Wednesday, May 03, 2006

They're terribly comfortable; I think everyone will be wearing them in the future

Thanks to we make money not art for introducing me to ENKI. What, you may ask, is ENKI?

Well, read it in their own words:

ENKI uses the bioelectric information from live Electric Fish to trigger human Brainwave Entrainment. It uses sound and light pulses - to induce a state of 'extreme relaxation' similar to the way traditional Sound and Light Entrainment devices (SLEDs) work - the difference is that ENKI uses the electric communication signals from Electric Fish rather than a pre-programmed chip. Ultimately ENKI offers the possibility of becoming one with the mind of 'nature' - and by default, achieving an altered, beneficial state through this experience...

... Unlike pre-programmed 'Brain Machines', ENKI offers you a completely unique experience, it is interfaced directly with an electric fish using sensors in an aquarium. You experience the electrical activity of the fish directly. The electrical fields are converted by ENKI into 'binaural beats', and light - experienced via Light frames - to stimulate FFR (Frequency Following Response)

These electric fish are a special in that they use 'mildly' electric fields in order to navigate and communicate (see electric fish), with ENKI your own bio-electric field is connected to the aquarium allowing the fish to sense your presence. (see film of Black ghost interacting with sensor), There are several set ups possible - the most complex uses multiple species of fish and processed via USB to MAX MSP.

I'm not sure I buy it, but I can think of many worse ways to spend your money than an electric fish hooked up to a SLED. However, they are looking for volunteers, if you happen to be somewhere UKish. If anyone from ENKI happens to be reading this, and is looking for a blogging endorsement from an actual honest-to-god Junior Neuroscientist, get in touch.

That said? The skeptical, cynical, and snarky need to look at this page.

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