Difference between revisions of "Thync"

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<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Released</th>
 
<th scope="row">Released</th>
<td>Developers: [[Released for developers in::June 2015]]
+
<td/>Consumers: [[Released for consumers::June 2015]]</td>
<br/>Consumers: [[Released for consumers::June 2015]]</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
  
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<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Operating system</th>
 
<th scope="row">Operating system</th>
<td>[[Operating system is::the Thync App on a compatible iOS 8 device (iPhone/iPod). Android App coming in 2015]]</td>
+
<td>[[Operating system is::iOS 8]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
  
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Sensors</th>
 
<th scope="row">Sensors</th>
<td>[[Has sensors::Bluetooth® 4.0 BLE, Single color LEDs indicate power, charge states and current status]]</td>
+
<td>[[Has sensors::Measuring brain waves]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
  
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Weight</th>
 
<th scope="row">Weight</th>
<td>[[Weights::Device: 18]] g</td>
+
<td>[[Weights::18]] g</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
  
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Controls</th>
 
<th scope="row">Controls</th>
<td>[[Controls are::the Thync App on a compatible iOS 8 device (iPhone/iPod). Android App coming in 2015]]</td>
+
<td>[[Controls are::the Thync App on the compatible iOS 8 devices (iPhone/iPod). Android App coming in 2015]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
  
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Data available</th>
 
<th scope="row">Data available</th>
<td>[[Data available are::October 2015]]</td>
+
<td>[[Data available are::Robust]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
  
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Risk factor</th>
 
<th scope="row">Risk factor</th>
<td>[[Possible hazard is::risk-free]]</td>
+
<td>[[Possible hazard is::Low]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
  
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</table>
 
</table>
  
Thync is a small triangular-shaped device that you put on the wearer's head. Headset then stimulates and activates nerves that you either relaxed or energized. Brain neurons remain intact, the device only released electrical impulses. The effect is to remind stimulation massages, only more focused on your head. Thync should help with sleep problems, for example, or the motivation to exercise, to replace the morning coffee and the like.<ref name="ref1">''Cdr.cz: Thync vypouští do světa headset, který skrz impulzy do mozku ovládá vaši náladu'' [online]. Copyright © 1998-2015 CDR server s.r.o. [retr. 16.10.2015]. ISSN 1213-2225. Available from: http://cdr.cz/clanek/zprava-thync-vypousti-do-sveta-headset-ktery-skrz-impulzy-do-mozku-ovlada-vasi-naladu</ref>
+
Thync is a small triangular shaped device, that puts on the wearer's head. Headset then stimulates and activates nerves, so the user can either relax or energize. Brain neurons remain intact, the device only released electrical impulses. The effect is to remind stimulation massages, only more focused on user's head.<ref name="ref1">Cdr.cz: ''Thync vypouští do světa headset, který skrz impulzy do mozku ovládá vaši náladu'' [online]. Copyright © 1998-2015 CDR server s.r.o. [retr. 16.10.2015]. ISSN 1213-2225. Available from: http://cdr.cz/clanek/zprava-thync-vypousti-do-sveta-headset-ktery-skrz-impulzy-do-mozku-ovlada-vasi-naladu</ref>
  
Thync itself is wireless, connecting to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth (it's iOS only at launch, with an Android app coming by the end of 2015). You control Thync from the official app, where you can choose the length of your session. You can also adjust the strength of the brain-zapping there (each program follows a pattern of greater and lesser intensity, with cycles of peaks and valleys, but you can also manually raise or lower the overall strength).<ref name="ref2">''Gizmac.com: Thync mood-changing wearable officially launches - we go hands on (again)'' [online]. All content copyright © Gizmag 2003 - 2015 [retr. 16.10.2015]. Available from: http://www.gizmag.com/thync-hands-on-2/37820/</ref>
+
Thync itself is wireless, connecting to the smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth (it's iOS only at launch, with an Android app coming by the end of 2015). Users can control Thync from the official app, where they can choose the length of the session. They can also adjust the strength of the brain-zapping there (each program follows a pattern of greater and lesser intensity, with cycles of peaks and valleys, but they can also manually raise or lower the overall strength).<ref name="ref2">Gizmac.com: ''Thync mood-changing wearable officially launches - we go hands on (again)'' [online]. All content copyright © Gizmag 2003 - 2015 [retr. 16.10.2015]. Available from: http://www.gizmag.com/thync-hands-on-2/37820/</ref>
  
