Scientists are working on computers with the ability to boost our brain function when they notice us getting tired, and the technology could eventually be used to tailor our user experience depending on how stressed or how worn-out we're feeling.
It works via a technique called functional near infrared spectroscopy, or fNIRS. Two sensors on the scalp beam a harmless red light into the skull. This red light analyses the amount of blood vessels in the brain, and from this it can determine the levels of oxygen present at any given moment. High oxygen levels mean the brain is working hard, and low levels mean it's basically cruising along on autopilot.
