Telepathic Communication, do Buddhists Believe in it?

I know that Buddhists practice compassionate mediation by wishing to free first their loved ones from suffering, than their friends and than the people they have trouble with. Is this only for the individual practicing or can the practice actually reach the object too? (ie. friend) ps: There is recent scientific evidence for ESP or telepathic communication but did the Buddhists monks know this whole time? thanks.