A dream is a series of thoughts, feelings, sensations, and images that typically arise automatically in the mind during specific sleep stages. People have been trying to understand dreams since ancient times. People dream for two hours every night, and each dream lasts for five to twenty minutes, in some case it may even last longer.
Dreams have been shown to be a dependable source of inspiration, leading to many amazing discoveries and creations. The most important among them are: the ‘Periodic Table’ by Dmitri Mendeleev; atomic structure by Niels Bohr; benzene ring structure by Friedrich August Kekulé; even the discovery of DNA double helix by Watson was inspired by dream [1].
People dream when they are asleep, and when they wake up, the dreams seldom or never return to recollection. Researchers in Japan have managed to convert an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine into a dream-reading tool [2]. The MRI, as it is commonly used in the field of medicine, employs magnetic technology and radio waves to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the body’s organs.
MRI is primarily utilized for the evaluation of conditions like stroke, cancer, vascular brain damage, spinal cord trauma, growths, eye or inner ear disorders, multiple sclerosis, and the detection of head injuries. The MRI machine that has been modified is capable of not just reading dreams, but also reconstructing them. Upon awakening, it is possible to view the dream on the screen, eliminating the problem of forgetting dreams.
The dream-capturing device created by Japanese scientists presents extraordinary opportunities for delving into the enigmatic realm of dreams [3]. Leveraging progress in neuroimaging and artificial intelligence, this technology records the complex neural activity associated with dreaming and converts it into compelling visual displays. Through the combination of brain imaging methods and advanced algorithms, researchers have achieved notable advancements in interpreting the visual elements of dreams, resulting in the development of a machine that can transform dreams into video sequences.
The researchers working on the dream machine have undergone an extensive series of phases. Initially, they requested volunteers to observe static images in various colors. Throughout this procedure, their enhanced apparatus replicates the components of letters and images perceived by the participants. While the visuals displayed on the monitor may appear indistinct, they bear a resemblance to the effects of hypnosis. The subsequent objective is to explore methods for rendering these images more clearly.
Although the dream-recording device demonstrates significant advancements in the interpretation of dreams, it is crucial to acknowledge that this technology remains in its nascent phase. Scientist are persistently enhancing the precision and clarity of the reconstructed dream videos, aiming for a more thorough and authentic depiction of the dreamer’s personal experience. With ongoing technological advancements, there is significant potential to transform our comprehension of dreams, consciousness, and the complex mechanisms of the human mind.
From a psychological standpoint, the dream-recording device provides innovative pathways for delving into the subconscious and comprehending the intricacies of human thought processes. It creates a chance to investigate the relationships among dreams, emotions, memories, and overall mental health. Through the examination of dream content and recurring themes, researchers could reveal concealed facets of personality, recognize psychological conditions, and formulate more precise therapeutic strategies.
References:
- 13 Interesting Discoveries That Originated in Dreams. https://www.shapedream.co/lucid-dreaming/unlocking-the-mysteries
- Scientists in Japan Use MRI Scanner to Read Dreams. https://aqi.co.id/en/news/fakta-menarik-teknologi-perekam-mimpi-dari-jepang
- Japanese Researchers Make Device That Can Record And Play Back Your Dreams. https://tinyurl.com/ys3cs8fb
Dr. Sanjoy is Professor in Biology & Microbiology in Skyline University, Kano, he holds a degree of Ph.D. from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar and has done his post-doctoral studies from the Indian Institute of Toxicological Research and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institution of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. He has also studied Naturopathy from D Y Patil University, Mumbai.
You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria