May 29, 2013

Neuroscientists get yes-no answers via brain activity




(May 29, 2013)  Western researchers have used neuroimaging to read human thought via brain activity when they are conveying specific ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers.

Their findings were published today in The Journal of Neuroscience in a study titled, The Brain’s Silent Messenger: Using Selective Attention to Decode Human Thought for Brain-Based Communication.

According to lead researcher Lorina Naci, the interpretation of human thought from brain activity – without depending on speech or action – is one of the most provoking and challenging frontiers of modern neuroscience. Specifically, patients who are fully conscious and awake, yet, due to brain damage, are unable to show any behavioral responsivity, expose the limits of the neuromuscular system and the necessity for alternate forms of communication.

Participants were asked to concentrate on a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response to questions like “Are you married?” or “Do you have brothers and sisters?” and only think their response, not speak it.


journal reference (OPEN ACCESS) >>