Scientists believe that we are on the brink of a time when the process of "filling of brain with knowledge" will become as simple as the one showed in the sci-fi movie "The Matrix." They have developed a simulator which quickly fills the human brain with new information and allows it to quickly learn new skills. They feel confident that these are the first steps in their efforts to develop advanced software that will convert the reality into a system of fast acquiring of knowledge.

Neo, The Matrix protagonist, mastered kung-fu just a few seconds after the information about this martial art was "uploaded" into his brain. researchers at the california-based company Hughes Research Laboratories (HRL) claim to have discovered the way in which knowledge can be expanded in a similar way as in The Matrix, but for now, in a much smaller scale.

“Our system is one of the first of its kind. It’s a brain stimulation system. It sounds kind of sci-fi, but there’s large scientific basis for the development of our system" explained Dr. Matthew Phillips, Lead researcher at the Hughes Research Laboratories.

Experts of the company analyzed the electrical signals in the brain of trained pilot, and then inserted that data in subjects who are just learning to fly the plane in the simulator. The study, published in the journal "Frontiers in Human Neuroscience" showed that the subjects with the simulated brain via electrodes on their heads were 33 percent better in  piloting than those from the placebo group.

In this case, the researchers concentrated on the task of managing the aircraft, which requires a synergy of cognitive and motor performance.

"When you learn something, your brain physically changes. Connections are made and strengthened in a process called neuro-plasticity. It turns out that certain functions of the brain, like speech and memory, are located in very specific regions of the brain, about the size of your pinky,” Dr. Phillips said.

Dr. Matthews is convinced that we could use the stimulation of the brain in learning to drive, preparing for exams and learning the language.

Scientific research of new methods began in the first years of the 21st century, and the work of scientists today is based on these studies. They strive to personalize stimulation in the most efficient manner possible.