A system which could one day allow scientists to record people’s dream has been developed.

In a remarkable breakthrough which would allow researchers a unique insight into the human mind, a dream recorder that could interpret electronic data is planned.

Experiments in which volunteers had electrodes surgically implanted into their brains has so far allowed the scientists to ‘read’ their minds, said Dr Moran Cerf.

He said: ‘We would like to read people’s dreams. It would be wonderful to read people’s minds when they cannot communicate, such as people in comas.’
Woman sleeping

Breakthrough: The experiment has led scientists to believe they could one day record and interpret people’s dreams

In tests on 12 epilepsy patients, electrodes recorded the activity of neurons in the part of the brain called the medial temporal lobe, which plays a role in memory retention.

With practice, the volunteers were able to control the appearance of ‘hybrid’ images consisting of one picture superimposed on another.

On cue they could quickly make a particular image, such as Marilyn Monroe or former US president George Bush, ‘fade in’ or ‘fade out’.

During the tests, patients worked out their own strategies for conjuring up the right images.

Some simply thought of the picture, while others repeated […]