This might not seem a big deal, but it is the first time science has proved what was hitherto mere speculation: that the brain, when dreaming, behaves like the brain when awake.

ECONOMIST: Reading the brain

Patients in a vegetative state are awake, not in a coma, but have no awareness because of severe brain damage.

BBC: India court rejects Aruna Shanbaug euthanasia plea

So you might think that doctors would welcome a new brain wave monitor, made by Aspect Medical Systems, that indicates whether a patient is awake or asleep.

FORBES: Defensive Medicine