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What Do These Following Lab Reports Indicate?
Question: To the neurologist:
In these reports http://www.cbsnews.com/news/reading-my-mind/, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-technology-may-soon-read-your-mind/ a woman is shown a series of pictures and told to think about the object whilst her brain activity is recorded in an FMRI machine. With this data, they are able to tell what she is thinking about. The articles clearly state that when someone thinks of, say, a hammer, or any other object for that matter, the brain activity surrounding this object are nearly identical from person to person, and can be read.
1. Most of the research that I've done contradicts this information and instead points to everyone's brain working differently and that personal algorithms are needed for each individual separately in order for their thoughts to be identified. Is this true?
2. When it says that the 'thoughts' were nearly identical from person to person, was it talking about the actual thought about the hammer, or just the general area of the brain that became activated when tools like hammers and screwdrivers we're thought of?
3. (This is really important) If I were to go into an FMRI machine and randomly think of a hammer without any prior brain recordings, could they tell I was thinking of a hammer based on other people's pre-existing scans? Or would I need to have my brain already scanned for them to know I was thinking of it? Why or why not?
4. In the nearby future, could people use this to read complex thoughts? Why or why not?
In these reports http://www.cbsnews.com/news/reading-my-mind/, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-technology-may-soon-read-your-mind/ a woman is shown a series of pictures and told to think about the object whilst her brain activity is recorded in an FMRI machine. With this data, they are able to tell what she is thinking about. The articles clearly state that when someone thinks of, say, a hammer, or any other object for that matter, the brain activity surrounding this object are nearly identical from person to person, and can be read.
1. Most of the research that I've done contradicts this information and instead points to everyone's brain working differently and that personal algorithms are needed for each individual separately in order for their thoughts to be identified. Is this true?
2. When it says that the 'thoughts' were nearly identical from person to person, was it talking about the actual thought about the hammer, or just the general area of the brain that became activated when tools like hammers and screwdrivers we're thought of?
3. (This is really important) If I were to go into an FMRI machine and randomly think of a hammer without any prior brain recordings, could they tell I was thinking of a hammer based on other people's pre-existing scans? Or would I need to have my brain already scanned for them to know I was thinking of it? Why or why not?
4. In the nearby future, could people use this to read complex thoughts? Why or why not?
Brief Answer:
I have answered all your questions
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help you.
Q1
Most of the research that I've done contradicts this information and instead points to everyone's brain working differently and that personal algorithms are needed for each individual separately in order for their thoughts to be identified. Is this true?
A1
This is a new research initiative in which they say that they can even find some common features in Activities of brain when a person thinks about certain objects
Q2
When it says that the 'thoughts' were nearly identical from person to person, was it talking about the actual thought about the hammer, or just the general area of the brain that became activated when tools like hammers and screwdrivers we're thought of?
A2
They are talking about both the area which gets activated with hammers and screwdrivers are thought of
Q3
(This is really important) If I were to go into an FMRI machine and randomly think of a hammer without any prior brain recordings, could they tell I was thinking of a hammer based on other people's pre-existing scans? Or would I need to have my brain already scanned for them to know I was thinking of it? Why or why not?
A3
The answer is here > <<Inside the scanner, XXXXXXX was shown a series of ten items and asked to think for a few seconds about each one.
"If it all comes out right, when she's thinking 'hammer,' the computer will know she's thinking 'hammer'?" Stahl asked.
"Right," XXXXXXX replied.
Within minutes, the computer, unaware of what pictures XXXXXXX had been shown and working only from her brain activity patterns as read out by the scanner, was ready to tell us, in its own voice, what it believed was the first object XXXXXXX had been thinking about.
The computer correctly analyzed the first three words - knife, hammer, and window, and aced the rest as well. >>
Q4
In the nearby future, could people use this to read complex thoughts? Why or why not?
A4
Not in near future. It will take another 10 years at least to read complex thoughts. Because computers are increasing in speed and memory, we can have a lot of data mapped and that can be used for comparison
Hope you found the answers helpful.
If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
-oOo-
PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback.
PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno
I have answered all your questions
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help you.
Q1
Most of the research that I've done contradicts this information and instead points to everyone's brain working differently and that personal algorithms are needed for each individual separately in order for their thoughts to be identified. Is this true?
A1
This is a new research initiative in which they say that they can even find some common features in Activities of brain when a person thinks about certain objects
Q2
When it says that the 'thoughts' were nearly identical from person to person, was it talking about the actual thought about the hammer, or just the general area of the brain that became activated when tools like hammers and screwdrivers we're thought of?
