Fallow Fields: July 2019

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

tVNS - Vagus nerve stimulation

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043681/

Friday, July 26, 2019

Automating the Lord

I googled the phrase 'scorn for authority' and saw an entry pop up on this page which was not particularly down with it:

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Scorn

A window popped up to my right, and I'm thinking "Is that a Jesus bot?"

Maybe Jesus was a pioneer for universal income, multiplying the loaves and fish.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

AR aquarium - magic leap

https://www.roadtovr.com/magic-leap-studios-undersea-will-put-portal-coral-reef-living-room/

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Humm working memory

$99/12 pack

https://thinkhumm.com

reviews

https://www.medgadget.com/2018/12/edge-headset-for-enhanced-learning-and-memory-interview-with-dr-tim-fiori-co-founder-of-humm.html

https://medium.com/hummtech/why-edge-rises-above-working-memory-training-7bc340590912

related article with a bunch of cool stuff and links

https://qz.com/1650393/transhumanist-parents-are-turning-their-children-into-cyborgs/

My HUMM experience

Following my pre-order, I received an email and a phone call from a rep offering 3 sample HUMM devices in the mail.

I was told to wear the device for 15 minutes, that I could expect enhanced performance for 90 minutes for any kind of activity requiring concentration, learning, or active thinking, such as reading.

I asked several questions, specifically about the subscription service versus the original Edge headband device which the user owns, and about how often HUMM can be used. You can see in the Medium article above, the original URL was boostwithedge.com, which now redirects to thinkhumm.com.

According to the rep, the device can be used up to three times per day at the most, and thereafter they found 'diminishing returns'.

I was told there were complaints about wearing the Edge headband device. According to the rep, HUMM intends to offer a rechargeable device in the future.

Use of HUMM

I wiped my forehead with alcohol and applied the patch, turned the switch on, and wore it for 15 minutes as directed.

The switch has no on/off label or light indicator, the device makes no sound, noticeable vibration or heat.

After 15 minutes, I performed a few different tasks, including writing (composing a letter), improvisational accompaniment on guitar, and reading.

Survey and observations

I observed no difference in concentration or concrete result, so when I filled out my survey I suggested that I should have some kind of explicit memory task to perform. Granted, I didn't try any kind of calculation or isolated memory tasks because that's not what I'd be using it for personally, and my impression is that I would get a noticeable boost in concentration or fire power for the kind of tasks I performed.

Obviously, I could have found some kind of memory game and narrowed my scope, but if HUMM suggests I can experience a boost in a looser, more practical context, that's what I'm looking for at this time. At this time, I can't definitively say it works or it doesn't work. I've now tried it three times in one range of concentration. Now, I'd like to narrow the scope to isolate explicit working memory performance.

I later found this Discover Magazine article stating that the HUMM team has previously sent out placebo tests and also used a specific memory test called the Corsi block-tapping test.

I found a wiki on the Corsi test, and an interactive version of the test online, which reminds me of the Simon game. The test is perfect because it provides a specific score.

I also noted the lack of feedback from the device itself. I wondered whether my device might have been part of a placebo test. Each time I used the device, I questioned whether the switch might have flipped and the device was out of juice, or maybe I would notice a difference in the next patch.

The survey asked whether the device feels snug or if I had any question about placement. I do think the Edge wrap around headband design would probably be more effective to provide support from behind the head to pull the contacts closer to the forehead, and the snugness of the sticky contacts isn't effective without the alcohol wipes. They also ask about feeling comfortable wearing the device in work or social settings.

I don't know if the devices I received have any juice left (or had any to begin with), and I've not mailed them back to the company, so I'm awaiting a reply to my inquiry about next steps. Otherwise, at this point I'd be curious to repeat my experience and try the Corsi test. If I see a result in the Corsi test, I'd certainly be more impressed. If HUMM does increase my working memory, maybe a boost in a more practical context like reading or writing would be more noticeable over a longer period of time.

Following my survey submission, I received an email asking me to invite my friends, maybe HUMM has a device for remembering if I gave them my credit card when I signed up. I've attempted follow up communications to confirm if I'm obligated to a pre-order, whether I might test an Edge device, asking if my test patches were placebo. I've received no response or communication.

I'm open to trying the device again, but I'd like some answers to my questions and I'll want to try the Corsi test. Why didn't they provide that test to me? Was my device placebo? I'd love to compare with other users. Are other users observing any kind of indicator that the device is on? After all, it's called HUMM.