Subscribe now

Life

Mind transfer: human brains in different materials

Could we copy a specific brain or transfer our minds to another device? Research suggests this amazing idea might be feasible

By Randal A. Koene

24 October 2012

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Brain dump: what will life be like for human minds embodied in non-biological materials?

(Image: John Lund/Getty)

HUMAN brains and the minds that emerge from them have allowed us to create culture and civilisation. But ensuring the survival of those marvels (not to mention of our species) in the face of technological and environmental onslaughts will depend on how well those minds adapt. We have always augmented ourselves in the face of challenges, creating artefacts from clothing to cellphones to cochlear implants. As ever, human survival will depend on us being ever more adaptable.

Fortunately, we may be on the…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop