Biohack Experiment: The Neil Harbisson Effect (Hearing, Rather Than Seeing, Colors)

Earlier today, on September 4, 2014, I decided to conduct a science experiment using items no more than $300. The experiment was done to replace the ability to see colors for the ability to hear colors. And yes, if you’re as deep into the worlds of science and technology as much as I am, then you’d know this was already achieved by UK cyborg citizen Neil Harbisson.

Who is Neil Harbisson? Harbisson is, first and foremost, the first officially recognized cyborg in the world. Unfortunately, he was born with complete achromatopsia, which prevents him from seeing any colors other than those within the grayscale (shades of gray, with black and white). To help him transcend his condition, he engineered a cyborg antenna, known as the “Eyeborg,” and was able to convince an anonymous surgeon to surgically attach the antenna to the back of his head.

As a result, this antenna helps translate color frequencies, which are nothing more than the frequencies of electromagnetic waves, into sound frequencies. These sound frequencies can then be heard via bone conduction – the conduction of sound to the inner ear through the skull. Where most people see the difference in colors, Harbisson instead hears the difference. Which is why I’ve labeled this experiment of mine as the “Neil Harbisson Effect.” 

"Mind Melding" - Possible biohack experiment

Whenever I watch sci-fi films, TV shows, etc., I always tend to over-think certain scenes or actions which catches my eye as being near unbelievable or unachievable. My thoughts go into how we can make them achievable, and thus believable to the mass populace. One in particular lately has been what is called a “mind meld” from the popular Star Trek series.

First off: is it believable? Well, under its current conditions of being a biological possibility, no. We can’t simply lay our hands on someone’s head and then link into their thoughts and/or memories. Not without assistance, at least. Which brings me to: is it achievable? To make something like this achievable, we’d first need to establish a link of sorts between two people. Preferably a mind>hand>mind connection. 

"Glass Printing" - App design concept of mobile 3D printing whenever, wherever

I’m not sure if any of the developers using the prototype Google Glass devices have devised this idea yet or not, but it’s been going through my head constantly the last few days. I wish I had one so I can figure out its programming. But the idea is in coupling two of the most revolutionary techs of this decade into a single service: Google Glass and 3D Printing – “Glass Printing”, essentially.

The software would operate as an input/output service, in which you’d use your Google Glass device to take a picture of whatever throughout your day-to-day activities that you’d want a 3D replica of. To do this, the software would require at least 4 photos – one in the front, left side, backside, and right side. You can go higher, however, to increase the efficiency of your replica’s smooth texture. These pictures that you’d send to the app would then be modeled via 3D rendering process.

Once the 3D rendering is complete and you’re satisfied with how it looks, which you can check using your Glass device easily, you then press “Print” and the 3D render will be sent to your 3D printer at home and turn into a physical 3D model, ready for you whenever you come home.

This could come in handy for everyone. It wouldn’t be limited to any single individual’s bias or desires. And once 3D printing tech gets better, and is able to handle larger designs, with a vast array of materials, the possibilities of this coupling of two revolutionary techs would be limitless. Say you loved a specific car’s design that was parked near you – take a few photos and press “Print”. Maybe a sculpture you really liked in a museum? Anything, really! Whatever your heart desires and your Glass device captures.

Glass Printing – mobile 3D printing whenever, wherever.