Brain implant could prevent sex attacks

Sexual predators could be prevented from carrying out attacks by a brain implant that detects a “moment of weakness”, then zaps them with electricity before they can act on their harmful impulses.

Scientists at Stanford University have discovered that the brain sends out a distinct signal in the seconds before a burst of impulsive behaviour.

The electrical activity occurs in the nucleus accumbens, the reward centre that reinforces survival-promoting actions like obtaining food or sex, by flooding the body with anticipatory pleasure. It is a feeling sometimes so intensive that it can override concerns about social consequences.

Scientists have discovered what the signal looks like and how it can be switched off. The researchers found that supplying a small electrical pulse to the nucleus accumbens as soon as the electrical signal occurs, prevents the impulsive behaviour.

The method could combat obesity, substance-abuse disorders, pathological gambling, sexual addiction and intermittent explosive disorder.