neuroscientists

Some autistics are known as "autistic savants" because they develop a genius in one subject, such as mathematics or art. New research shows this syndrome can be induced by tinkering with one protein in the brain which is responsible for building synapses, the brain structures that help neurons talk to each other.

Scientists believe they may soon be able to translate the thoughts of a paralysed man into speech in a pioneering experiment. Eric Ramsay was left "locked-in" after a car accident eight years ago. Although paralysed he is aware but unable to communicate other than through eye movements. By listening in on a tiny population of cells in his brain, neuroscientists hope to give him back his 'voice' in a world first, according to The New Scientist.