| Looks like they use Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS). The military has been doing tDCS (direct current) experiments for a while for increased learning & performance. I had a friend who used to swear by tDCS and did it very frequently. He attributed all kinds of mood & cognition improvements to it, including substantially reduced need for sleep, improved eyesight (he was born partially blind), etc. He also complained about migraines a lot and liked to experiment with all kinds of supplements, so YMMV. Tried tDCS myself a handful of times, not for improved learning but for improved focus. If applied correctly it definitely has an effect that I'd consider better / stronger than a cup of coffee. I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it regularly though. There's a subreddit that used to be pretty active:
https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/ And here's a good Radiolab podcast, including DARPA Sniper experiments, etc:
https://www.wnycstudios.org/story/9-volt-nirvana/ |
Reminds me of Alessandro Volta. In 1790, after inventing the battery, he stuck the the electrodes in his ears. He felt an explosion in his head, heard the sound of boiling “viscous matter" and passed out.
It would be nice if researchers could recruit these people to volunteer to be actual research subjects instead of messing with themselves and creating just anecdotes.