Earbud-like device claims to boost linguistic skills by zapping your ear

A small device that'zaps the ear' to trigger nerves in the brain that hold the key to learning languages has been developed and it could improve your language skills. The simple gadget dramatically improves the wearer's ability to learn new words, say the University of Pittsburgh team behind the research new development. The painless technique called tVNS (transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation) may also be applied to other forms of education beyond learning a new language. Electrical currents are sent through the ear and led to English speakers distinguishing Mandarin sounds more easily - and picked up some twice as quickly. It was achieved through precisely timed stimulation of the vagus nerve - the longest of the 12 cranial nerves connecting the brain to the rest of the body.