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Anonymous
Additional sensory input to the brain is definitely possible (by technic means). It is possible to embed electrodes in the brain, that one can adapt to use. AFAIK this has been used already, however only few electrodes were embedded, which could then be used to, e.g. turn the lights on and off. The subject has to adapt to use these connections, but after adaptation it becomes natural, like moving your hand. You don't have to concentrate on doing that, you just do. Prostetic arms can be hooked up to the original nerves for control. This does not use additional "senses", but it requires similar adaptation. There is another project for blind people, where a camera is hooked up to a matrix of actuators that the subject places on his tongue. The resolution is quite limited, but after some training it is possible to distinguish shapes, etc. When technology advances, we might be able to make a direct interface to the brain to all kinds of sensory input.
Regarding the sonar sensing of whales and bats, there is a blind man who makes clicking noises and can sense obstacles from the echo.
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