Brain Hacking

Could your brain be hacked? Yes, theoretically at least. Ivan Martinovic, a computer scientist at the University of Oxford and colleagues just completed just such a study. Twenty-eight (28) participants were shown pictures of numbers, names, logos, and people. Using a program that interfaces with an electroencephalograph (EEG) device, identical to the ones marketed for entertainment and games, researchers analyzed the participant’s brain-wave activity. Researchers were looking for what's called a P300 response, a very distinct brain-wave pattern that occurs when you recognize something (e.g., a picture of your mother, your phone number written out). The results? Rsearchers were able to figure out data 15%-40% more accurately than would have occurred through random guessing. As equipment becomes more sophisticated, the percentages stand to increase.