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Boyd JL. Moral considerability of brain organoids from the perspective of computational architecture. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 3:kvae004. [PMID: 38595940 PMCID: PMC10995847 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Human brain organoids equipped with complex cytoarchitecture and closed-loop feedback from virtual environments could provide insights into neural mechanisms underlying cognition. Yet organoids with certain cognitive capacities might also merit moral consideration. A precautionary approach has been proposed to address these ethical concerns by focusing on the epistemological question of whether organoids possess neural structures for morally-relevant capacities that bear resemblance to those found in human brains. Critics challenge this similarity approach on philosophical, scientific, and practical grounds but do so without a suitable alternative. Here, I introduce an architectural approach that infers the potential for cognitive-like processing in brain organoids based on the pattern of information flow through the system. The kind of computational architecture acquired by an organoid then informs the kind of cognitive capacities that could, theoretically, be supported and empirically investigated. The implications of this approach for the moral considerability of brain organoids are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lomax Boyd
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, 1809 Ashland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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2
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Kataoka M, Gyngell C, Savulescu J, Sawai T. The Donation of Human Biological Material for Brain Organoid Research: The Problems of Consciousness and Consent. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2024; 30:3. [PMID: 38315257 PMCID: PMC10844458 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-024-00471-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Human brain organoids are three-dimensional masses of tissues derived from human stem cells that partially recapitulate the characteristics of the human brain. They have promising applications in many fields, from basic research to applied medicine. However, ethical concerns have been raised regarding the use of human brain organoids. These concerns primarily relate to the possibility that brain organoids may become conscious in the future. This possibility is associated with uncertainties about whether and in what sense brain organoids could have consciousness and what the moral significance of that would be. These uncertainties raise further concerns regarding consent from stem cell donors who may not be sufficiently informed to provide valid consent to the use of their donated cells in human brain organoid research. Furthermore, the possibility of harm to the brain organoids raises question about the scope of the donor's autonomy in consenting to research involving these entities. Donor consent does not establish the reasonableness of the risk and harms to the organoids, which ethical oversight must ensure by establishing some measures to mitigate them. To address these concerns, we provide three proposals for the consent procedure for human brain organoid research. First, it is vital to obtain project-specific consent rather than broad consent. Second, donors should be assured that appropriate measures will be taken to protect human brain organoids during research. Lastly, these assurances should be fulfilled through the implementation of precautionary measures. These proposals aim to enhance the ethical framework surrounding human brain organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Kataoka
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Christopher Gyngell
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
- Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tsutomu Sawai
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan.
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore.
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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Hartung T, Morales Pantoja IE, Smirnova L. Brain organoids and organoid intelligence from ethical, legal, and social points of view. Front Artif Intell 2024; 6:1307613. [PMID: 38249793 PMCID: PMC10796793 DOI: 10.3389/frai.2023.1307613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Human brain organoids, aka cerebral organoids or earlier "mini-brains", are 3D cellular models that recapitulate aspects of the developing human brain. They show tremendous promise for advancing our understanding of neurodevelopment and neurological disorders. However, the unprecedented ability to model human brain development and function in vitro also raises complex ethical, legal, and social challenges. Organoid Intelligence (OI) describes the ongoing movement to combine such organoids with Artificial Intelligence to establish basic forms of memory and learning. This article discusses key issues regarding the scientific status and prospects of brain organoids and OI, conceptualizations of consciousness and the mind-brain relationship, ethical and legal dimensions, including moral status, human-animal chimeras, informed consent, and governance matters, such as oversight and regulation. A balanced framework is needed to allow vital research while addressing public perceptions and ethical concerns. Interdisciplinary perspectives and proactive engagement among scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and the public can enable responsible translational pathways for organoid technology. A thoughtful, proactive governance framework might be needed to ensure ethically responsible progress in this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Health and Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Itzy E. Morales Pantoja
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Health and Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Health and Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Lavazza A, Chinaia AA. Human brain organoids and their ethical issues : Navigating the moral and social challenges between hype and underestimation. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:13-16. [PMID: 38177904 PMCID: PMC10897434 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-023-00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in the field are forcing scientists and neuroethicists to balance opposite concerns. Some see no risks at all while some waive red flags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lavazza
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 11, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Alice Andrea Chinaia
- MInD-MoMiLab, IMT School for Advanced Studies, Piazza San Francesco 19, 55100, Lucca, Italy
