Brain
Dan Tobias (Talk | contribs) (→Links) |
|||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
== Links == | == Links == | ||
| − | *[ | + | * [[Wikipedia:Brain|Brain (Wikipedia)]] |
| − | *[ | + | * [[Wikipedia:Exceptional memory|Enhancing data retention]] |
| − | *[ | + | * [[Wikipedia:Forgetting#Seven_types_of_forgetting|The processes of data deletion]] |
| − | *[ | + | * [[Wikipedia:Engram (neuropsychology)|Recovering deleted data (experimental)]] |
| − | *[http:// | + | * [[Wikipedia:Evolution of nervous systems|Evolution of the brain]] |
| + | * [http://boingboing.net/2014/01/31/a-beautiful-synapse-by-synaps.html A beautiful, synapse-by-synapse tour of a brain] | ||
Revision as of 14:51, 1 February 2014
The brain is the primary organic data storage medium of animals with central nervous systems. The brain is comprised of neurons, cells that process and transmit information through electrochemical signals. Signals move between neurons via specialized connections with other cells called synapses. Neurons connect to each other to form neural networks which store long-term memories.
Data persistence
Short-term memory is volatile and is stored as patterns of electrical activity. During sleep, short-term memories are consolidated into non-volatile long-term memories in the form of neural connections. Weak short- and long-term memories that are considered unimportant are automatically deleted to save space.
Memories stored in brains are non-persistent and subject to being forgotten. The rate of forgetting is determined by the time interval since last memory recall, vividness and impact of the imprinted memory, and health state and age of the brain.
Transferring data
The main limitation of the brain is due to the fact that data stored on brain medium cannot yet be precisely reproduced in another brain, though research is being done to overcome this limitation. In order to transfer data from one brain into another, the data must first be converted into a different format which is then indirectly experienced by another brain.
For example, data in the form of images stored in one brain must first be converted into the format of a drawing, painting, sculpture, etc. which is then visually experienced by another user. Data in the form of language must first be converted into text or spoken words which are then read or heard by another user. Data in the form of video must first be converted into the format of theatrical performance, motion picture, or animation before being visually experienced by another user.
Some formats are interchangeable albeit at a sacrifice of precision. For example, images may be converted into written language which are then read by another user, but this format is not as accurate as a painting would be.