A2
They are talking about both the area which gets activated with hammers and screwdrivers are thought of
Q3
(This is really important) If I were to go into an FMRI machine and randomly think of a hammer without any prior brain recordings, could they tell I was thinking of a hammer based on other people's pre-existing scans? Or would I need to have my brain already scanned for them to know I was thinking of it? Why or why not?
A3
The answer is here > <<Inside the scanner, XXXXXXX was shown a series of ten items and asked to think for a few seconds about each one.
"If it all comes out right, when she's thinking 'hammer,' the computer will know she's thinking 'hammer'?" Stahl asked.
"Right," XXXXXXX replied.
Within minutes, the computer, unaware of what pictures XXXXXXX had been shown and working only from her brain activity patterns as read out by the scanner, was ready to tell us, in its own voice, what it believed was the first object XXXXXXX had been thinking about.
The computer correctly analyzed the first three words - knife, hammer, and window, and aced the rest as well. >>
Q4
In the nearby future, could people use this to read complex thoughts? Why or why not?
A4
Not in near future. It will take another 10 years at least to read complex thoughts. Because computers are increasing in speed and memory, we can have a lot of data mapped and that can be used for comparison
Hope you found the answers helpful.
If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
-oOo-
PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback.
PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
This is Kayla's mother, XXXXXXX She asked the question, but I sent it to you. Your answer isnt helpful , because it will fuel her extreme paranoia about people being able to read her thoughts. She was hoping you would tell her that no one would be able to tell her what she's thinking based on other peoples brain patterns. She needs to know that no one will ever be able to read her thoughts. If that happens we will have no privacy whatsoever. Would a person have to be shown pics while having their brain analyzed in order for a computer to tell what they are thinking? She will lose all hope for life if she knows that someone will someday be able to read her thoughts. She has been hospitalized 4 times in 6 months because she is so paranoid that people will be able to read her thoughts. Please help her understand that everyone's brain is different and just because they know what one persons brain is thinking, doesn't mean they will be able to tell what another person thinks if that persons brain waves have similar patterns.
The answers to the questions were confusing. Her question was "can a computer tell us what we are thinking if we have never had a scan. In other words, one person is shown a hammer among other pics while their brain is scanned and the brains patterns for each pic recorded. . Then later when shown the same pics are shown, because the computer recorded the brain patterns, it can tell which pic the person is seeing. But is a new person was shown the pic without their brain being scanned and brain patterns recorded, could they tell what that person was thinking (the2nd person) by using the brain scan of the first person? She needs to know that no one will ever be able to read her mind without the aid of a computer.
The answers to the questions were confusing. Her question was "can a computer tell us what we are thinking if we have never had a scan. In other words, one person is shown a hammer among other pics while their brain is scanned and the brains patterns for each pic recorded. . Then later when shown the same pics are shown, because the computer recorded the brain patterns, it can tell which pic the person is seeing. But is a new person was shown the pic without their brain being scanned and brain patterns recorded, could they tell what that person was thinking (the2nd person) by using the brain scan of the first person? She needs to know that no one will ever be able to read her mind without the aid of a computer.
Brief Answer:
If she does not want others to know what she thinks, ask her to avoid fMRI
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Welcome Back
Q1
This is Kayla's mother, XXXXXXX She asked the question, but I sent it to you. Your answer isnt helpful , because it will fuel her extreme paranoia about people being able to read her thoughts. She was hoping you would tell her that no one would be able to tell her what she's thinking based on other peoples brain patterns.
A1
Just because the answer is not what you like, you cannot say that it is not helpful
The answer is of course helpful, but it is not what you like
Please be kind enough to note that I can tell only what the science says.
I cannot tell what you like
This is applicable to all your questions to a doctor. When you ask a question, you have to be prepared for any answer. Just because you receive an answer which you do not like, don't label it as not helpful
Q2
She needs to know that no one will ever be able to read her thoughts. If that happens we will have no privacy whatsoever. Would a person have to be shown pics while having their brain analyzed in order for a computer to tell what they are thinking?
A2
As long as she does not sit inside a FMRI, no one can read her thoughts
If you want privacy, avoid FMRI. It is very simple
If she does not want others to know what she thinks, ask her not to sit inside a fMRI
Q3
She will lose all hope for life if she knows that someone will someday be able to read her thoughts. She has been hospitalized 4 times in 6 months because she is so paranoid that people will be able to read her thoughts. Please help her understand that everyone's brain is different and just because they know what one persons brain is thinking, doesn't mean they will be able to tell what another person thinks if that persons brain waves have similar patterns.
