to-stimulate-pleasure-in-the-brain/
Billy: "Dad, I Think I'm gay."

Crazy Parent: "That's ok son, they have a chip for that now, soon you'll just LOVE the ladies."]]>Dec 23rd 2008 5:30PM