Computers could soon have the ability to notice if the user is stressed and can artificially boost an individual’s brain function. Scientists are aiming to develop computers with functions that could be tailored to the user experience to monitor stress.

The new technology uses a technique called functional near infrared spectroscopy, or fNIRS. The technique uses two sensors on the scalp sending a harmless red light into the skull, which monitors blood vessels in the brain and identify the oxygen levels.

High levels of oxygen indicate the brain is being stressed. Scientists from the Tufts University want to use the technique to help improve the cognitive state of the brain when it appears to be flagging.

"We want to just crank [brain activity] up for a minute or two and then crank it down," lead researcher Rob Jacob told New Scientist. "We're looking for this very fine-grained control ... We're looking to measure you with fNIRS and, based on what we measure, slowly tweak this. It's a sort of two-way communication with the brain."

Initial tests of the system could involve people piloting virtual drones. The system will monitor the operator's concentration, which will apply a small boost of neuron activity when the concentration starts to decline.

The researchers said the technology is still at its early stages. However, ScienceAlert reported a research showing the technique may not be effective for everyone but the new technology could potentially be improved and refined.

"I think of the human and the computer as two powerful information processors connected by a narrow channel," Jacob said. "Our goal is to improve the bandwidth between the two."

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