A3
I do know that every one's brain is different
This is not about Brain Waves
This is about FMRI
Brain waves and FMRI are totally different
If she does not want others to know what she thinks, ask her not to sit inside a fMRI
Very Simple
Q4
The answers to the questions were confusing. Her question was "can a computer tell us what we are thinking if we have never had a scan.
A4
No. The answer is very clear. The answer is not at all confusing
Your question was " If I were to go into an FMRI machine and randomly think of a hammer without any prior brain recordings, "
Answer was given for this question
If you never had a scan, the computer will not tell what you are thinking
If you have a scan, computer will tell
Q5
But is a new person was shown the pic without their brain being scanned and brain patterns recorded, could they tell what that person was thinking (the2nd person) by using the brain scan of the first person? She needs to know that no one will ever be able to read her mind without the aid of a computer.
A5
Computer can tell what she is thinking only if she undergoes the scan
If she does not undergo the scan, computer cannot find out what she is thinking
If you were not scanned, the computer will not tell what you are thinking
If she does not want others to know what she thinks, ask her not to sit inside a fMRI
Very Simple
If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
-oOo-
PS 1 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno
If she does not want others to know what she thinks, ask her to avoid fMRI
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Welcome Back
Q1
This is Kayla's mother, XXXXXXX She asked the question, but I sent it to you. Your answer isnt helpful , because it will fuel her extreme paranoia about people being able to read her thoughts. She was hoping you would tell her that no one would be able to tell her what she's thinking based on other peoples brain patterns.
A1
Just because the answer is not what you like, you cannot say that it is not helpful
The answer is of course helpful, but it is not what you like
Please be kind enough to note that I can tell only what the science says.
I cannot tell what you like
This is applicable to all your questions to a doctor. When you ask a question, you have to be prepared for any answer. Just because you receive an answer which you do not like, don't label it as not helpful
Q2
She needs to know that no one will ever be able to read her thoughts. If that happens we will have no privacy whatsoever. Would a person have to be shown pics while having their brain analyzed in order for a computer to tell what they are thinking?
A2
As long as she does not sit inside a FMRI, no one can read her thoughts
If you want privacy, avoid FMRI. It is very simple
If she does not want others to know what she thinks, ask her not to sit inside a fMRI
Q3
She will lose all hope for life if she knows that someone will someday be able to read her thoughts. She has been hospitalized 4 times in 6 months because she is so paranoid that people will be able to read her thoughts. Please help her understand that everyone's brain is different and just because they know what one persons brain is thinking, doesn't mean they will be able to tell what another person thinks if that persons brain waves have similar patterns.
A3
I do know that every one's brain is different
This is not about Brain Waves
This is about FMRI
Brain waves and FMRI are totally different
If she does not want others to know what she thinks, ask her not to sit inside a fMRI
Very Simple
Q4
The answers to the questions were confusing. Her question was "can a computer tell us what we are thinking if we have never had a scan.
A4
No. The answer is very clear. The answer is not at all confusing
Your question was " If I were to go into an FMRI machine and randomly think of a hammer without any prior brain recordings, "
Answer was given for this question
If you never had a scan, the computer will not tell what you are thinking
If you have a scan, computer will tell
Q5
But is a new person was shown the pic without their brain being scanned and brain patterns recorded, could they tell what that person was thinking (the2nd person) by using the brain scan of the first person? She needs to know that no one will ever be able to read her mind without the aid of a computer.
A5
Computer can tell what she is thinking only if she undergoes the scan
If she does not undergo the scan, computer cannot find out what she is thinking
If you were not scanned, the computer will not tell what you are thinking
If she does not want others to know what she thinks, ask her not to sit inside a fMRI
Very Simple
If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
-oOo-
PS 1 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
If you go into an fmri, of course your brain is going to be scanned. And once again, that doesn't answer my question. I will quote from the article if need be:
"Are you saying that if you think of a hammer, that your brain is identical to my brain when I think of a hammer?" Stahl asked.
"Not identical. We have idiosyncrasies. Maybe I've had a bad experience with a hammer and you haven't, but it's close enough to identify each other's thoughts."
So, let's say this person is right. People's brains are close enough to tell that the other person is thinking of a hammer. My question is, after having one person think of a hammer, is it possible that when every other person in the world thinks of a hammer, that thought can be identified without having been scanned first? So if I were to go into an fmri and have my brain scanned for another reason that did not include thinking of a hammer, would they be like, "oh, this person is thinking of a hammer. I know because we had someone else come in here and think of a hammer a couple weeks ago." Or would I literally have to have my brain scanned when I thought of a hammer first?
