The system developed at the University of Texas in Austin (USA) - an artificial intelligence connected to an MRI scanner read the thoughts of volunteers. For now, it still makes mistakes, but in the future, similar devices could help people who are unable to communicate normally.

During the experiment, volunteers listened to a story or imagined telling it. Their brains were observed with the help of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the artificial intelligence connected to it turned people's thoughts into text consistent with them. Importantly, no electrodes were needed to be implanted in the brain, and the person using the invention was not limited to a predetermined list of words, the researchers emphasize. However, the system requires special training - each person using it listens to podcasts for several hours, during which the computer watches his brain. "For non-invasive methods, this is a real leap forward compared to what was previously achieved, i.e. usually reading single words or short sentences" - says Prof. Alex Huth, author of the paper, which appeared in the journal "Nature Neuroscience". "Our model decodes long-term, continuous speech on complex topics," he emphasizes.

For now, the computer is not very accurate - it reads thoughts quite precisely in about 50 percent. However, he can often convey the meaning of the utterance. For example, he translated the thought, "I don't have a driving license yet," into "she hasn't started learning to drive yet." Listening to the thought, "I didn't know whether to scream, cry, or run away," he read as "She started screaming and crying and then she said 'I told you to leave me." The system was also good at reading the minds of the volunteers when they watched the videos. The creators of the program also addressed the topic of its possible abuses. They assure that at least currently it is impossible to read someone's mind if the person does not want to. It is also impossible to do it with someone with whom the system has not undergone a long training. “We take concerns about abuse very seriously and are working to prevent them. We want to make sure that people use these technologies when they want to, and that it helps them," said Jerry Tang, who led the research. Scientists hope that their idea will allow for the construction of devices that will allow people currently unable to communicate with the world, e.g. after severe strokes. The current version of the system only allows for its use in the laboratory, but according to the researchers, this can be changed - for example, instead of a large MRI scanner, it is likely that a much smaller device designed for non-invasive functional near-infrared spectroscopy can also be used.

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Texas is a vast state with a diverse range of attractions, from big cities to national parks to historic sites. With so many options, it can be hard to decide which destinations to include in your itinerary. Here are some of the best tourist attractions in Texas that you won't want to miss.

1. The Alamo: Located in San Antonio, the Alamo is a historic site that played a key role in the fight for Texas independence. Visitors can tour the chapel and barracks, see exhibits on Texas history, and learn about the famous Battle of the Alamo.
2. NASA's Space Center Houston: This attraction, located in Houston, is a must-visit for space enthusiasts. Visitors can see real space shuttles and rockets, take a tour of NASA's mission control center, and even meet astronauts.
3. Big Bend National Park: This stunning park, located in West Texas, features canyons, desert landscapes, and the Rio Grande river. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the park's unique geology and wildlife.
4. The River Walk: Also located in San Antonio, the River Walk is a network of walkways along the San Antonio River. Visitors can stroll past restaurants, shops, and bars, take a boat tour, and enjoy the colorful lights and decorations during the holiday season.
5. The Texas State Capitol: Located in Austin, the Texas State Capitol is an impressive building with a rich history. Visitors can take a tour of the capitol, see the famous dome, and explore the surrounding grounds.
6. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: This museum, located in Dallas, explores the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Visitors can learn about the events of that fateful day, see exhibits on JFK's life and legacy, and view artifacts from the assassination.
7. Galveston Island: This barrier island off the coast of Texas is a popular tourist destination with beaches, amusement parks, and historic architecture. Visitors can swim, fish, and relax on the beach, explore the island's history, and even take a ghost tour.
8. Fort Worth Stockyards: This historic district in Fort Worth celebrates Texas's cowboy culture. Visitors can watch a cattle drive, see a rodeo, and explore the many shops, restaurants, and bars that make up the stockyards.

These are just a few of the many tourist attractions in Texas. With its diverse range of destinations, there's something for everyone in the Lone Star State.

#texas #usa #lonestarstate #travel #tourism #cowboy #sanantonio #austin