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Owen M, Huang Z, Duclos C, Lavazza A, Grasso M, Hudetz AG. Theoretical Neurobiology of Consciousness Applied to Human Cerebral Organoids. Camb Q Healthc Ethics 2023:1-21. [PMID: 37850471 DOI: 10.1017/s0963180123000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Organoids and specifically human cerebral organoids (HCOs) are one of the most relevant novelties in the field of biomedical research. Grown either from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells, HCOs can be used as in vitro three-dimensional models, mimicking the developmental process and organization of the developing human brain. Based on that, and despite their current limitations, it cannot be assumed that they will never at any stage of development manifest some rudimentary form of consciousness. In the absence of behavioral indicators of consciousness, the theoretical neurobiology of consciousness being applied to unresponsive brain-injured patients can be considered with respect to HCOs. In clinical neurology, it is difficult to discern a capacity for consciousness in unresponsive brain-injured patients who provide no behavioral indicators of consciousness. In such scenarios, a validated neurobiological theory of consciousness, which tells us what the neural mechanisms of consciousness are, could be used to identify a capacity for consciousness. Like the unresponsive patients that provide a diagnostic difficulty for neurologists, HCOs provide no behavioral indicators of consciousness. Therefore, this article discusses how three prominent neurobiological theories of consciousness apply to human cerebral organoids. From the perspective of the Temporal Circuit Hypothesis, the Global Neuronal Workspace Theory, and the Integrated Information Theory, we discuss what neuronal structures and functions might indicate that cerebral organoids have a neurobiological capacity to be conscious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Owen
- Philosophy Department, Yakima Valley College, Yakima, WA, USA
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zirui Huang
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Catherine Duclos
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Lavazza
- Centro Universitario Internazionale, Arezzo, Italy
- University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Grasso
- Center for Sleep and Consciousness, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anthony G Hudetz
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Lavazza A, Zilio F. The Future of Human Cerebral Organoids: A Reply to Commentaries. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:W1-W3. [PMID: 37856354 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2257166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
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Diner S, Gaillard M. Searching for Consciousness in Unfamiliar Entities: The Need for Both Systematic Investigation and Imagination. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:202-204. [PMID: 37097868 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2188303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
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Browning H, Veit W. Regulating Possibly Sentient Human Cerebral Organoids. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:197-199. [PMID: 37097857 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2188293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
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Farisco M. The Ethical Spectrum of Consciousness. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:55-57. [PMID: 37097853 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2188312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Farisco
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University
- Biogem, Biology and Molecular Genetics Research Institute
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Khuram H, Maddox P, Elahi A, Hirani R, Issani A. Human Cerebral Organoids: Implications of Ontological considerations. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:213-214. [PMID: 37097849 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2188310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
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Greenbaum D. Who Owns the Brains behind the Machine? Will the Hot Debate on AI's Inventorship and Authorship Rights Force a Premature Determination of Machine Consciousness? AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:215-217. [PMID: 37097864 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2188300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
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Freund J, Halevi G, Tavdi H, Greenbaum D. Likely and Looming? The Labyrinthine ELSI Landscape of Copying Consciousness. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:218-221. [PMID: 37097866 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2188301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Freund
- Zvi Meitar Institute for Legal Implications of Emerging Technologies, Reichman University
| | - Guy Halevi
- Zvi Meitar Institute for Legal Implications of Emerging Technologies, Reichman University
| | - Hila Tavdi
- Zvi Meitar Institute for Legal Implications of Emerging Technologies, Reichman University
| | - Dov Greenbaum
- Zvi Meitar Institute for Legal Implications of Emerging Technologies, Reichman University
- Yale University
- Reichman University
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van Till SAL, Bunnik EM. Symbolic Value of Brain Organoids: Shifting the Focus from Consciousness to Sociocultural Perspectives on Resemblance. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:210-212. [PMID: 37097872 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2188307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
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Stoeklé HC, Marignac G, Hervé C. Macro-bio-ethical Versus Micro-bio-ethical Issues Concerning Human Brain Organoids. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:199-202. [PMID: 37097845 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2188298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Hervé
- Foch Hospital
- Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University
- Paris Cité University
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Niikawa T, Hayashi Y, Sawai T. A Teleological Approach to the Ontological Status of Human Cerebral Organoids. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:204-206. [PMID: 37097869 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2188304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
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Astobiza AM. Rebutting the Ethical Considerations regarding Consciousness in Human Cerebral Organoids: Challenging the Premature Assumptions. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:207-210. [PMID: 37097870 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2188305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
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