Mary Lou Jepsen: Could future devices read images from our brains?

The speaker shares their journey with brain science, driven by personal experiences following neurosurgery. They discuss the challenges of managing chemical dosages to survive and the impact on their identity and thinking. Experimentation with dosages led to insights into mental images and creative thinking. The talk explores advancements in brain imaging, particularly fMRI, and the potential for direct communication of thoughts. The speaker proposes innovations in MRI technology to enhance resolution, which could revolutionize communication and aid in treating diseases like Alzheimer's.

What was the speaker's profession before joining Google's Moonshot group?

• Engineer

• Neuroscientist

• Medical Doctor

• Psychologist

What was the speaker's main challenge after neurosurgery?

• Improving memory

• Learning to walk again

• Managing hormone and neurotransmitter levels

• Regaining speech abilities

How did the speaker's behavior change when experimenting with hormone dosages typical of a young man?

• Became more empathetic

• Lost interest in social interactions

• Felt constantly tired

• Experienced increased anger and arrogance

What did the speaker learn from experimenting with hormone dosages?

• The benefits of meditation

• The complexity of male behavior

• The need for regular exercise

• The importance of a balanced diet

What role do mental images play in the speaker's creative process?

• They are used for relaxation

• They serve as a tool for rapid prototyping ideas

• They are a form of entertainment

• They help in memorizing facts

Which technology was used in the experiments to image the brain?

• CT Scan

• X-ray

• Ultrasound

• fMRI

What was the surprising result of the brain scan experiments?

• Brain scans can only detect physical injuries

• Brain scans are not useful for visualizing thoughts

• Imagining an image creates the same brain scan as seeing it

• Imagining an image creates a different brain scan than seeing it

What is the proposed method to increase the resolution of brain scans?

• Reducing scan time

• Increasing the number of scans

• Developing better magnets

• Using larger magnets

What potential does the speaker see in advanced brain imaging technology?

• Improving physical fitness

• Reducing stress levels

• Enhancing direct communication of thoughts

• Increasing memory capacity

What future application of brain imaging technology could help treat diseases?

• Reducing cancer risk

• Curing Alzheimer's

• Preventing heart disease

• Improving digestion