1.  a) What is a "vegetative state"?
b)  Define neuroscientist and neurologist.

2.  a) How long has Scott Routley been in a vegetative state?
b)  How did he prove he is conscious and aware of his surroundings?

3.  Why does Professor Owen's research team believe Scott Routley, though in a vegetative state, has a conscious, thinking mind?

4.  How could scientists use this type of communication to help these patients in the future?

5.  Why was neurologist Bryan Young, who has cared for Mr. Routley for 10 years, amazed by his responses using fMRI?

6.  Prof Owen has previously shown that nearly one in five vegetative patients may in fact be conscious.  With continued study, will that number increase?