The Company Thync was withdrawing for manufacturing of this device with the same name $ 13,000,000 in October 2014. From 02.06.2015 the equipment is already publicly available. You can buy it from the price of $ 299 (= 7300 CZK).”<ref name="ref1" />
+
The project Thync costs $ 13,000,000 and started from October 2014. From 02.06.2015 is the device already publicly available and its price is 299$
 +
(7 427,46 CZK to the 9.12.2015)).”<ref name="ref1" />
  
 
== Main characteristics ==
 
== Main characteristics ==
A soothing neck massage. A splash of cold water. A kiss from someone you love. Each action influences peripheral nerves in your head and face, signaling brain regions to change the way you feel. Thync works using the same pathways by delivering low-level electrical pulses to these nerves. Every day, your body balances the activity between your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic system is associated with a "fight or flight" response to help regulate your reaction to stress. The parasympathetic system counteracts stress to help you enter a relaxed "rest and digest" mode.<ref name="ref3">''Thync.com: Science/Technology'' [online]. Copyright 2015 Thync [retr. 20.10.2015]. Available from: http://www.thync.com/science-and-technology</ref>
+
Thync delivers low-level electrical pulses to the nerves in the regions of brain. In this way get to change of mood. The producer strictly describes, how to change the mood occurs: ''"Human body balances the activity between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic system is associated with a "fight or flight" response to help regulate his reaction to stress. The parasympathetic system counteracts stress to help his enter a relaxed "rest and digest" mode"''.<ref name="ref3">Thync.com: ''Science/Technology'' [online]. Copyright 2015 Thync [retr. 20.10.2015]. Available from: http://www.thync.com/science-and-technology</ref>
  
Thync uses neurosignaling to activate specific cranial and peripheral nerves to influence this balance and shift you to a state of calm or give you a boost of energy in minutes. Neurosignaling is the coupling of an energy waveform to a neural structure (receptor, nerve or brain tissue) to modulate its activity.
+
To the change of mood, Thync uses neurosignaling. Neurosignaling is on their website defined as follows: ''"Neurosignaling is the coupling of an energy waveform to a neural structure (receptor, nerve or brain tissue) to modulate its activity. Neurosignaling waveforms or Vibes consist of precise algorithms that bias activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, so that you can enjoy a shift into a more energetic or relaxed state. Neurosignaling builds upon the best features of long-standing tDCS and TENS techniques by using pulsed currents with lower-intensity and higher-frequency outputs delivered through bio-compatible materials for greater safety and comfort."''”<ref name="ref3" />
Neurosignaling waveforms or Vibes consist of precise algorithms that bias activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, so that you can enjoy a shift into a more energetic or relaxed state. Neurosignaling builds upon the best features of long-standing tDCS and TENS techniques by using pulsed currents with lower-intensity and higher-frequency outputs delivered through bio-compatible materials for greater safety and comfort.”<ref name="ref3" />
+
  
 
[[File:neurosignaling_block.png|thumb|right|alt=Neurosignaling technology that delivers signals to the brain through three neural pathways.|Neurosignaling technology that delivers signals to the brain through three neural pathways.]]
 
[[File:neurosignaling_block.png|thumb|right|alt=Neurosignaling technology that delivers signals to the brain through three neural pathways.|Neurosignaling technology that delivers signals to the brain through three neural pathways.]]
  
 
=== Purpose ===
 
=== Purpose ===
Thync is a wearable device that delivers the effects of either a sleeping pill or a double espresso, without any of the drawbacks, in just one 15-minute session.
+
Thync is a wearable device whose main purpose is to change the mood. Users can choose 2 modes: calm or energy. One session takes 15 minutes.
  
 
=== Company & People ===
 
=== Company & People ===
 
 
* Isy Goldwasser - CEO and Founder
 
* Isy Goldwasser - CEO and Founder
 
* Jamie Tyler Ph.D. - CSO and Founder
 
* Jamie Tyler Ph.D. - CSO and Founder
 
* Sumon Pal Ph.D. - Chief of Vibes
 
* Sumon Pal Ph.D. - Chief of Vibes
 
* Anil Thakur - CTO
 
* Anil Thakur - CTO
* Jason Egnal - VP, Digital Marketing & Commercial Operations<ref name="ref4">''Thync.com: About Us'' [online]. Copyright 2015 Thync [retr. 16.10.2015]. Available from: http://www.thync.com/about</ref>
+
* Jason Egnal - VP, Digital Marketing & Commercial Operations<ref name="ref4">Thync.com: ''About Us'' [online]. Copyright 2015 Thync [retr. 16.10.2015]. Available from: http://www.thync.com/about</ref>
 
   
 
   
 
== Important Dates ==
 
== Important Dates ==
 
 
 
* 2011 - Co-founding of Company Thync by experts in the fields of neurobiology, neuroscience and consumer electronics from institutions that include MIT, Harvard, and Stanford Universities.
 
