By thinking reader explore the brain's internal world

We think?

Addition, subtraction, test

Lie detector

[] Message: scientists, they are interested in the interpretation of the brain's internal non-verbal signals instead consciousness of language. However, previous research methods only for various acts of effect rather than the cause of these actions. Now, a "functional magnetic resonance statues system (fMRI)" technology will enable scientists to predict what people will do.

Explore the brain's internal world

The United Kingdom Government funded research project from London University's John Dylan • Hines by Dr. Currently, he is Leipzig human cognitive and Brain Science Research Center for experimental research of your own. Test content is forecasting a man decided on two numbers for the addition or subtraction. Test requirements for respondents who made prior decided, and then the addition or subtraction computer monitors will display two digits. When the respondents were on these two figures are arithmetic, fMRI systems will sweep second related brain signals. Scientists use these signals data inferred respondents in mind for the addition or subtraction. Results show that the inferred correct rate reached 70%.

The researchers adopted a "multiple variable recognition". This way you can make the computer software recognition and a variety silos for the activity that corresponds to the brain signals.

Dynamic prediction

One of the participants in research projects, London University neuroscientists grane-• Rhys professor said: "this study is significant. It will tell us when people decide to do something when the part of the brain, while at the same time in activities that will help us to study the operation mechanism of human consciousness. ”

Rhys believe this project will bring significant changes in Brain Science: a study of "we will be on brain activity before and after comparison study of steering dynamic forecasting. This will allow the research results of brain signals. Scientists on how to use brain signal command wheelchair driving and brain signal control computer interface is of great interest. Our research can make reading on the brain signals, would enable the human consciousness and direct interaction with the computer. ”

Study raises ethical concerns

This area of study will lead to a series of important ethical issues. Prof. Rhys pointed out: "there are already some can reveal human intent. For example, people believe the lie detector can reveal people tried to cover up the true intention. These techniques require strict ethical framework. We are also on this issue very carefully. The good news is that we are familiar with the old problem. ”

Researchers believe that they can even be reading people's abstract thinking. For example, the monitor can capture the "email" the intent of the brain signals. However, the problem now is that the business value of technology is not yet clear.