Learning Curve

The Matrix, a 1999 masterpiece, covers much ground regarding AI, simulated reality and the brutal displacement of man as the dominant species on planet earth, a fact artfully concealed by a computer generated dream world so real as to be accepted as the one true reality as long as you don't take the red pill.

But this blurb, as per BRT custom, is not about simulated reality and malevolent AI but rather about instant learning, the ability for people to master complex skills instantly (like Neo) by downloading content into the mind ready to be used as needs warrant. At the time of the flick, this notion was conjecture at best but it won't be for long if researchers are right about being able to modify thought patters to enable one to learn new disciplines beyond the limits of real time...

In the future, a person may be able to watch a computer screen and have his or her brain patterns modified to improve physical or mental performance. Researchers say an innovative learning method that uses decoded functional magnetic resonance imaging could modify brain activities to help people recuperate from an accident or disease, learn a new language or even fly a plane. Credit: Nicolle Rager Fuller, National Science Foundation

(Medical Xpress) -- New research published today in the journal Science suggests it may be possible to use brain technology to learn to play a piano, reduce mental stress or hit a curve ball with little or no conscious effort. It's the kind of thing seen in Hollywood's "Matrix" franchise.

Disruptive to the max if you ask me.