* 2011 - Co-founding of Company Thync by experts in the fields of neurobiology, neuroscience and consumer electronics from institutions that include MIT, Harvard, and Stanford Universities.
 
* October 2014 - Beginning of the project Thync.
 
* October 2014 - Beginning of the project Thync.
Line 111: Line 107:
  
 
== Ethical Issues ==
 
== Ethical Issues ==
 +
So far there are known no ethical issues. In the future, but some may occur because it wasn't tested the long-term use of the device and it was only in 2015 released to the public.
  
  
  
 
== Health Risks ==
 
== Health Risks ==
 +
There have been no significant issues regarding Thync’s safety profile, according to the company. It's known that many people already engage in alcohol, drugs, and other activities due to stress, anxiety, and mood problems. Thync may allow for a safer way to alleviate these problems.<ref name="ref5">MedTech Boston: ''Testing Thync: A Calming, Energizing Personal Brain Modulator'' [online]. ©2013-2016 Medical Networking, Inc. [retr. 8.11.2015]. Available from: https://medtechboston.medstro.com/testing-thync-a-calming-energizing-personal-brain-modulator/</ref>
  
There have been no significant issues regarding Thync’s safety profile, according to the company. We do know that many people already engage in alcohol, drugs, and other activities due to stress, anxiety, and mood problems. Thync may allow for a safer way to alleviate these problems.<ref name="ref5">''MedTech Boston: Testing Thync: A Calming, Energizing Personal Brain Modulator'' [online]. ©2013-2016 Medical Networking, Inc. [retr. 8.11.2015]. Available from: https://medtechboston.medstro.com/testing-thync-a-calming-energizing-personal-brain-modulator/</ref>
+
On the safety of Thync producers commented like this: ''"he Thync System is a low-risk transdermal neurostimulation device intended for lifestyle use at home, work, or in wellness applications to temporarily induce mental relaxation or calmness or to temporarily increase energy, awareness, and alertness. The Thync system is a safe and low-risk device. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or medical condition."''”<ref name="ref3" />
  
However, the product is very new, so you can not assume that in the future no health risks to come. Although the technology of neural stimulation of the brain appears to be very dangerous, it is already commonly used for treatment of various diseases. For example:
+
As already stated above, the Thync uses TENS and TDCs techniques. ''"Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)is a non-invasive  analgesic technique that is used to relieve nociceptive, neuropathic, and musculoskeletal pain."<ref name="ref6"> JOHNSON, Mark. ''Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation'' [online]. Oxfords Journals, 2009. [retr. 10.12.2015]. Available from: http://ceaccp.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2009/06/26/bjaceaccp.mkp021.full.pdf+html</ref> Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) is characterized as ''"the most widely publically-marketed kind of brain stimulation device for cognitive enhancement."''”<ref name="ref7">MALEN, Hannah. DOUGLAS, Thomas. KADOSH, Roicohen. LEVY, Neil. SAVULESCU, Julian. ''"Mind Machines."'' Universtity of Oxford, 2014. [retr. 10.12.2015]. Available from: http://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/downloads/briefings/Mind_Machines.pdf.</ref>
  
''"Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the application of electric current through the skin to alleviate pain. Among the simple nonpharmacological means, combining psychological and somatic effects and helps reduce the need for analgesics. Most leads to relief of back pain in the suprapubic and perineal relief is smaller. Induces a placebo effect. TENS is a contraindication pacemaker."''<ref name="ref6">PORODNICE.CZ: Transkutánní elektrická nervová stimulace (TENS)'' [online]. Copyright (c) 2002-2015, Porodnice.cz [retr. 8.11.2015]. Available from: http://lekari.porodnice.cz/transkutanni-elektricka-nervova-stimulace-tens</ref>
+
Risk of these methods is wrong placement of electrodes. One people are right-handed, but other are left-handed. Reversing the polarity can be dangerous and can lead to impairment of brain. At best, it could mean ineffectiveness in producing enhancement.<ref name="ref7" /> The manufacter this device recommends that people suffering to Reflex Syncope should be consult their physician before purchasing a Thync System.<ref name="ref3" />
  
