Computer Program Reconstructs Heard Words From Brain Scans

sciencehabit writes "In a new study, neuroscientists connected a network of electrodes to the hearing centers of 15 patients' brains and recorded the brain activity while they listened to words like 'jazz' or 'Waldo.' They saw that each word generated its own unique pattern in the brain. So they developed two different computer programs that could reconstruct the words a patient heard just by analyzing his or her brain activity. Reconstructions from the better of the two programs were good enough that the researchers could accurately decipher the mystery word 80% to 90% percent of the time. Because there's evidence that the words we hear and the words we recall or imagine trigger similar brain processes, the study suggests scientists may one day be able to tune in to the words you're thinking."

Time to stop thinking in words.

[mosb1000]

I'm pretty sure those tin foil hats don't actually work.

Oh, the applications are endless!

[mark-t]

• Allow disabled people to use a computer without a keyboard
• Sending email or a text message without even having to use equipment like a cell phone (for example "call my lawyer, I'm being arrested for looking Arabic!").
• Technology enabled telepathy

Man... the 21st century is gonna be so cool!

Re:This is already secretly used on citizens

[Austerity Empowers]

And many of us have been trolling government computers by filling our heads with porn, funny imgur images, and an awful lot of of corporate angst. Take that uncle sam!

Re:Possible app...

[Ethanol-fueled]

Based on the articles (and other articles using "mind reading" for lie detection) the apparatus would have to be calibrated to each person.

So in 20 years, when the Department of Homeland Security conducts an involuntary "health and wellness" check for your residence, it would be in your best interests to think of something "out there," such as a transexual Asian prostitute shooting ping-pong balls out of her ass.

Then you could behave like Multiple Migs [youtube.com] and toss one off in their face.

Re:Oh, the applications are endless!

[__aavqan3009]

Or those who will use it for evil, to "prove" that a person was contemplating acts of terror or other crimes. We all know the police don`t have to be 100% sure to arrest suspects. If their "brainscanner" says 60% probability for the word bomb at the airport....

Oh no! Thought police...

[U8MyData]

We are f*cked, seriously. If this kind of thing gets out and is exploited for commercial or polical purposes there will not be enough room in the "hills" for everyone. I think my next career will be in techological responsibility and law. I don't need to remind anyone here that the "man" has finally taken ownership of policing technology. The day I have feared for most of my career is finally here.

No.

[Anonymous Coward]

Did anybody else think that this sort of technology could really help with detecting lies?

No. I thought it would be misused {and/or fake), produce the wrong results and innocent people would pay for the crimes of others.

I also thought that it would become another tool of the burgeoning american police state and good for the Jail Industrial complex.

Re:Possible app...

[tobiah]

Brains aren't the best place to seek truth

Jurassic Privacy

[ThatsNotPudding]

"Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could that they didn't stop to think if they should. "