If you already think technology is too invasive (hello, airport X-rays), you might want to keep those thoughts to yourself—at least while you can. Amazingly, neuroscientists are actively developing imaging technology that can actually read thoughts via brain scans! In one Carnegie Mellon study, researchers watched images of a person’s brain as they looked at 58 different items—animals, tools, vegetables, etc.—and recorded which brain areas lit up. Later, when they introduced a new object and tried to predict brain behavior, they were shockingly accurate. The question is, how far could it go? Lie-detector tests for criminals, behavioral tests for children, annual “brain” reviews for employees…the possibilities are endless. And yes, a little frightening!
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