Another example is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Deep brain stimulation is based on the transmission of electrical impulses to the brain using thin electrodes. These lead to the neurostimulator which patients are implanted into the chest. Patients with Parkinson's disease, where failed all available therapies, there is a significant motor improvement. Similarly successful this method in patients with epilepsy, which greatly reduces the frequency of epileptic seizures. However tested in people with psychiatric disorders or obesity, said Milan Brázdil, head of the First Department of Neurology at the University Hospital St. Anna in Brno.<ref name="ref7">ČT24: "Na operace mozku jsme ideálně připraveni", říká Milan Brázdil [online]. © Česká televize 1996 – 2015 English [retr. 8.11.2015]. Available from: http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/ct24/archiv/1041312-na-operace-mozku-jsme-idealne-pripraveni-rika-milan-brazdil.</ref>  
+
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
 +
In addition to the device changing of mood, it should help with sleep problems,  reduce stress or the motivation to exercise. Producers also believe that as a result of introduction this device, the people could reduce consumption of coffee, alcohol and drugs.<ref name="ref8">TechCrunch: ''Hands-On With Thync's Mood-Altering Headset'' [online]. © 2013-2015 TechCrunch. [retr. 9.12.2015]. Available from: http://techcrunch.com/2015/06/02/hands-on-with-thyncs-mood-altering-headset/#.fdgpwg:JNRc</ref>
  
 +
It is necessary mention that Thync is not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or medical condition. Thync is only enhancement device.”<ref name="ref3" />
  
 +
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
 +
Apart from the fact, that the Thync company has its own website, facebook, twitter and youtube channel, there are the another web portals talking about Thync. One example of this is web portal Quora.com. Yates Buckeley (Computational Neuroscience)here wrote:
  
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
+
''"When released as a product Thync was explained to be a high frequency current stimulation. Research in this area is new so the mechanism (like most brain things) is not well understood."''<ref name="ref9">''Quora.com: What are the potential dangers of brain-zapping devices like Thync?'' [online]. Quora. com [retr. 8.11.2015]. Available from: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-potential-dangers-of-brain-zapping-devices-like-Thync</ref>
<!-- Describe in detail whether the technology aims to enhance human cognition, i.e. to improve human abilities beyond what is considered normal, and/or if it is also applicable as a form of treatment or therapy, i.e. it can serve to cure patients or restore abilities that do not perform as they would in a healthy person -->
+
  
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
+
The most frequently raised points of confusion:
<!-- Provide information about the impact the technology had on the public and how the technology is presented in the media or literature. If there was anything in the news regarding this technology, it should be noted and properly cited here. -->
+
 
 +
* most people find it relaxing
 +
* some do not / has some side effects
 +
* not well understood
 +
* long term use unclear
 +
* not a medical device”<ref name="ref9" />
 +
 
 +
Yates also points out that, the recent study found a slight decrease in IQ as a result of basic electrical stimulation and he is afraid of a possible associating with Thync:
 +
 
 +
''"I presume somehow it reset some connections. I have a slight concern Thync could have a similar effect but this is very hard to test."''”<ref name="ref9" />
 +
 
 +
TODO: http://www.digitaltrends.com/fitness-apparel-reviews/thync-review/
  
 
== Public Policy ==
 
== Public Policy ==
<!-- Information related to any regulations (law, patents, ISOs, government recommendations and so on.) -->
+
The FDA notified that with regard to its use and output characteristics, Thync is not subject to medical device regulations requiring pre-market clearance or approval.”<ref name="ref3" />
  
 
== Related Technologies, Project or Scientific Research ==
 
== Related Technologies, Project or Scientific Research ==
<!-- If there is any scientific research conducted or being conducted that is closely connected to this technology, it should be properly cited here. -->
+
Thync has also already conducted a studies with hundreds of participants, and their chief science officer Jamie Tyler, is a powerhouse researcher in neuromodulation (with publications in Nature, PLoS ONE, Neuron, and Brain Stimulation).  From the perspective of MedTech Boston, their responses were substantially better than those given by many other neurotech companies touting their wares on the convention floor of CES.<ref name="ref10">MedTech Boston: Testing Thync: A calming, energizing personal brain modulator [online]. MedTech Boston Medical ©2013-2016 [retr. 8.12.2015]. Available from: https://medtechboston.medstro.com/testing-thync-a-calming-energizing-personal-brain-modulator/</ref>
 +
 
