What were you thinking -- the computer knows

  June 2/9, 2008
A brain scan that can read people's thoughts is a step closer to reality with a computer model that predicts neural activity patterns for thousands of words.

The model combines functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data on neural patterns formed by thinking about 60 nouns for concrete objects -- things that can be perceived with the senses -- with a statistical analysis of a trillion-word body of text. The model is able to accurately predict neural patterns for thousands of other object nouns.

The computer model could be used to assess and treat language and learning disabilities.

Research paper:
Predicting Human Brain Activity Associated with the Meanings of Nouns
Science, May 30, 2008

Researcher homepage:
Tom Mitchell

Related stories and briefs:
none

Further info:
The brain knows (functional MRI predicts decisions)

Back to TRN June 2/9, 2008

Research Watch blog
View from the High Ground Q&A
How It Works

RSS Feeds:
News  | Blog




Ad links: Clear History

Buy an ad link

 
Home     Archive     Resources    Feeds    Glossary
Search     Research Orgs    Events Dir.      Researchers     Bookshelf
   Contribute      T-shirts etc.     Ad Finder


© Copyright Technology Research News, LLC 2000-2008. All rights reserved.