These findings also raise hope for improvement of clinical and technical applications. Already today the first steps are being made in easing the lives of paralyzed patients with computer-assisted prosthetic devices and so-called brain computer interfaces. These devices focus on reading out the movement the patient intends to – but is unable to – perform. Previous research has shown that patients can move artificial limbs or computer cursors purely by the power of their mind. The current research by Haynes and colleagues now opens up a completely new perspective.
That sounds great, but then check out this final paragraph of the story:
In future it will be possible to read even abstract thoughts and intentions out of patients’ brains. One day even the intention to “open the blue folder” or “reply to the email” could be picked up by brain scanners and turned into the appropriate action.
“In future it will be possible to read even abstract thoughts and intentions out of patients’ brains.” And sometime after that, they’ll be scanning people’s brains as they board an airplane to see if they intend to blow it up.
Mind-reading machines. The mind boggles.
I wonder if my computer knew I was going to type that?
