Brain scans of inmates could lead to 'Minority Report' style ability to predict if they will re-offend

By James Nye

Published: 16:10 EST, 15 July 2013 | Updated: 16:10 EST, 15 July 2013

Groundbreaking new research could allow scientists to predict if prisoners will re-offend - potentially condemning those convicted of serious crimes to a lifetime behind bars.

Postdoctoral fellow, Eyal Aharoni, of New Mexico's Mind Research Network examined the brains of thousands of inmates during a test that measured impulsiveness and found striking results.

Those with low activity in their anterior cingulate cortex, the part of the brain associated with learning from mistakes, were twice as likely as those to commit crimes within four years of being released as those with high ACC activity.

The Mind Research Network in New Mexico is pioneering new brain research which could predict if prison inmates will re-offend

The Mind Research Network in New Mexico is pioneering new brain research which could predict if prison inmates will re-offend

'We cannot say with certainty that all who are in the high-risk category will reoffend — just that most will,' said neuroscientist Kent Kiehl to the LA Times.

'It has very big implications for how we think about treatment and rehabilitation.'

The study began in New Mexico and Wisconsin in 2007 and each inmate who participated was paid a small fee and received a copy of their brain scan.

Aharoni and Kiehl are hopeful now that this study could prove invaluable in predicting if psychopathic behaviour will repeat - especially in the case of pedophiles and rapists.

Those with low activity in their anterior cingulate cortex, the part of the brain associated with learning from mistakes, were twice as likely as those to commit crimes within four years of being released as those with high ACC activity.

Those with low activity in their anterior cingulate cortex, the part of the brain associated with learning from mistakes, were twice as likely as those to commit crimes within four years of being released as those with high ACC activity.

In the course of their research, the group discovered that on the whole, those who repeat offend have less gray matter in their paralimibic system - which is used to regulate emotion.

This accounts for psychopaths tell-tale glibness, pathological lying, lack of empathy and acting skills.

Despite the results indicative of the physical signs of re-offending, Kiehl has played down a future where criminal behaviour can be predicted and on day even pre-empted.

In the course of their research, the group discovered that on the whole, those who repeat offend have less gray matter in their paralimibic system - which is used to regulate emotion.

In the course of their research, the group discovered that on the whole, those who repeat offend have less gray matter in their paralimibic system - which is used to regulate emotion.

However, he does admit that with tweaking, there could be a point in the future where brain imaging could used in courts to imprison sexual offenders indefinitely, if it is thought they will reoffend.

It could also be used to the benefit of society in using brain imaging in deciding parole.

However, on the flip-side, the deeper science goes, the more it comes apparent that psychopathic behavior might be unavoidable and a physiological condition - rather like diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin production.

Some experts even see psychopathy as an incurable defect - however, Kiehl thinks in the future his advancements might prove otherwise.

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