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John Cleese on Creativity
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Yasmin Anwar: Scientists use brain imaging to reveal the movies in our mind
Sourced from: UC Berkley News Center
Contributed by: Deanne Sihr-Fry
Psychology and neuroscience professor Jack Gallant displays videos and brain images used in his research. Video produced by Roxanne Makasdjian, Media Relations.
BERKELEY — Imagine tapping into the mind of a coma patient, or watching one’s own dream on YouTube. With a cutting-edge blend of brain imaging and computer simulation, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, are bringing these futuristic scenarios within reach.
Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and computational models, UC Berkeley researchers have succeeded in decoding and reconstructing people’s dynamic visual experiences – in this case, watching Hollywood movie trailers.
As yet, the technology can only reconstruct movie clips people have already viewed. However, the breakthrough paves the way for reproducing the movies inside our heads that no one else sees, such as dreams and memories, according to researchers.
“This is a major leap toward reconstructing internal imagery,” said Professor Jack Gallant, a UC Berkeley neuroscientist and coauthor of the study published online today (Sept. 22) in the journal Current Biology. “We are opening a window into the movies in our minds.”
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Anthony De Mello: Phony self-deprecation that passes for humility
A priest and a sexton went to a church to pray. The priest began to beat his breast and, carried away, cried out, “I am the lowliest of men, Lord, unworthy of your grace! I am a void, a nothing. Have mercy on me.”
Not far from the priest was the sexton who, in an outburst of fervor, also beat his breast and cried, “Have mercy, Lord! I’m a sinner, a nothing.”
The priest turned round haughtily. “Ha!” he said. “Look who’s claiming to be nothing!”