 +
The company Thync published 2 studies that are conceerned with their product. First study is called ''"The tolerability of
 +
transcranial electrical stimulation used across extended periods in a naturalistic context by healthy individuals."''. This study examined the safety and tolerability of device. The research involved 100 healthy individuals (63% males and 37% female). It was conducted and observed a total of 1905 treatment sessions (sham= 636, tDCS= 623, and tPCS= 646) on a total of 100 subjects (sham= 37, tDCS= 33, and tPCS= 30). No severe adverse events were reported. Between or during the sessions rarely occured atypical discomfort,eheadache or migraine or skin condition.<ref name="ref11">PANERI, Bhascar. ''"The tolerability of transcranial electrical stimulation used across extended periods in a naturalistic context by healthy individuals."'' [online]. New York : The City College of New York, 2015. [retr. 10.12.2015]. Available from: http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/432410/documents/peerJ.pdf?t=1447979598033</ref>
 +
 
 +
The second study is called ''"Transdermal neuromodulation of noradrenergic activity suppresses psychophysiological and biochemical stress responses in humans"'' and tested impact of Neurosignaling on participants. The study is very extensive because I write only the result. The data showed that ''"TEN can significantly dampen basal sympathetic tone compared to sham in a manner sufficient to modulate emotional thermoregulation as reflected in temperature changes
 +
of the face."''<ref name="ref12">TYLER, Wiliam J. BOASSO, Alyssa M. MORTIMORE, Hailey M. SILVA, Rhonda S. CHARLESWORTH, Jonathan D. MARLIN, Michelle A. AEBERSOLD, Kirsten. AVEN, Linh. WETMORE, Daniel Z. SUMON, K. Pal ''"Transdermal neuromodulation of noradrenergic activity suppresses psychophysiological and biochemical stress responses in humans"'' [online]. Boston : Scientific reports, 2015. ISSN 2045-2322 [retr. 10.12.2015]. Available from: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep13865#references</ref>
 +
 
 +
 
  
 
<small>
 
<small>
Line 147: Line 167:
 
[[Category:Head Mounted Devices]]
 
[[Category:Head Mounted Devices]]
 
[[Category:Other Head-mounted Devices]]
 
[[Category:Other Head-mounted Devices]]
[[Category:Brain stimulation]]
+
[[Category:Brain Stimulation]]
[[Category:Transcranial direct-current stimulation]]
+

Latest revision as of 08:49, 22 March 2016

Thync
Thync.jpg
Category Other Head-mounted Devices
Developer Thync
Announced October 2014
Released Consumers: June 2015
Price 299 USD (2015)
Operating system iOS 8
Sensors Measuring brain waves
Weight 18 g
Controls the Thync App on the compatible iOS 8 devices (iPhone/iPod). Android App coming in 2015
Data available Robust
Risk factor Low
Not standalone[1]
http://www.thync.com/

Thync is a small triangular shaped device, that puts on the wearer's head. Headset then stimulates and activates nerves, so the user can either relax or energize. Brain neurons remain intact, the device only released electrical impulses. The effect is to remind stimulation massages, only more focused on user's head.[2]

Thync itself is wireless, connecting to the smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth (it's iOS only at launch, with an Android app coming by the end of 2015). Users can control Thync from the official app, where they can choose the length of the session. They can also adjust the strength of the brain-zapping there (each program follows a pattern of greater and lesser intensity, with cycles of peaks and valleys, but they can also manually raise or lower the overall strength).[3]

The project Thync costs $ 13,000,000 and started from October 2014. From 02.06.2015 is the device already publicly available and its price is 299$ (7 427,46 CZK to the 9.12.2015)).”[2]

Main characteristics

Thync delivers low-level electrical pulses to the nerves in the regions of brain. In this way get to change of mood. The producer strictly describes, how to change the mood occurs: "Human body balances the activity between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic system is associated with a "fight or flight" response to help regulate his reaction to stress. The parasympathetic system counteracts stress to help his enter a relaxed "rest and digest" mode".[4]

To the change of mood, Thync uses neurosignaling. Neurosignaling is on their website defined as follows: "Neurosignaling is the coupling of an energy waveform to a neural structure (receptor, nerve or brain tissue) to modulate its activity. Neurosignaling waveforms or Vibes consist of precise algorithms that bias activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, so that you can enjoy a shift into a more energetic or relaxed state. Neurosignaling builds upon the best features of long-standing tDCS and TENS techniques by using pulsed currents with lower-intensity and higher-frequency outputs delivered through bio-compatible materials for greater safety and comfort."[4]

Neurosignaling technology that delivers signals to the brain through three neural pathways.
Neurosignaling technology that delivers signals to the brain through three neural pathways.

