http://blog.cleveland.com/medical/2008/09/can_mri_scanner_be_a_liedetect.html
An article from the Northeast Ohio Medical Industry, Hospital and Health Care News says that fMRI's could replace old fashioned lie detectors in the future. These scans are more accurate than current lie detectors because they can look directly into the mind. Of course, there are many critics and doubters, but that's to be expected with all new technological advances. The critics argue that this form of detection is still poorly tested and misunderstood. Another argument is that even if the fMRI scanner works, is it legal? Some critics argue that the fMRI scanners will infringe on the right to not self-incriminate. Since the scanner can see what the brain does when a person lies, the person would incriminate themself without even trying. Exactly how does the scanner work?
"..The device's sensors project onto a computer screen an image that looks sort of like a brain crossed with a Doppler radar weather map. When a subject speaks, certain parts of the brain go to work, so blood-oxygen use spikes there. The sensors pick that up, and on screen, those brain parts "light up" in computer-coded color splotches, like the proverbial widely scattered thundershowers on the radar screen behind the nightly newscast's meteorologist..."
Some people say that this test could be used for other things like: employers interviewing potential employees, parents questioning children, etc.
But even supporters of the fMRI scanners for lie detection say they wouldn't use it as the only piece of evidence in a trial.
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