Book Blog

May 5, 2025

I’m having a bit of writer’s block in my future arc. To brainstorm ideas, I used both Perplexity and Gemini. I asked Perplexity to “List 10 areas of brain science where we will likely have definitive understanding in the next 100 years”:

Neural Circuit Mapping & Connectomics
Precise mapping of brain circuits will enable targeted treatments for Parkinson’s, depression, and epilepsy through implanted electrodes or non-invasive modulation 467.

Quantum Sensor Development
Quantum-based tools will measure neural magnetic fields at unprecedented resolutions, revealing real-time brain activity dynamics 2.

Brain Organoid Models
Stem cell-derived brain tissues (“organoids”) will model diseases like schizophrenia and test therapies without invasive human trials 36.

Non-Invasive Neuromodulation
Techniques like focused ultrasound and transcranial magnetic stimulation will treat disorders by modulating specific circuits externally 4.

EEG Advancements
Portable EEG devices may enable real-time seizure detection, cognitive enhancement, and rudimentary dream content decoding within decades 5.

Molecular & Epigenetic Regulation
In vivo studies of epigenetics and protein interactions will clarify how environmental factors shape behavior and disease risk 6.

Neuromorphic Computing
Brain-inspired chips with “emergent intelligence” will aid neuroscience research and AI development 27.

Consciousness Mechanisms
High-resolution imaging and circuit analysis will uncover how neural ensembles generate awareness and cognition6.

Glial Cell Functions
Roles of astrocytes and microglia in synaptic plasticity, immunity, and neurodegeneration will be definitively characterized 68.

Etiological Disease Frameworks
Diagnoses will shift from symptoms to molecular causes, enabled by blood tests and activity trackers detecting preclinical biomarkers 67.

Citations:

  1. https://www.nyas.org/ideas-insights/blog/imagining-the-next-100-years-of-science-and-technology/

  2. https://www.iop.org/about/iop-history/100th-anniversary/100-incredible-years/next-100-years

  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EJ-sR87QoY

  4. https://www.sciencenews.org/century/brains-future-neuroscience-memory-mind-network

  5. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240822125953.htm

  6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6939479/

  7. https://braininitiative.nih.gov/vision/nih-brain-initiative-reports/brain-2025-scientific-vision

  8. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/10-big-ideas-in-10-years-of-brain-science/

Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

This list generated possible ideas and questions in developing a subplot:

  1. How are AI models being constructed over time?

  2. How do memories change over time?

  3. Are memories less about keeping accurate historical records and more a tool for predicting the future?

  4. Criminal Justice: So how do we establish truth? Again focus on intent and actions. Character witnesses almost become meaningless.

  5. Do models embed “truths” into the human psyche, just like emotions were embedded?

  6. Are these “truths” basic understanding of math and physics?