Earlier quoted context omitted.
I asked this elsewhere but I’ll ask again here: how is this any different from just going outside?
Not everyone lives in a sunny tropical paradise.
Wish what people living in those sunny tropical paradise wants to?
Hacking the Brain
101–110 of 153 posts
Re: Hacking the Brain
#102Earlier quoted context omitted.
Improving executive function using transcranial infrared laser stimulation (2015) Abstract Transcranial infrared laser stimulation is a new non‐invasive form of low‐level light therapy that may have a wide range of neuropsychological applications. It entails using low‐power and high‐energy‐density infrared light from lasers to increase metabolic energy. Preclinical work showed that this intervention can increase cort…
I asked this elsewhere but I’ll ask again here: how is this any different from just going outside?
Prof Hamblin (of Harvard) said in the video interview with the guy from selfhacked that sun at greater heights (multiple kilometers above sea level) does indeed give some of the beneficial effects that are observed with near infrared devices. Elsewhere, radiation is not strong enough to have the same effect.
Re: Hacking the Brain
#103I haven’t found near infrared radiation referenced in the article - I‘m using near infrared as a brain hack, by shining a cheap 850nm LED light on my forehead. This has, over the last 2 years, enabled me to code for weeks on end, for 12+ hours a day, with only minor cognitive decline. It’s not something I really want to do, but sometimes it’s useful. Before I started the near infrared routine (~5 minutes every other…
Thanks; this sounds amazing. I’m gonna do some more research on it to see if there’s any more information about the safety and technique. I just purchased an 850nm setup on Amazon to try it out. Does this look anything like what you use? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075F7NV56/
Mine has more and smaller LEDs, but I think this one should do nicely.
Re: Hacking the Brain
#104When it's possible, id like to upload my mind into a machine.
But you will remain in your body while a digital copy of your mental states is being run on some machine. The fleshly you won’t get to experience the machine existence, if there is anything to experience at all.
Re: Hacking the Brain
#105Earlier quoted context omitted.
I have several devices, one from a manufacturer called "Red Light Man", but the best effect I get with a $25 CCTV infrared radiator (850nm) that didn't even have a power adapter shipped with it. Photobiomodulation is ideal at 830nm (maximal energy resorption by chromophores in human cells), so 850nm is quite close to optimal. There are more expensive solutions of course, even therapeutic lasers that cost a couple tho…
Do you mind explaining your routine of 5 minutes every other day? Is this recommended from a study?
It's basically self experimentation, and cross-checked with literature to make sure I don't overdose. Overdose is not that bad (it surely happened to me), slight light-headedness and confusion for a few hours, in my case. Not stay-at-home bad, only a bit annoying. I quickly learned not to overdose, and haven't for over a year.
Prof Hamblin from Harvard gave an interesting video interview with the guy from selfhacked (should be on youtube) where he mentions that he uses near infrared on his forehead to increase cognitive function, for a certain timespan (don't remember how often he does it). Since he's probably the most versed person (with a scientific background) on that topic, I thought it would be valid.
Re: Hacking the Brain
#106I haven’t found near infrared radiation referenced in the article - I‘m using near infrared as a brain hack, by shining a cheap 850nm LED light on my forehead. This has, over the last 2 years, enabled me to code for weeks on end, for 12+ hours a day, with only minor cognitive decline. It’s not something I really want to do, but sometimes it’s useful. Before I started the near infrared routine (~5 minutes every other…
I'm seeing a lot of comments, both positive and negative, but no answer to the important question: what the hell is the mechanism? How is this light supposed to actually get through to your brain? These aren't X-rays or microwaves; like visible light, infrared light gets stopped almost completely by skin.
Re: Hacking the Brain
#107I haven’t found near infrared radiation referenced in the article - I‘m using near infrared as a brain hack, by shining a cheap 850nm LED light on my forehead. This has, over the last 2 years, enabled me to code for weeks on end, for 12+ hours a day, with only minor cognitive decline. It’s not something I really want to do, but sometimes it’s useful. Before I started the near infrared routine (~5 minutes every other…
This is the funniest post I've ever read on this website Either it's entirely the placebo effect, or it somehow actually does something and you're cooking your brain to wage slave even harder
this whole thread is hilarious
Re: Hacking the Brain
#108I have a tangential question around brain hacking. The Flynn effect says we're gaining an avg of 3 IQ pts every decade since the early 20th century. Meaning our great grandparents, on average, would be considered mentally handicapped compared to today's intellect. Now certain biochemical explanations for the Flynn effect explain raw neurophysiological gains (e.g., iodine fortification in the early 20th century added…
> The Flynn effect says we're gaining an avg of 3 IQ pts every decade since the early 20th century. Meaning our great grandparents, on average, would be considered mentally handicapped compared to today's intellect.
According to Flynn's later work[0], this gain might be explained by:
> The Dutch data proved the existence of unknown environmental factors so potent that they account for 15 of the 20 points gained. The hypothesis that best fits the results is that IQ tests do not measure intelligence but rather a correlate with a weak causal link to intelligence. This hypothesis can also explain difficult trends on various mental tests, such as the combination of IQ gains and Scholastic Aptitude Test losses in the United States.[0]
> do our brains act like muscle and the info age as a super gym?
I'm not quite sure what you mean by "age as a super gym", but cognitive functions can be increased, much like how exercising strengthens the muscles used.
Some research supports earlier introduction to abstract concepts contributes to increased fluid intelligence. Other research posits nutrition might be a contributing factor. It would not be unreasonable to think both contribute to some degree.
As far as "brain hacking" goes, there is research supporting increasing fluid intelligence via far-transfer cognitive training (working memory, set switching, sustained focus, etc.). It also is hypothesized that these cognitive training tasks contribute to near-transfer benefits.
EDIT: corrected cognitive training enumeration.
Re: Hacking the Brain
#109Earlier quoted context omitted.
Can't tell if satire but if not can you provide us with some links as to why you decided to try it and how you decided on the specific setup?
> Scalp application of red and NIR light is a new application for LED technology. More than 30 years ago, however, it was observed in human cadaver studies that red (600 nm) and NIR (800–900nm) wavelengths could penetrate through the scalp and skull (∼ 1 cm). Two physiological changes associated with exposure of cells to red and NIR wavelengths of light are: 1) Increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by…
whoa. so a helmet that bathes your skull in near infrared light could supercharge your brain (or fry it...)
Re: Hacking the Brain
#110I haven’t found near infrared radiation referenced in the article - I‘m using near infrared as a brain hack, by shining a cheap 850nm LED light on my forehead. This has, over the last 2 years, enabled me to code for weeks on end, for 12+ hours a day, with only minor cognitive decline. It’s not something I really want to do, but sometimes it’s useful. Before I started the near infrared routine (~5 minutes every other…
Your body will naturally develop an immunity, a bit like a callus, to constant IR light. To counteract this use an IR light with Pulse Width Modulation, such as a TV control. Then post pictures of yourself holding a remote to your head so that you can help educate others about your medical breakthrough.
I feel like it’s actually working!
https://www.rightthisminute.com/sites/default/files/videos/i...
