Charged 2026

Author: Brianna Salazar

  • Neural Links: The Road to Real-Life Telepathy

     

    Pssst… you… yes you… Can you hear me? 

    You hear someone speak to you, but nobody is around. What if that was your reality? Being able to communicate with someone without the need for texts, calls, words, or even movement seems like a hard idea to grasp outside of a superhero’s world, but scientists are taking steps towards this “superpower”. Characters like Professor X, Jean Grey, and even Aquaman have been some of the coolest because of their unique ability to communicate without words or movements. While we haven’t yet achieved that level of communication, researchers are creating amazing brain-to-brain connections that show us telapathy is not based too far off from real possibilities. Not created through superpowers, magic potions, or spells, but through STEM.

    Brain-to-Brain Connection

    When you strip back the glitz and the glam from telepathy, what is left is simply a transfer of information from one brain to another. Neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis and his team explore this transference using a brain-to-brain interface (BBI), which is very similar to the brain-machine interface I wrote about in my telekinesis article here. This BBI uses the brain signal from a designated encoder and transfers it over to a decoder, which, using the encoder’s electrical signals, can receive information and solve tasks based on the encoder’s experiences and knowledge (Chappell, 2013). Apart from the ability to decode and transfer brain signals, the rats showed an ability to actively collaborate using this brain-to-brain connection. Researchers called it a demonstration of “…the first time that a direct channel for behavioral information exchange can be established between two animal’s brains without the use of the animal’s regular forms of communication” (Boston University, 2013). Thinking beyond rats, this type of communication could have bigger implications for collaboration between humans for complex tasks and problem-solving scenarios.

    Challenges

    As was the case with Telekinesis, one of the biggest hurdles when thinking of this technology is the complexity of the brain. As of now, brain-to-brain connections have only been possible in rats, though they are working to move towards monkeys. Researchers are still working to be able to transfer more complex patterns and even abstract thoughts/ideas (Boston University, 2013). Though the technique used to research this “telepathic” connection has been described as crude due to its limitations, it is still a big step towards telepathy between humans.

    Conclusion

    It is apparent that the type of telepathy we see in superhero movies is still a long way from happening, maybe it won’t happen, but this experiment proves that brain-to-brain communication is not just science fiction. With every experiment and new findings, researchers are getting closer to understanding what telepathy truly is and how information can be transferred between minds. I am excited to see how far STEM can take what we thought to be impossible to a near-future reality.

    And as Professor X once said, “The greatest power on Earth is the magnificent power we all of us possess… the power of the human brain!”

     

     

     

    References 

    Chappell, B. (2013, March 1). Researchers connect rats’ minds via internet. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/03/01/173257749/researchers-connect-rats-minds-via-internet

    Telepathic rats communicate via brain-to-brain connections, »  the nerve blog  | Blog Archive  | Boston University. (2013, March 8). © 2025 Boston University. https://sites.bu.edu/ombs/2013/03/08/telepathic-rats-communicate-via-brain-to-brain-connections/

  • Mind Over Matter: How Brain Implants Are Making Telekinesis Real

    Imagine a world where you can move objects and complete tasks simply by thinking about them. Sounds like a pretty relaxing and too-good-to-be-true idea, right? What if I told you that researchers are closer to this reality than you may think? In pop culture, characters like Raven from Teen Titans and Wanda from WandaVision may make telekinesis seem like an impossible out-of-this-world ability. Still, when translated into the real world and boiled down, telekinesis has nothing to do with supernatural powers and everything to do with our brain’s signals. 

    How is this possible?

    Researchers are using brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) to simulate what we know as telekinesis. As the name suggests, these machines create a connection between brains and machines, translating the brain’s electrical signals into commands the machine can follow. This connection allows thoughts to control tangible items (Brain–Machine Interface Projects, n.d.). In medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy, you might see a patient hooked up to a machine that has funny-looking lines. Well, that tool is an electroencephalography (EEG), and it is used to view brainwave activity using electrodes. In BMIs, this brainwave activity is translated into digital commands, which can be boiled down into 3 simple steps: signal detection, signal processing, and command execution.

     

    Real-World Applications

    There have already been some great advances in this technology and researchers are working to continue to push the bounds between ideas and reality. Miguel Nicolelis, a neuroscientist from Duke University, was one of the creators of a virtual arm used to further explore this mind-machine connection. As he explains it, “We trained these animals to use their own brain activity to control an avatar arm and hand that could explore objects, virtual objects that we created for them” (Npr, 2011). The connection between the monkey’s senses and this virtual arm was so strong that the monkeys assimilated the arm as their very own, and they could even feel the texture of objects solely using the virtual arm. 

