Mind-reading computer moves closer to reality

Computer scientists are developing a mind-reading computer that deciphers symbols that people have looked at. The device accurately replicates shapes seen. The computer scans brain activity, then successfully redraws those numerals and symbols, say scientists working on the project. It's a "step towards a direct'telepathic' connection between brains and computers," said the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in a May news article. And indeed, should it work reliably, it would be a significant improvement on simple Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans, which just read activity in parts of the brain and are used primarily for research.