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Infrared Lie Detector could be handy in presidential debates
Just what we need right about now: a new lie detector. Scott Bunce of the Drexel University's College of Medicine in Philadelphia has applied for a patent for a lie-detecting headband, using a near-infrared light that shines through the skull. That somehow gives the device a reading on how much oxygen is in the brain's blood and then displays its results right up front and center for all to see.
Might we suggest trying out a couple of these in Friday night's debate between presidential hopefuls Obama and McCain as shown above, perhaps equipped with red (for lies) and green (for truth) lights to show who's inflicting the most "truthiness" at any given moment. Or, Mr. Bunce could just equip both "magic lie detectors" with constantly flashing red lights and be assured of 100% accuracy.
Via New Scientist
By jheylin at 2:01 PM ON 09/23/08
Christ, watching a presidential debate with a lie detector would be about as fun as getting your eyelids removed. They'd never be able to finish a topic, the lights always going off in the middle of every sentence. Maybe even when they're not talking just because they're preparing to lie.
By Weebork at 6:39 PM ON 09/23/08
Since most readers of this thread would probably just presume that the red light will be the brightest and most used light of the night, let's try and give these two candidates an incentive to not lie. So, if they can get the green light to light up, a cookie will appear out of their podium like a CD being ejected out of a player. Rrrrrrrr click! Cookie!
By budgethero at 2:33 PM ON 09/24/08
lol, i like that way of thinking weebork. we bug them enough about alot, lets give them some positive reinforcement when they are being good.
(just joking)but i dont think a cookie will be enough. instead of cookies, how about when they tell the truth, a check slides out for a million dollars for campaign money. it'll be like a game show.
By Myles Taylor at 11:43 AM ON 09/25/08
You know, most lie detector's work by comparing a users answers when you know they are telling the truth to when you don't know whether they are or not and comparing their reaction to that. If they are always lying, a lie detector would show that they are always telling the truth. You have to have a control to base it on. Also, you have to rule out as many variables as possible. Quiet room, relaxed as possible, etc. I don't think a lie detector would ever work like that.
By Whomiga at 1:53 PM ON 09/25/08
Are they sitting in the chair from classic Star Trek episode "The Menagerie"? (Or something similar)
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Are they sitting in the chair from classic Star Trek episode "The Menagerie"? (Or something similar)...More »