Can you move an object with the power of your mind? This was one of the questions posed to visitors at our stall this year at the Sidmouth Science festival. It turns out you actually can if you are willing to have EEG electrodes strapped to your head and then can concentrate long enough on a computer screen to move a cube from side to side… or in lots of other directions!
“How is this useful?” a primary school student called Chloe asked us (who incidentally had the best jumper on ever – see my twitter feed!) “Well . . .” we explained “ . . . the power of your mind is extraordinary, and especially useful when we measure the electrical signals coming from it and use maths to make sense of all the complex patterns! Even better – we are hoping to use our models to predict seizures!” Chloe looked impressed, and then asked if she could have another go on the cube thingy.
The whole team did a great job entertaining (and informing!) adults and younger people alike, and hopefully inspiring the next generation of Einsteins! Well done Marc, Jen, Freddie and Kyle for making the day a success and also the rest of the team at the CBMA and John Terry’s group for giving us so much interesting research to talk about. Can’t wait for next years Festival!
