The most well known and simple example is an implanted magnet, which would alert you to magnetic fields (the trade-off being that you could never have an MRI).
Can’t we achieve the same objective by wearing a magnet ring or a magnet bracelet, without the serious downsides of having an implant?
I believe that having the magnet closer to your nerves gives you more sensation. the ability to sense if wires are live; the ability to feel the hum of a microwave or a laptop charger.
I know of someone who had one which was getting infected so he removed it; he described it as “like being blind” to be without it. (I can contact him and see if he can comment here if you are interested)
Him: Airports would be an issue, but it’s easy to prove the magnets are there and be on your way. I had a single N52 grade 3mmx1mm disk magnet in the 3rd finger of my left hand.
As far as MRI’s i was going to have a medical bracelet made, directing the doctor to a note that says “magnetic implants in fingers, please remove if MRI is necessary” or if I was going in myself, I’d just tell them. Then I’d keep the magnets and have them re-implanted later.
And I saw the guy with the ring. The sensation is nothing compared to an implant into the somatosensory nerve cluster.
me: Can you say more about what it felt like to have it?
him: That would be like describing blue to a blind person.
me: You still haven’t replaced it right? So what does it feel like to not have it now?
him: I’ve pretty much gone back to normal. It’s been over a year. I still need to find a viable coating.
Him: Implantation is still the best way. If i could get resourses, anesthesia, coated magnet, surgeon (so to speak), and enough downtime, i’d do it for study.
In related news—I ordered some magnetic rings. They arrived today. So far; no superpowers, however they are entertaining me. its quite comfortable to play with them, I suspect they would be good for someone with an ADD/ADHD/Tourettes type need to fidget as a focussed outlet for the energy.
I suspect that having them outside my skin will mean they are nowhere near as sensitive as internal magnets. So far I can pick up metal objects in funny ways, and don’t have any electric sense. Will post again soon with updates.
Also so far my technology has no problems with them. My phone has a sweet spot to know if the lid is closed, but I have yet to have big problems with that.
I’ve been wearing a magnetic ring for about 2 years (I think; can’t remember when I started), since I read the idea here on LW. It’s not really like an extra sense, but it’s fun to always have a magnet at hand. Some things that look like they should be attracted aren’t, and the other way around. So far the only magnetic field I’ve felt was at one of those anti-theft gates in a shop, that was cool. It can be practical too, if you’re working with little screws or bolts you can keep them on the ring. OTOH you have to be careful with hotel key cards. My ring is from here; I had another one before from somewhere else, but it fell on a stone floor and broke.
That seems a lot less of what current magnetic sensation implants can do. I interviewed one person who has one and he said he could feel when the fan of his computer was starting up and where wires in the wall are placed.
It’s not something that he reported but I haven’t asked directly.
I don’t think there would be problems with having a small amount of metal in your fingers. While medical implants are usually made with titanium that’s not magnetic and doesn’t register strongly airport equipment, it’s not something that should be an issue.
The main problem is the inability to have an MRI if you should need it in the future.
Can’t we achieve the same objective by wearing a magnet ring or a magnet bracelet, without the serious downsides of having an implant?
I believe that having the magnet closer to your nerves gives you more sensation. the ability to sense if wires are live; the ability to feel the hum of a microwave or a laptop charger.
I know of someone who had one which was getting infected so he removed it; he described it as “like being blind” to be without it. (I can contact him and see if he can comment here if you are interested)
I would be very interested in hearing about his experience, especially since I’d love to replicate something like this externally.
Him: Airports would be an issue, but it’s easy to prove the magnets are there and be on your way. I had a single N52 grade 3mmx1mm disk magnet in the 3rd finger of my left hand.
As far as MRI’s i was going to have a medical bracelet made, directing the doctor to a note that says “magnetic implants in fingers, please remove if MRI is necessary” or if I was going in myself, I’d just tell them. Then I’d keep the magnets and have them re-implanted later.
And I saw the guy with the ring. The sensation is nothing compared to an implant into the somatosensory nerve cluster.
me: Can you say more about what it felt like to have it?
him: That would be like describing blue to a blind person.
me: You still haven’t replaced it right? So what does it feel like to not have it now?
him: I’ve pretty much gone back to normal. It’s been over a year. I still need to find a viable coating.
What else would you like to ask him about?
Thanks! If still possible, I’d like to ask the following:
Who performed the insertion procedure? How long does it take to heal?
An N52 is very strong. Did you experience any unexpected negative side-effects while handling everyday objects (weight training, smartphones, et c.)?
Apart from the ring, have you tried achieving the same thing externally (i.e. without an implant)? Do you think it would be possible to “come close”?
him: “A body artist. It took about 3 weeks to close. Not sure on internal healing. A month, maybe.
Not really any issues. It stings a bit if you hold something too long. Pinches the skin between the object and the magnet.
You could try supergluing one to the side of the fingertip.”
Him: Implantation is still the best way. If i could get resourses, anesthesia, coated magnet, surgeon (so to speak), and enough downtime, i’d do it for study.
Me: why surgeon? going deep enough?
Him: Cleaner incision.
In related news—I ordered some magnetic rings. They arrived today. So far; no superpowers, however they are entertaining me. its quite comfortable to play with them, I suspect they would be good for someone with an ADD/ADHD/Tourettes type need to fidget as a focussed outlet for the energy.
I suspect that having them outside my skin will mean they are nowhere near as sensitive as internal magnets. So far I can pick up metal objects in funny ways, and don’t have any electric sense. Will post again soon with updates.
Also so far my technology has no problems with them. My phone has a sweet spot to know if the lid is closed, but I have yet to have big problems with that.
Are there any rings or bracelet for that on the market?
I’ve been wearing a magnetic ring for about 2 years (I think; can’t remember when I started), since I read the idea here on LW. It’s not really like an extra sense, but it’s fun to always have a magnet at hand. Some things that look like they should be attracted aren’t, and the other way around. So far the only magnetic field I’ve felt was at one of those anti-theft gates in a shop, that was cool. It can be practical too, if you’re working with little screws or bolts you can keep them on the ring. OTOH you have to be careful with hotel key cards. My ring is from here; I had another one before from somewhere else, but it fell on a stone floor and broke.
That seems a lot less of what current magnetic sensation implants can do. I interviewed one person who has one and he said he could feel when the fan of his computer was starting up and where wires in the wall are placed.
Does he have any problems at airports?
It’s not something that he reported but I haven’t asked directly.
I don’t think there would be problems with having a small amount of metal in your fingers. While medical implants are usually made with titanium that’s not magnetic and doesn’t register strongly airport equipment, it’s not something that should be an issue.
The main problem is the inability to have an MRI if you should need it in the future.
Magnetic implants are subcutaneous, if you really need an MRI, it’s easy to take them out (and put them back in later).