An iPlant is a brain implant that is in principle no different from today's deep brain stimulation implants, but which has not yet been developed for human use.

The iPlant would electronically regulate the release of monoamines in the brain, thus giving its user increased control over his or her motivation, mood, learning and creativity. Brain implants like this have been available for non-human animals for decades: for instance, they've been used to motivate rats to do heavy exercise and learn new behaviours.

iPlants could give people the motivation to perform difficult behaviours such as physical exercise, learning or research. They might also offer a more dynamic alternative to pharmacological modulators of monoamines, such as stimulants and antidepressants.

The development of the iPlant is discussed in detail at www.iPlant.eu.