In January we got a new cat.  As a result of having night time feline visitors we decided to invest in a cat flap which scans the cat’s microchip and allows it to enter the house.  Just as you check out your goods in the supermarket the cat can check in!  I was unsure to start with but I must say this thing is one of the best purchases I have ever made, although checking in at a pricey £89!

I have always been a fan of microchips and used to think, perhaps controversially, that I would quite like to have one implanted in my own brain to make me a little bit cleverer!!

Then recently on the news I actually heard about people being implanted with microchips.

• Chip design giant ARM has teamed up with US researchers on a project to develop chips that can be implanted in the human brain, to help brain injury patients:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-39934506
• Meow-Ludo Disco Gamma Meow-Meow (yes, that’s his legal name) says he had his chip put under his skin by a professional piercer.  It enables him to access public transport: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/40429477/this-man-had-the-chip-from-his-travel-card-implanted-under-his-skin
• To watch an interesting video visit:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/technology-39982247/could-microchip-tagging-help-in-daily-life

But how ethical is this? Is it safe or potentially something which could be open to abuse?

Do you think microchip implants could assist with learning?  Could there be a place for them in the university of the future?

I think possibly, yes.