This
very big story broke late last week: 
The world’s first brain prosthesis has passed the first stages of live
testing.The microchip, designed to model a part of the brain called the hippocampus,
has been used successfully to replace a neural circuit in slices of rat brain
tissue kept alive in a dish. The prosthesis will soon be ready for testing
in animals.The device could ultimately be used to replace damaged brain tissue which
may have been destroyed in an accident, during a stroke, or by neurodegenerative
conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is the first attempt to replace
central brain regions dealing with cognitive functions such as learning or
speech.
In addition to treating degenerative conditions, brain prostheses will eventually
be used to enhance learning and skills for everyone. I’m personally looking
forward to the hardware upgrade that will make me able to play the piano or
speak Italian.