Scientists unveil 'mind-reading' computer

Scientists have revealed a mind-reading computer which can be controlled with the power of thought.

Washington University researchers released the study, which illustrates that human thoughts can control the movement of a cursor on a computer screen.

To achieve this, the patient's brain is linked directly to the computer via electrocortiography, which then records the mind's electrical activity.

In the study, people with no prior training were able to control the device with 90 per cent accuracy - and the scientists believe that this could lead to new ways to communicate for those with disabilities.

Lead author of the study Dr Eric C Leuthardt of the Washington University School of Medicine comments: "This is one of the earliest examples, to a very, very small extent, of what is called 'reading minds' - detecting what people are saying to themselves in their internal dialogue."

Ranked as one of the top medical schools in the US, the Washington University School of Medicine has produced 17 Nobel prize laureates and several medical firsts.