Mind-reading more popular than talking by 2029, expert says

By Dick Pelletier

      

    Humans use many different channels to communicate with each other. Yet, despite thousands of years of development, we regard verbal channels, what we say and write, as most important. But researchers are now realizing that if we could interpret thoughts and emotions directly from each other's minds, we would achieve greater harmony in our interpersonal relationships and strengthen the bonds that bind us together.

    Despite its importance though, scientists still do not understand the meaning of most brain signals. Enter University of Reading's Dr. Kevin Warwick, whose pioneering research has enabled him to control machines and communicate with others through thoughts.

    In 1998, Warwick inserted a transponder into his arm enabling him to open doors and switch on lights. Four years later, he installed another chip in his arm that connected his nervous system to a computer allowing him to control a wheelchair and robotic hand simply by thinking about them.

    He then implanted a chip in his wife Irena's arm, linking their brains together through the Internet. "When she moved her hand three times," he said, "I felt three pulses, and my brain recognized that my wife was communicating." This was the world's first electronic brain-to-brain communication.

    Last April, University of Wisconsin-Madison student, Adam Wilson, shocked the Internet world by updating his Twitter page using brainwaves and some creative software. His post read: "Using EEG to send Tweet." Wilson's achievement was the first time anyone had posted information on the Net without using keyboard, mouse, or voice.

    Researchers have developed systems that read EEG signals to help people suffering from disabilities or paralysis by allowing them to control wheelchairs, play games, and type messages. Now, two companies are developing similar devices for mainstream consumers.

    Australia's Emotiv will release a $300 headset with 16 sensors that allow your thoughts to play video games, and it also senses emotions that you are feeling. California's NeuroSky will sell an $80 mind-reading device that reveals whether you are focused, relaxed, afraid, or anxious.

    Much progress is needed though, before this wonder technology can help us read thoughts fluently. Experts must first unravel the mysteries of consciousness, which many believe lies in how our 100-billion neurons interact with each other when we create thoughts and actions.

    Scientists at the International Swiss Blue Brain Project believe within ten years, they will create an artificial brain that will generate intelligence and simulate human-like consciousness. This electronic marvel will be used for drug testing with hopes of eliminating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dementia. It could also spur development of tomorrow's mind-reading systems.

    Future mind-reading will work like this: armed with innovative electronic implants that automatically decode brain signals, you simply think of whom you wish to communicate with from anywhere in the world, and with their approval, you're connected. In addition to exchanging thoughts and memories, you can gaze through each other's eyes; and even share feelings.

    The ability to read minds will fast-forward humanity's drive towards becoming a peaceful global village. Will this "magical future" happen in such a short time? At a recent interview, Dr. Warwick said, "Within 20 years, mind-to-mind communications could become more popular than talking."

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.