Cognitive Human Vegetables

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging equipment, researchers in Belgium discovered cognitive activity in the mind of a vegetative patient. The experiment involved putting a subject into the equipment to compare brain activity of imagined tasks, specifically playing tennis and walking at home, against a benchmark of "normal" brains. Results showed an identical match, indicating not only that the woman could still function mentally, but that she had understood their request. Medical researchers caution against premature hope, "function doesn't mean awareness or even potential for awareness." However, the breakthrough will still have impact on patient treatment decisions according to Steven Laurey, the study's co-author, "when you have signs of consciousness, you cannot decide to stop hydration and nutrition."