Researchers from the biological sciences course in Osaka University work on an in-depth study of artificial intelligence, which can recreate previously seen images only thanks to the activity of the human brain. And unlike past attempts to read the waves of the organ in question, the diffusion model used in this project did not require training or fine tuning. The results surprised the community.

To get “photos”, the researchers relied on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). While the participants viewed various images, equipment used in medicine collected data on brain activity. Through a diffusion model, AI introduces random noise into the data and learns to remove it. In the end, the thoughts were successfully “read”.

For the above images to be generated by fMRI data, it is necessary that the volunteer in question rest their head on a giant magnetic object. Therefore, companies like NeuralinkV Elon Musk, working on implants whose interaction between the brain and the machine will create the possibility of recording data using tiny electrodes. And technology is advancing rapidly.

Technology helps with accessibility, but it’s also “feared”

These small devices can be used to monitor brain activity in real time, allowing people to control electronic objects with their minds, for example. However, the areas of application can be much wider.

It would also be possible to instantly remember important visual details, or even help with accessibility, the researchers said. People with mobility impairments will be able to use this technology to communicate through devices that control them.

The main drawback is the loss of privacy. Creating “easy” mind reading raises ethical issues, concerns about espionage, and the possibility of manipulation. And, like any discovery, it can be used for malicious purposes, such as forced interrogation, torture, or invasive surveillance. Despite rapid development, there will still be a lot of controversy as usage becomes more common.

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Source: ExtremeTech

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