One of the most interesting topics of brain research is the study of the perception mechanisms. There is a theory which states that the brain has a static zones for the processing of individual senses. Neuroscientists consider that the brain is formed in infancy and later can not be changed. Such an approach can not explain the facts sensory substitution, that are observed in patients who have lost one or more of the senses.
The theory of neuroplasticity suggests that in fact the brain interprets sensory input through a multisensory integration, not separately in specific zones. Thus, the appropriate brain tissue are versatile and can handle various senses. This point of view can easily explain the facts of sensory substitution and also implies that a person can develop brand new artificial senses.
Scientists at the University of Osnabrück’s Institute of Cognitive Science [1], supervised by Prof.Dr. Peter König, carries out a scientific experiment, that aims to confirm the theory of neuroplasticity. The experiment lies in inoculation of a new artificial sense to an experimental subject - sense of Earth's magnetic field. The experiment is part of the "feelSpace", which is intended to enable a person to intuitive navigation in space. Experimental subject wears a special belt that vibrates constantly on the north side. The experiment will be considered successful if the experimental subject after 6 months of wearing this belt will be able to walk across test path with his eyes closed.
1. http://cogsci.uni-osnabrueck.de/~feelspace/downloads/feelSpace_finalReport.pdf
This post was written as part of my homework on the course "Medicine: SciWrite Writing in the Sciences" (Stanford University), which I attend remotely.
Very interesting article!!!
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