MARK OF THE BEAST

The Prefrontal Cortex and Human Cognition

“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” —Ecclesiastes 1:9

As Christians we should be aware that certain prophecies in Revelation, that were once seemingly impossible, have become all but mundane in our modern age. An example of this could be Revelation 1:7 which states, "'Look, he is coming with the clouds,' and 'every eye will see him, even those who pierced him'; and all peoples on earth 'will mourn because of him.' So shall it be! Amen." For several thousand years, up until about 30 years ago, the idea of all of humanity simultaneously witnessing a single event defied possibility. This is no longer the case.

Perhaps a more sinister example of technology emerging as a fulfillment of Biblical prophesy would be the brain computer interface (BCI). Modern technologists and entrepreneurs such as Bryan Johnson, Peter Diamandis, and Elon Musk have surfaced as elevating forces in favor of the implementation of such technologies. Johnson has stated that our faulty human minds are not to be trusted to make decisions for our bodies, claiming that BCI’s will do a better job. He asserts that we will create gods when we perfect an Ai system that is smarter than us, and that these “gods” will award us everlasting life. (Peep him here! And here! And here too! And in this vid a leading Ai guy talks about the culture of Ai developers trying to create god @ apprx 14:30!) In his utter spiritual blindness, Diamandis is all too keen to salivate forth similar sentiments. (Check him out here! And here!)

What I see from Musk, however, deepens in malevolence. Musk is of the belief that, in order to keep pace with emerging Ai technologies, humanity must augment our abilities with BCI, lest we be phased out of relevance, or perhaps existence. He has stated publicly that his eventual goal with the Neuralink BCI is to enhance or augment memory, cognition, focus, and emotional regulation— along with a host of other purported goals, including sight to the blind and mobility to the lame (listen to Musk claim Neuralink BCI’s can facilitate resurrection— at about 18:30, but you should listen to it all). These ambitions run in tandem with his oft-expressed goal of being a savior for humankind, by enabling us to be a spacefaring species, colonizing mars and beyond. What I find most interesting is what he is less inclined to express: the most logical place through which to tap into these functions of the human brain is the prefrontal cortex (PFC).

In other words: the forehead. If Neuralink didn’t literally add up to 666 in Greek gematria, this would still be a frightening fact. (Read more about it here!)

ARE WE PAYING ATTENTION YET BROTHERS AND SISTERS? HAVE WE EYES TO SEE AND EARS TO HEAR? If this is not what our Lord was warning us about, please, tell me what it is we should look out for?

Below is a somewhat brief summary of the scientific reasoning behind this post, if you’re interested. Take care and God bless.

Prefrontal Cortex

A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) positioned on or near the forehead, interacting with the prefrontal cortex (PFC), could facilitate various interactions due to the PFC's role in higher cognitive functions. If BCIs were designed to enhance human abilities by directly interfacing with the brain, placing them near the PFC would be a strategic location. Some potential interactions include:

1. Cognitive Control: The PFC is involved in executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and controlling attention. A BCI could potentially enhance these abilities or assist in tasks requiring complex cognitive processing.

2. Memory Enhancement: The PFC plays a role in working memory and the manipulation of information over short periods. BCIs could potentially help improve memory retention and recall.

3. Emotional Regulation: The PFC is critical in regulating emotions. BCIs could be used to modulate emotional responses, potentially helping in the treatment of mood disorders or anxiety.

4. Attention and Focus: By interacting with the PFC, BCIs could aid in improving concentration and sustained attention, which can be beneficial for individuals with attention deficit disorders.

5. Decision-Making Support: The PFC is heavily involved in weighing consequences and making decisions. A BCI could assist in providing real-time data or enhancing decision-making capabilities.

6. Language and Communication: The PFC is involved in language production and comprehension. BCIs could assist individuals with speech impairments or aid in complex communication tasks.

7. Behavioral Modification: The PFC is associated with controlling impulses and behavior. BCIs could potentially help in behavior modification therapies, aiding in self-control and reducing impulsive actions.

8. Motor Control and Coordination: Although motor functions are primarily associated with other brain regions, the PFC is involved in planning and coordinating motor activities. BCIs could potentially facilitate control over prosthetic devices or other assistive technologies.
   

Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex

If we had to choose one optimal location for a BCI targeting all these functions (memory enhancement, learning acceleration, cognitive speed, problem-solving and creativity, and attention and focus), the best spot would likely be the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).

The DLPFC is located in the frontal lobe, near the surface of the brain, making it relatively accessible for a BCI. Here's why it's an excellent candidate for these functions:

1. Memory Enhancement: The DLPFC is crucial for working memory, which is essential for temporarily storing and manipulating information.

2. Learning Acceleration: This area is involved in cognitive control and executive functions, which are critical for learning new information and skills.

3. Cognitive Speed: The DLPFC plays a role in decision-making and information processing, potentially allowing for enhancements in cognitive speed.

4. Problem-Solving and Creativity: This region is important for higher-order thinking, abstract reasoning, and cognitive flexibility, all of which are key to problem-solving and creative thinking.

5. Attention and Focus: The DLPFC is involved in attentional control and helps filter out irrelevant information, making it ideal for enhancing focus.

The DLPFC's involvement in multiple cognitive processes makes it a versatile target for a BCI aiming to enhance various aspects of cognitive function. Its superficial location also makes it more accessible for current BCI technologies.

However, while the DLPFC is a promising target, cognitive functions involve complex networks across the brain. A BCI in this location would likely influence these functions, but may not comprehensively enhance all aspects to the same degree. The development of such technology would require extensive research and careful consideration of both efficacy and safety.

Basal Ganglia

That said, mRNA technology could potentially be used to facilitate stronger communication and enhance neural plasticity in the basal ganglia, an interior cluster of neuronal activity that works in concert with the DLPFC. Here's how this might work:

1. Protein Expression: mRNA could be designed to instruct cells in the basal ganglia to produce specific proteins that enhance synaptic plasticity or neurotransmitter function.

2. Neurotrophic Factors: mRNA could be used to increase the production of neurotrophic factors like BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which promotes neuron growth and synaptic plasticity.

3. Receptor Modulation: mRNA could potentially alter the expression of certain receptors, enhancing the sensitivity of neurons to specific neurotransmitters.

4. Ion Channel Modification: mRNA could be used to modify ion channels, potentially altering the excitability of neurons and their communication efficiency.

5. Synapse Formation: mRNA could theoretically instruct cells to produce proteins that promote the formation of new synapses, enhancing connectivity.

6. Neurotransmitter Production: It could potentially be used to upregulate the production of key neurotransmitters involved in basal ganglia function, such as dopamine.

There have been successful experiments in animal models using mRNA and related gene therapy techniques to modulate neural function, including in areas related to the basal ganglia.

1. Neurotrophic factor delivery: Studies have successfully used viral vectors to deliver genes for neurotrophic factors like GDNF (Glial cell-line Derived Neurotrophic Factor) to the striatum in animal models of Parkinson's disease, showing improvements in dopaminergic function.

2. Dopamine synthesis: Researchers have used gene therapy to introduce enzymes involved in dopamine synthesis into striatal neurons in rodent and primate models, effectively increasing local dopamine production.

3. Synaptic plasticity: Experiments have demonstrated that delivering genes for specific proteins can enhance synaptic plasticity in various brain regions, including those connected to the basal ganglia.

4. Neuroprotection: Gene therapy approaches have shown promise in protecting neurons in the substantia nigra (part of the basal ganglia system) in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.

These successes in animal models are promising, and provide proof-of-concept for the potential of gene therapy and mRNA technology in modulating basal ganglia function.