NBC NATIONAL NEWS — Dr. Philip Low recalls the first time he met renowned scientist Stephen Hawking at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

"He and I ended up going to the Monet exhibit and we were able to chat a little bit," said Low.

After a few more meetings, Hawking asked Low to analyze his brain, using the I-Brain, a small device he created that records brain waves without the clutter of wires.

So far they've been able to recognize when Hawking intends to do something.

Researchers are using the I-Brain to study children with autism to understand more about their brain function.

Drug companies are also using it to see if their products are having a desired effect on patients.