    Nicolelis is hoping that this advancement can lead to even bigger uses, such as exoskeletons that would allow paralyzed individuals to use a BMI to walk and move again (Npr, 2011). A step in the right direction was seen when researchers used brain implants on paralyzed individuals to allow them to control tech devices without the need to lift a finger. Using just their thoughts, these individuals were able to perform tasks commonly performed on devices such as browsing the internet, streaming music, and even sending emails/texts to their loved ones (Sanders, 2018). Although this was not a physical feat of walking and moving again, the ability to communicate with their loved ones and with society in this way is an amazing step in the right direction.

    Challenges 

    Although researchers have been able to accomplish many things using BMIs, brainwave activity, and brain implants, there are still many challenges that come with trying to make telekinesis happen outside of a controlled environment. The brain is deeply complex, our thoughts, ideas, and intentions are often too specific for a machine to translate into commands. Many times, machines struggle to translate these complex thoughts and turn them into tangible actions. There is also the issue of mobility with these BMIs as researchers are currently trying to create wireless and more efficient versions. Another big differentiation between BMI technology and pop culture’s versions of telekinesis is the matter of levitation. As of now, no technology allows us to lift objects using solely our brains without the help of things like magnets and robotics. 

    Conclusion 

    There is still a long way to go before we can say that telekinesis is real and fully possible, but these advancements give hope that maybe one day we will be able to accomplish great feats using solely our minds and our ideas. I think it can be used for many good things, such as giving paralyzed individuals the ability to move again, and although it isn’t like Eleven from Stranger Things lifting a car, I find it just as interesting.

     

     

     

    References 

    Brain–Machine Interface Projects | IEEE Brain. (n.d.). https://brain.ieee.org/brain-topics/brain-machine-interface-projects/

    Npr. (2011, October 7). A virtual arm that talks with the brain. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2011/10/07/141156406/a-virtual-arm-that-talks-with-the-brain

    Sanders, L. (2018, August 8). Brain implants let paralyzed people use tablets to send texts and stream music. Science News. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/paralyzed-people-implants-brain-computer-interface-tablets

  • Hidden in Plain Sight: How Metamaterials Are Making Invisibility a Reality

    The power of invisibility is one that I have always found to be fascinating, there are many things you could do if you were invisible. The idea of being able to bring this power to life is mind-boggling. The second post of this series will cover invisibility and how scientists are taking us one step closer to being unseen. Superheroes and popular characters like Violet Parr, Harry Potter, and Randall Boggs were capable of invisibility through their unique methods. Things like natural-born powers, invisibility capes, and monster abilities, are methods that are not capable of being replicated by science… at least not yet. The method we will cover here boils down to the basics of how we see things, the way our eyes perceive light. Scientists are playing around with light bending and optics to make objects “disappear”.

    How Do We See?

    To understand invisibility, we must first understand what it means for us to see an object. The process of seeing begins with light. When you see an object, what you are seeing is the light reflecting off that object and entering into your eyes. To make an object invisible, this fundamental interaction with light must be altered. More specifically, the light rays would need to be bent or diverted around/away from the object, preventing them from reaching the eyes and therefore making it unperceivable to the eyes (Lo, 2018).

    Metamaterials

    Scientists are creating metamaterials, which are “artificial materials with the ability to control physical phenomena” (Lo, 2018). With these materials, scientists can control and manipulate light rays, helping create invisibility. This process, known as light bending, is a key component in invisibility cloaks. This is further explained by scientists who state, “Metamaterials are composites designed to have a negative index of refraction, which imparts the extraordinary capability to bend light away from or around an object made from or coated with the material” (“Metamaterials Bend Light to New Levels,” 2023b).  Despite the challenges in scaling these technologies, the progress in metamaterial research could revolutionize how we interact with the physical world and lead to advancements in various scientific fields.

    Challenges

    There are two main challenges when trying to reach full invisibility, size and range. Unfortunately, the invisibility effect isn’t as broad as one might hope. Researchers have only managed to develop metamaterials that function with a single wavelength of light, corresponding to just one color. This means the material can create invisibility in controlled settings with a single light color, but not in natural environments where multiple colors of light are present. While these invisibility cloaks are a remarkable breakthrough, they aren’t perfected for the stealth needed in real-world conditions, limiting them to certain factors. Another challenge is the size of objects. Bigger items are more difficult to manage, and current metamaterials aren’t capable of hiding something as large as the human body. While scientists are optimistic that new ideas and designs will help tackle this problem, it will likely be some time before we can reach the point of making humans fully “disappear” (Lo, 2018).

    Real-World Applications

    Although there are many challenges in the journey to invisibility, there are highly beneficial theoretical uses for this ability that make it all the more exciting to achieve. According to researchers, “the Rochester Cloak, for instance, could one day allow surgeons to see through their hands, preventing their hands from blocking their view of what they’re operating on” (Lo, 2018). This use could change science and the way we view healthcare completely. There are many motivations for perfecting the invisibility cloak as it could help so many in the long run.

