(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.