4. Blind Person Sees With Their Tongue
This one definitely looks like one of those hoaxy devices that float around the internet, but it's totally legit. Considering that we actually see with our brains, rather than our eyes, it is actually possible to different parts of our bodies to "see". A device called the
BrainPort V100 picks up visual information from the surroundings and communicates it to the wearer via an electrode on the tongue. When sensory information is picked up, it is converted to electrical signals, just the same as it is in the optic nerve. After a short time using the device, the brain actually begins to adapt itself to interpret the signals properly and allow the wearer to "see" again. They can judge depth, size, distance and even recognise faces. This is known as sensory substitution and relies on the amazing plasticity of the brain, allowing it to adapt to new things. As well as helping the blind to see, the device could also be used for night-vision, particularly in the military. The only issue? It makes it pretty difficult to talk. This can be a positive or a negative, depending on the person.