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'Sex chip' designed to increase libido

By Suzannah Ramsdale on Tuesday 23 December 2008

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Marie Claire Features: Man, Sex

A 'sex chip', which would be implanted into the brain to increase sexual pleasure, is being developed by scientists.

The special chip will send tiny shocks to the orbitofrontal cortex – the part of the brain associated with enjoying sex and eating.

The technology was originally designed to help people with Parkinson's but, recently, researchers have shifted their attention to helping people who suffer from anhedonia – an inability to gain satisfaction from good food and a spot of rumpy pumpy.

'There is evidence that this chip will work,' said Neurosurgery professor Tipu Aziz.

'A few years ago a scientist implanted such a device into the brain of a woman with a low sex drive and turned her into a very sexually active woman. She didn't like the sudden change, so the wiring in her head was removed,' he added.

However, the current procedure involves surgery, which can be extremely 'intrusive and crude'.

'When the technology is improved, we can use deep brain stimulation in many new areas. It will be more subtle, with more control over the power so you may be able to turn the chip on and off when needed.'

'In 10 years' time the range of therapies available will be amazing – we don't know half the possibilities yet.'

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