Patrick Seebold

Brain-to-AI Interfacing (B2AI) offers a novel human-centered neurotechnology framework for augmented cognition. In this proof-of-concept feasibility case study, we demonstrate a working non-invasive B2AI prototype supporting bidirectional communication between a user and a large language model (LLM) through EEG-based input and TMS-based feedback. In a virtual navigation task, we found that use of the B2AI system was associated with higher path efficiency in a single-user case study. Additionally, we found that the average time per step was higher when the system was active, likely reflecting the time required to initiate the EEG command, query the AI module, receive TMS feedback, and execute the instructed movement. Together, these findings suggest that the B2AI system was technically feasible and may support more efficient task performance under constrained experimental conditions. Future work and fully powered experiments will be needed to determine the generalizability, usability, safety, and application value of the system, but this case study suggests that current technology supports the use of B2AI as an experimental tool for augmented cognition research.

Looming sounds are known to influence visual processing in various ways. Prior work suggests that performance on an orientation sensitivity task may be improved if visual presentation is preceded by looming audio, but not by non-looming audio. However, our recent work revealed that looming and non-looming alert sounds have a similar impact on performance in contrast sensitivity tasks. In the current study, we aim to reconcile these findings by comparing the effects of looming and non-looming sounds on contrast and orientation discrimination tasks within participants. Participants viewed tilted sinusoidal gratings and made judgments about their orientation (left/right). The gratings for the contrast discrimination task had low contrast and high deviation from vertical (±45°), whereas for the orientation discrimination task, they had a low deviation (less than ±2° from vertical) and full contrast. Immediately before visual stimulus presentation, there could be no sound, stationary sound, or looming sound. Sensitivity was measured as d ′ and compared across tasks and sound types. Our results indicate that neither task benefited more from looming sounds over stationary sounds, yielding no evidence for a looming bias in this domain. However, we found a differential effect between tasks, indicating that contrast discrimination was improved more by alert sounds than orientation discrimination, likely reflecting perceptual differences in the task types. Factors that may influence the effectiveness of looming sounds are discussed.

Planaria are incredibly regenerative flatworms and offer an excellent model for exploring top-down interventions in biological systems. Here, I demonstrate a replication of a two-headed planarian phenotype by using gap junction inhibitors to modify the bioelectric state of regenerating worms. No alteration to the organism’s genome was required to achieve a lasting change in the organism’s final morphology. These results add further evidence to growing reports that bioelectric state may be an effective target for modifying macroscopic outcomes within a biological system.

Looming sounds have been shown to influence visual perception, suggesting they may make effective auditory warning tones for use with visual tasks. To explore the use of looming sounds as warning signals and to determine whether the strength of a looming sound will impact its effectiveness, we tested five looming sounds with different amplitude increases as warning tones in a contrast sensitivity task where participants made judgements concerning the orientation of low-contrast sinusoidal gratings. Reaction time, accuracy, and contrast threshold were measured for each sound condition. Our results indicate that accuracy was higher and reaction time was faster when a sound was present compared to when no sound was present, and contrast threshold was significantly lowered in sound trials compared to silent trials. However, there was no difference in accuracy, reaction time, or contrast threshold by strength of looming. These results suggest that while auditory warning sounds do enhance performance on a basic visual task, the benefit was not unique to looming sounds. This experiment will help inform the design of warnings by providing insight into the underlying effects of looming sounds on visual performance.