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Humans can communicate through the power of speech, but can they do so using the power of thought We are not talking telepathy here, but reading another persons brain signals. Scientists at the University of Southampton, UK, recently experimented with brain-to-brain communication, using brain-to-computer interface (BCI) technology.

The experiment involved two people who were attached to an EEG or electroencephalograph amplifier, two computers, an Internet connection, and one LED lamp. The first person was asked to transfer his thoughts through a computer. He was asked to move his arm, meaning he had to think Move my arm. His thoughts were translated into computer language, which consists of a series of binary digits, zeros and ones. When the second computer received the signals sent via the net, the second person saw flashing LED lights. The first persons thoughts were transferred through these light patterns. The patterns were matched with the binary digits.

A minor miracle Not at all, says Neeraj Jain, senior scientist at the National Brain Research Centre in Manesar, Haryana. This is not true brain-to-brain communication , because the signals were not directly transferred to the brain of the second person. But it’s still an advance for the BCI technology because it shows a new way of how the technology can be used.

Whatever we think, feel or do originates from change in activity in the brain, which is in the form of electrical signals. These signals occur even as the brain plans something an activity, for instance. If one had the technology to read the signals sent out during the planning process, one could read someones thoughts before he acts.

But is this merely a scientific puzzle, without any practical relevance In fact, brain-to-computer interface can have a number of applications such as controlling a robot in a virtual reality environment. It can also have a medical application by helping the paralyzed or disabled to control gadgets that enhance the quality of their lives. Jain says, If you can control a cursor on the computer, you can control a number of devices a robotic arm, a wheelchair.

That may be the face of the future but it is not likely here in India any time soon. India and much of the world boasts several methods of reading brain signals, but brainto-computer interface is still in the early stages and commercially unavailable in India or anywhere else.

Tags: brain-to-computer interface (BCI) technology, brainto-computer, computer, National Brain Research Centre