    Conclusion

    Though complete invisibility remains a dream and goal for most of us, it is hard to ignore the remarkable progress scientists have made in controlling light to achieve partial invisibility. The innovation of metamaterials and spectral cloaking is bringing us closer to a future where invisibility will leave the realm of fiction and enter into reality. Although the methods are limited, they are the first steps to becoming like the superheroes we see on our screens. If this is what scientists have created so far, I cannot wait to find out what else the future holds for us.

     

     

    References

    Lo, A. (2018). Hidden From Plain Sight: Can Science Create Real-Life Invisibility? – Science Communication Club. Utoronto.ca. https://scc.sa.utoronto.ca/content/hidden-from-plain-sight-invisibility/

    Metamaterials Bend Light To New Levels. (2023). Chemical & Engineering News, 86(33). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature07247)

  • Super Strength Unlocked: The Rise of Exoskeleton Technology

    Super Strength Unlocked: The Rise of Exoskeleton Technology

    Superheroes have become such an essential part of pop culture, captivating us with powers far beyond what we know as humanly possible. You likely have watched a superhero movie, read a comic book, or even seen superheroes in your front yard when handing candy out for Halloween. As a kid, I marveled at the idea of having my own powers. As a teenager, I watched Marvel movies all the time because it was so interesting to see made-up powers and the creativity behind them. Now, as a STEM college student, I am learning more about the amazing creations science and technology can bring to life. Now, I wonder: could these powers exist one day, and if so, how close are we to giving humans these abilities? This series will explore how close we are to achieving “superpowers” through advancements in STEM—from super strength to telekinesis and even invisibility. Each post will dive into science and technology bringing us closer to making these powers a reality.

    Super Strength

    Heroes like the Hulk, Superman, Wonder Woman, and many others have been portrayed as having super strength. One that I find particularly interesting is Iron Man— a regular human who, through science and technology, built a suit that granted him super strength and other powers. The idea of using science to create such technology is no longer just fiction; in fact, it’s becoming a real possibility to give humans abilities beyond natural limits. This is happening today through the development of exoskeletons.

    Exoskeleton

    Engineers have been working hard to create exoskeletons that give their wearers an enhanced level of strength. It is stated that “Combining the principles of hydraulic pressure and computer simulation, these suits allow the wearer to complete feats of strength previously confined to comic books and the silver screen” (Osborne & Osborne, 2017). Exoskeletons do not have a mind of their own and are not controlled remotely, they are a tool to aid in human tasks. The exoskeleton responds to its “human operator” and their movements. One such exoskeleton, the HAL-5, assists users by reducing fatigue, supporting static weight, and reinforcing the human frame (Osborne & Osborne, 2017). Meanwhile, Sarcos Robotics has developed the Sarcos Guardian XO, a full-body robotic exoskeleton that enables users to lift up to 200 pounds with ease (Ackerman, 2022).

    Real-World Applications

    Around the world, there are a vast number of exoskeletons being developed, all for different purposes and demographics. Some exoskeletons are built to help elderly individuals with tasks that require strength, while others assist soldiers in the field with activities like crawling, running, and carrying heavy objects. This technology not only boosts productivity but also enhances worker safety when performing labor-intensive tasks. Sarcos Robotics claims that a single worker with the Guardian XO can handle the workload of 4-10 people. According to OSHA regulations, the recommended one-person load is 51 pounds, and that number is reduced if the object must be lifted repeatedly, held for extended periods, or moved over a distance. However, with the Guardian XO, a worker can lift four times that weight, continuously, at speeds of up to 3 mph (Ackerman, 2022).

    Challenges

    One of the biggest obstacles to advancing and commercializing exoskeletons is the high power demand. Operating these suits requires a significant amount of energy due to the high-pressure requirements. The HAL-5, for example, is battery-powered but only lasts around 2.5 hours on a full charge (Osborne & Osborne, 2017). Finding a more efficient or portable power source could make exoskeleton technology more practical and widely accessible.

    Conclusion

    It is fascinating to see how much science has advanced the ability to have “superpowers”. Thinking about where science and technology could go from here is even more interesting. There is still a long way to go in the quest to give humans super strength, but it can no longer be said that it is impossible to do so.

     

     

     

    References

    Ackerman, E. (2022, August 18). Sarcos demonstrates powered exosuit that gives workers super strength. IEEE Spectrum. https://spectrum.ieee.org/sarcos-guardian-xo-powered-exoskeleton

    Osborne, M., & Osborne, M. (2017, November 13). Engineering Super Strength: Combining man and Machine – USC Viterbi School of Engineering. USC Viterbi School of Engineering – USC Viterbi School of Engineering. https://illumin.usc.edu/engineering-super-strength-combining-man-and-machine/