At times, his opinions sound purely like science fiction – but he's convinced that these are developments we'll see not just in the distant future, but by the end of the century.

Of particular interest is the ability to implant memories, much like the technology seen in the film Total Recall.

'First of all, someone goes on vacation before you, and pleasant memories such as walking on the seashore and picking up rocks are put on a disc,' Dr Kaku told MailOnline.

'Then they're uploaded into your own mind; relax, and there you are at the beach.

'Feel the wind at your face, hear the sound of the waves, all the sensations – you'll have a memory of a very nice walk on the beach in some exotic location, that's what this person before you felt.

'These things are within the realms of possibility – it's only a matter of time.'

Visionary: Dr Kaku is best known for his expertise in theoretical physics but his latest book takes a look at how rapid advancements could bring about huge changes in how we understand – and use – our brains

All this will be made possible by significant advancements in our understanding of the brain.

As Dr Kaku points out, we have learned more about the brain in the last 15 years than we have in the rest of human history.

And crucially, our knowledge of the map of neural connections in the brain, known as the connectome, is rapidly improving.

This is thanks to machines such as MRI scanners that can see which parts of the brain light up as a person performs different activities.

'In the short term, we're going to be able to connect our minds to computers, so that we'll be able to control exoskeletons,' he said.

'We'll be able to perform primitive forms of telepathy, we'll eventually record memories, and then Alzheimer's patients will be able to push a button and memories will flood in.

'Beyond that, the Internet will be replaced by the 'Brain-net', where you can convey emotions and memories rather than just text.'