"The brain" literally refers to the portion of the vertebrate central nervous system that constitutes the organ of thought and neural coordination. It includes all the higher nervous centers, which receive stimuli from the sense organs and interpret and correlate them to formulate the motor impulses.

Ray Kurzweil challenges our perceptions about the human brain. "Exponential growth is not restricted to hardware, but with accelerating gains in brain reverse engineering, also applies to software. Within a few decades, machine intelligence will surpass human intelligence, allowing nonbiological intelligence to combine the subtleties of human intelligence with the speed and knowledge sharing ability of machines. The results will include the merger of biological and nonbiological intelligence, downloading the brain and immortal software-based humans -- the next step in evolution."

Originally published in print June 18, 2002 in Are We Spiritual Machines? Ray Kurzweil vs. the Critics of Strong AI by the Discovery Institute. Published on KurzweilAI.net on June 18, 2002.

For further discussion about the brain: http://www.kurzweilai.net/meme/frame.html?main=/articles/art0500.html

Your Brain: the Power of Thinking . . . and of Ideas

Adapted from Chapter Eighteen of Fantastic Voyage

Ray & Terry recommend optimizing your mental functioning today while you dramatically slow down brain aging and other disease processes. Eventually, technological advances promise to ultimately stop and reverse most causes of mental aging and decline. Ultimately, technology will enable us to vastly expand our mental capabilities through an intimate merger with powerful forms of nonbiological intelligence.

Mouse experiments have shown that regular exposure to new experiences results in a dramatic increase in new neuron formation. You can even "bulk up" your brain by doing exercise - www.braingle.com can help. Some studies in humans also suggest that maintaining intellectual activity throughout life can protect against cognitive decline in later years. Ray & Terry highlight several points to maintain optimum cognitive function:

• "Use it or Lose it" – Keep you brain active throughout life.
• Avoid Substance Abuse
• Lifestyle Choices for Brain Health – Proper diet, active lifestyle, stress management, adequate sleep and targeted nutritional supplementation are all important.
• "Smart" Nutrients – A number of nutrients have been shown to assist in maintenance of brain function. Ray & Terry's Memory Support contains a special blend of nutrients that work synergistically to promote alertness and memory, and to support a healthy mind.

Omega-3s are definitively known to have membrane-enhancing capabilities in brain cells. Often called a "brain food," salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fats. Wild salmon is particularly high in omega 3 fats and low in mercury. Below, we share an easy recipe combining green tea and salmon—both excellent additions to a healthy diet.

Most salmon available for sale is farm-raised and higher in mercury and other contaminants than wild salmon. Vital Choice Fine Seafood is an excellent resource for several varieties of frozen wild salmon and halibut.

The basics about Omega-3s: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-3_fatty_acid

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support heart health. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week. To learn more about their guidelines: http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4632

For more information on polyunsaturated fatty acids: http://pufa.co.net/fat_link.html

Mental Exercise: A gym for your mind

Braingle is a free site that offers games in all areas of brain training. It features an active community forum and user-generated content keeps the service feeling fresh.

For additional brain training sites, visit http://www.askmen.com/sports/health_200/220_mens_health.html