For the first time on British television, Channel 4 employs new lie-detecting technology on individuals accused of serious offences who claim they are innocent. In theory there is no escape: if they are lying, the scanner will show it.

Two British Asians labelled as terrorists take the test. Also under scrutiny is a woman convicted of poisoning a child, as well as the author of a best-selling book alleging physical and sexual abuse that members of her family have described as complete fiction.

Scientists at Sheffield University have pioneered the use of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), which in experimental conditions has shown remarkable accuracy in detecting lies. Each film in Lie Lab explores a single case with individuals answering key questions with the fMRI scanner, to be then shown the results afterwards.

While some believe the fMRI scanner is a threat to civil liberties, arguing that no technology is fool-proof, others say the technology could be invaluable in ruling out suspects, and supporting the judicial process.

Lie Lab explores these questions and looks at other forms of deception detection being pioneered in Britain and the US. The show will air on Channel 4 this June.