Purpose

Thync is a wearable device whose main purpose is to change the mood. Users can choose 2 modes: calm or energy. One session takes 15 minutes.

Company & People

  • Isy Goldwasser - CEO and Founder
  • Jamie Tyler Ph.D. - CSO and Founder
  • Sumon Pal Ph.D. - Chief of Vibes
  • Anil Thakur - CTO
  • Jason Egnal - VP, Digital Marketing & Commercial Operations[5]

Important Dates

  • 2011 - Co-founding of Company Thync by experts in the fields of neurobiology, neuroscience and consumer electronics from institutions that include MIT, Harvard, and Stanford Universities.
  • October 2014 - Beginning of the project Thync.
  • June 2015 - start selling the device Thync.”[5]

Ethical Issues

So far there are known no ethical issues. In the future, but some may occur because it wasn't tested the long-term use of the device and it was only in 2015 released to the public.


Health Risks

There have been no significant issues regarding Thync’s safety profile, according to the company. It's known that many people already engage in alcohol, drugs, and other activities due to stress, anxiety, and mood problems. Thync may allow for a safer way to alleviate these problems.[6]

On the safety of Thync producers commented like this: "he Thync System is a low-risk transdermal neurostimulation device intended for lifestyle use at home, work, or in wellness applications to temporarily induce mental relaxation or calmness or to temporarily increase energy, awareness, and alertness. The Thync system is a safe and low-risk device. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or medical condition."[4]

As already stated above, the Thync uses TENS and TDCs techniques. "Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)is a non-invasive analgesic technique that is used to relieve nociceptive, neuropathic, and musculoskeletal pain."[7] Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) is characterized as "the most widely publically-marketed kind of brain stimulation device for cognitive enhancement."[8]

Risk of these methods is wrong placement of electrodes. One people are right-handed, but other are left-handed. Reversing the polarity can be dangerous and can lead to impairment of brain. At best, it could mean ineffectiveness in producing enhancement.”[8] The manufacter this device recommends that people suffering to Reflex Syncope should be consult their physician before purchasing a Thync System.”[4]

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

In addition to the device changing of mood, it should help with sleep problems, reduce stress or the motivation to exercise. Producers also believe that as a result of introduction this device, the people could reduce consumption of coffee, alcohol and drugs.[9]

It is necessary mention that Thync is not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or medical condition. Thync is only enhancement device.”[4]

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

Apart from the fact, that the Thync company has its own website, facebook, twitter and youtube channel, there are the another web portals talking about Thync. One example of this is web portal Quora.com. Yates Buckeley (Computational Neuroscience)here wrote:

"When released as a product Thync was explained to be a high frequency current stimulation. Research in this area is new so the mechanism (like most brain things) is not well understood."[10]

The most frequently raised points of confusion:

  • most people find it relaxing
  • some do not / has some side effects
  • not well understood
  • long term use unclear
  • not a medical device”[10]

Yates also points out that, the recent study found a slight decrease in IQ as a result of basic electrical stimulation and he is afraid of a possible associating with Thync:

"I presume somehow it reset some connections. I have a slight concern Thync could have a similar effect but this is very hard to test."[10]

TODO: http://www.digitaltrends.com/fitness-apparel-reviews/thync-review/

Public Policy

The FDA notified that with regard to its use and output characteristics, Thync is not subject to medical device regulations requiring pre-market clearance or approval.”[4]

Related Technologies, Project or Scientific Research

Thync has also already conducted a studies with hundreds of participants, and their chief science officer Jamie Tyler, is a powerhouse researcher in neuromodulation (with publications in Nature, PLoS ONE, Neuron, and Brain Stimulation). From the perspective of MedTech Boston, their responses were substantially better than those given by many other neurotech companies touting their wares on the convention floor of CES.[11]