I will give you two answers to choose from to make it easy. Of course, an explanation would be nice, too.
A. No, they would not be able to tell that you were thinking of a hammer based on the data of someone else's brain, unless you got your own brain scanned first.
B. Yes, they could tell you were thinking of a hammer because apparently everyone's brain is similar enough to do so.
Please choose one or the other.
"Are you saying that if you think of a hammer, that your brain is identical to my brain when I think of a hammer?" Stahl asked.
"Not identical. We have idiosyncrasies. Maybe I've had a bad experience with a hammer and you haven't, but it's close enough to identify each other's thoughts."
So, let's say this person is right. People's brains are close enough to tell that the other person is thinking of a hammer. My question is, after having one person think of a hammer, is it possible that when every other person in the world thinks of a hammer, that thought can be identified without having been scanned first? So if I were to go into an fmri and have my brain scanned for another reason that did not include thinking of a hammer, would they be like, "oh, this person is thinking of a hammer. I know because we had someone else come in here and think of a hammer a couple weeks ago." Or would I literally have to have my brain scanned when I thought of a hammer first?
I will give you two answers to choose from to make it easy. Of course, an explanation would be nice, too.
A. No, they would not be able to tell that you were thinking of a hammer based on the data of someone else's brain, unless you got your own brain scanned first.
B. Yes, they could tell you were thinking of a hammer because apparently everyone's brain is similar enough to do so.
Please choose one or the other.
Brief Answer:
Apparently everyone's brain is similar enough to do so.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Welcome Back
Q1
My question is, after having one person think of a hammer, is it possible that when every other person in the world thinks of a hammer, that thought can be identified without having been scanned first? So if I were to go into an fmri and have my brain scanned for another reason that did not include thinking of a hammer, would they be like, "oh, this person is thinking of a hammer. I know because we had someone else come in here and think of a hammer a couple weeks ago." Or would I literally have to have my brain scanned when I thought of a hammer first?
A1
B. Yes, they could tell you were thinking of a hammer because apparently everyone's brain is similar enough to do so.
Explanation
<<
60 Minutes asked if his team was up for a challenge: would they take associate producer XXXXXXX XXXXXXX whose brain had never been scanned before, and see if the computer could identify her thoughts? Just and XXXXXXX agreed to give it a try and see if they could do it in almost real time.
Just said nobody had ever done an instant analysis like this.
Inside the scanner, XXXXXXX was shown a series of ten items and asked to think for a few seconds about each one.
"If it all comes out right, when she's thinking 'hammer,' the computer will know she's thinking 'hammer'?" Stahl asked.
"Right," XXXXXXX replied.
Within minutes, the computer, unaware of what pictures XXXXXXX had been shown and working only from her brain activity patterns as read out by the scanner, was ready to tell us, in its own voice, what it believed was the first object XXXXXXX had been thinking about.
The computer correctly analyzed the first three words - knife, hammer, and window, and aced the rest as well. >>
Please note : This is the scientific reply to your Question.
If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
-oOo-
PS 1 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno
Apparently everyone's brain is similar enough to do so.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Welcome Back
Q1
My question is, after having one person think of a hammer, is it possible that when every other person in the world thinks of a hammer, that thought can be identified without having been scanned first? So if I were to go into an fmri and have my brain scanned for another reason that did not include thinking of a hammer, would they be like, "oh, this person is thinking of a hammer. I know because we had someone else come in here and think of a hammer a couple weeks ago." Or would I literally have to have my brain scanned when I thought of a hammer first?
A1
B. Yes, they could tell you were thinking of a hammer because apparently everyone's brain is similar enough to do so.
Explanation
<<
60 Minutes asked if his team was up for a challenge: would they take associate producer XXXXXXX XXXXXXX whose brain had never been scanned before, and see if the computer could identify her thoughts? Just and XXXXXXX agreed to give it a try and see if they could do it in almost real time.
Just said nobody had ever done an instant analysis like this.
Inside the scanner, XXXXXXX was shown a series of ten items and asked to think for a few seconds about each one.
"If it all comes out right, when she's thinking 'hammer,' the computer will know she's thinking 'hammer'?" Stahl asked.
"Right," XXXXXXX replied.
Within minutes, the computer, unaware of what pictures XXXXXXX had been shown and working only from her brain activity patterns as read out by the scanner, was ready to tell us, in its own voice, what it believed was the first object XXXXXXX had been thinking about.
The computer correctly analyzed the first three words - knife, hammer, and window, and aced the rest as well. >>
Please note : This is the scientific reply to your Question.
If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
-oOo-
PS 1 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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