"Brain Activity Can Identify Preferences"
URL: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/sto...FFB1A-31A4-4911-9AC5-D71BF4019002}&dist=msr_1
Previously in the past, scientists have been able to use fMRI's to determine a person's intent, what object they were looking at, and even what song they were listening to.
This system is different and is portable. It is worn like a headband which uses IR and near-IR light shined through the skull illuminating the brain and fluid which can be used to determine brain activity.
NASA interestingly has been using a similar system which was mounted inside a modified pilot's helmet for use in measuring brain activity required to fly aircraft with different cockpit configurations.
Unfortunately, there is a privacy issue with such technology. According to a Psychiatry Professor at CMU, he stated that with fMRI's he will probably be able to use it to "read minds" in 3 to 5 years.
Granted fMRI's require the subject to be in the machine, and that they don't have anything magnetic in them. However a near-IR, and IR light system is portable and can be worn like a headband or a helmet and will be able to produce similar results.
Law enforcement and intelligence agencies have expressed interest over the past couple of years in using fMRI and such things for use as an interrogation tool. This is extremely disturbing.
The even greater danger is if one day technology evolved to the point where this could be done from a distance... Privacy (what little we have left) would completely and irrevocably vanish.
The fact that for years the NSA has engaged in massive, widespread warrantless surveillance, does very little to inspire trust in the government regarding privacy rights and constitutional protections.
This is a very cause for concern.
Helen,
CuttingEdge100
URL: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/sto...FFB1A-31A4-4911-9AC5-D71BF4019002}&dist=msr_1
Previously in the past, scientists have been able to use fMRI's to determine a person's intent, what object they were looking at, and even what song they were listening to.
This system is different and is portable. It is worn like a headband which uses IR and near-IR light shined through the skull illuminating the brain and fluid which can be used to determine brain activity.
NASA interestingly has been using a similar system which was mounted inside a modified pilot's helmet for use in measuring brain activity required to fly aircraft with different cockpit configurations.
Unfortunately, there is a privacy issue with such technology. According to a Psychiatry Professor at CMU, he stated that with fMRI's he will probably be able to use it to "read minds" in 3 to 5 years.
Granted fMRI's require the subject to be in the machine, and that they don't have anything magnetic in them. However a near-IR, and IR light system is portable and can be worn like a headband or a helmet and will be able to produce similar results.
Law enforcement and intelligence agencies have expressed interest over the past couple of years in using fMRI and such things for use as an interrogation tool. This is extremely disturbing.
The even greater danger is if one day technology evolved to the point where this could be done from a distance... Privacy (what little we have left) would completely and irrevocably vanish.
The fact that for years the NSA has engaged in massive, widespread warrantless surveillance, does very little to inspire trust in the government regarding privacy rights and constitutional protections.
This is a very cause for concern.
Helen,
CuttingEdge100