The company Thync published 2 studies that are conceerned with their product. First study is called "The tolerability of transcranial electrical stimulation used across extended periods in a naturalistic context by healthy individuals.". This study examined the safety and tolerability of device. The research involved 100 healthy individuals (63% males and 37% female). It was conducted and observed a total of 1905 treatment sessions (sham= 636, tDCS= 623, and tPCS= 646) on a total of 100 subjects (sham= 37, tDCS= 33, and tPCS= 30). No severe adverse events were reported. Between or during the sessions rarely occured atypical discomfort,eheadache or migraine or skin condition.[12]

The second study is called "Transdermal neuromodulation of noradrenergic activity suppresses psychophysiological and biochemical stress responses in humans" and tested impact of Neurosignaling on participants. The study is very extensive because I write only the result. The data showed that "TEN can significantly dampen basal sympathetic tone compared to sham in a manner sufficient to modulate emotional thermoregulation as reflected in temperature changes of the face."[13]


References

  1. Shows if the device is a standalone wearable computer or if it needs to be connected to a processing unit to function.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Cdr.cz: Thync vypouští do světa headset, který skrz impulzy do mozku ovládá vaši náladu [online]. Copyright © 1998-2015 CDR server s.r.o. [retr. 16.10.2015]. ISSN 1213-2225. Available from: http://cdr.cz/clanek/zprava-thync-vypousti-do-sveta-headset-ktery-skrz-impulzy-do-mozku-ovlada-vasi-naladu
  3. Gizmac.com: Thync mood-changing wearable officially launches - we go hands on (again) [online]. All content copyright © Gizmag 2003 - 2015 [retr. 16.10.2015]. Available from: http://www.gizmag.com/thync-hands-on-2/37820/
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Thync.com: Science/Technology [online]. Copyright 2015 Thync [retr. 20.10.2015]. Available from: http://www.thync.com/science-and-technology
  5. 5.0 5.1 Thync.com: About Us [online]. Copyright 2015 Thync [retr. 16.10.2015]. Available from: http://www.thync.com/about
  6. MedTech Boston: Testing Thync: A Calming, Energizing Personal Brain Modulator [online]. ©2013-2016 Medical Networking, Inc. [retr. 8.11.2015]. Available from: https://medtechboston.medstro.com/testing-thync-a-calming-energizing-personal-brain-modulator/
  7. JOHNSON, Mark. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [online]. Oxfords Journals, 2009. [retr. 10.12.2015]. Available from: http://ceaccp.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2009/06/26/bjaceaccp.mkp021.full.pdf+html
  8. 8.0 8.1 MALEN, Hannah. DOUGLAS, Thomas. KADOSH, Roicohen. LEVY, Neil. SAVULESCU, Julian. "Mind Machines." Universtity of Oxford, 2014. [retr. 10.12.2015]. Available from: http://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/downloads/briefings/Mind_Machines.pdf.
  9. TechCrunch: Hands-On With Thync's Mood-Altering Headset [online]. © 2013-2015 TechCrunch. [retr. 9.12.2015]. Available from: http://techcrunch.com/2015/06/02/hands-on-with-thyncs-mood-altering-headset/#.fdgpwg:JNRc
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 Quora.com: What are the potential dangers of brain-zapping devices like Thync? [online]. Quora. com [retr. 8.11.2015]. Available from: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-potential-dangers-of-brain-zapping-devices-like-Thync
  11. MedTech Boston: Testing Thync: A calming, energizing personal brain modulator [online]. MedTech Boston Medical ©2013-2016 [retr. 8.12.2015]. Available from: https://medtechboston.medstro.com/testing-thync-a-calming-energizing-personal-brain-modulator/
  12. PANERI, Bhascar. "The tolerability of transcranial electrical stimulation used across extended periods in a naturalistic context by healthy individuals." [online]. New York : The City College of New York, 2015. [retr. 10.12.2015]. Available from: http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/432410/documents/peerJ.pdf?t=1447979598033
  13. TYLER, Wiliam J. BOASSO, Alyssa M. MORTIMORE, Hailey M. SILVA, Rhonda S. CHARLESWORTH, Jonathan D. MARLIN, Michelle A. AEBERSOLD, Kirsten. AVEN, Linh. WETMORE, Daniel Z. SUMON, K. Pal "Transdermal neuromodulation of noradrenergic activity suppresses psychophysiological and biochemical stress responses in humans" [online]. Boston : Scientific reports, 2015. ISSN 2045-2322 [retr. 10.12.2015]. Available from: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep13865#references