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‘Mind-reading’ technology allows car crash victim to play violin for first time in 27 years

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[”Mind-reading” tech allows crash victim to play violin for first time in 27 years/Plymouth University]

A devastating car crash in 1988 left violinist Rosemary Johnson with the jarring reality that her days of making music were over.

Before the accident, Johnson, who was a member of the Welsh National Opera Orchestra, was poised to become a world class musician, reports the Telegraph.

The car crash left the musician with a head injury so bad that took away her speech and movement and left her in a coma for seven months.

Her ability to make music had been completely wiped out.

But now, 27 years later, Johnson has been granted a second chance.

Thanks to cutting-edge technology, the now 50-year-old woman is able to play the violin once more.

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[”Mind-reading” tech allows crash victim to play violin for first time in 27 years/Plymouth University]

A 10-year project, led by Plymouth University, allowed Johnson’s brain to be connected to a computer and have her neuro activity monitored by music interfacing software, reports Metro.

Partnered with a musician from a string quartet while wearing a cap that reads her brain signals, Johnson is able to pick notes and change compositions to be played by the musician by focussing on different coloured lights.

Professor, composer and director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research at Plymouth University Eduardo Miranda told the Telegraph that the first time they tried using it with Johnson, they were “in tears.”

“We could feel the joy coming from her and being able to make music.”

Johnson’s 80-year-old mother praised the project, saying that it has given her daughter new hope.