Brain scans can now tell whether you're lying or racist. But there are ethical dilemmas about reading people's minds, reports Deborah Smith.

James Wood has always been a whizz at maths. Now he knows why.

A brain scan on the young Australian has revealed he automatically uses much more of both sides of his brain to solve mathematical puzzles than most people. James, 15, says his ability came naturally, and he had not given it much thought before the scan. "So it was an interesting experience to see how my brain works," he says.

For Michael O'Boyle, one of the researchers who studied James and seven other mathematically gifted adolescent boys in Melbourne, the experiment confirmed ideas he has been formulating for more than 20 years, but the research was only made possible by recent advances in physics and computing that have improved our ability to probe our most complex organ.

O'Boyle believes such brain imaging research could have a big impact on education in future.

"The more we learn about how the brains of geniuses and experts work, the more likely we will be able to develop educational techniques to assist in optimising whatever talents people have, " he says.

However, the expanding field of brain research, in which Australian scientists feature prominently, also raises ethical questions about the possible misuse of such information - be it in education or advertising.

Australian neuroscientists discussed concerns about this growing ability to "spy on the cortex", with Prime Minister John Howard last year, at a meeting of his Science Engineering and Innovation Council.

Working party chairwoman Leanna Read says that while brain research will bring enormous health benefits, scientists do not want a repeat of what happened with other new technologies, such as genetic engineering, where discussion about ethical and social implications lagged.

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