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Kosal M, Putney J. Neurotechnology and international security: Predicting commercial and military adoption of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in the United States and China. Politics Life Sci 2023; 42:81-103. [PMID: 37140225 DOI: 10.1017/pls.2022.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, international actors have launched "brain projects" or "brain initiatives." One of the emerging technologies enabled by these publicly funded programs is brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which are devices that allow communication between the brain and external devices like a prosthetic arm or a keyboard. BCIs are poised to have significant impacts on public health, society, and national security. This research presents the first analytical framework that attempts to predict the dissemination of neurotechnologies to both the commercial and military sectors in the United States and China. While China started its project later with less funding, we find that it has other advantages that make earlier adoption more likely. We also articulate national security risks implicit in later adoption, including the inability to set international ethical and legal norms for BCI use, especially in wartime operating environments, and data privacy risks for citizens who use technology developed by foreign actors.
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2
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Lyreskog DM, Zohny H, Savulescu J, Singh I. Merging Minds: The Conceptual and Ethical Impacts of Emerging Technologies for Collective Minds. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2023; 16:12. [PMID: 37009261 PMCID: PMC10050050 DOI: 10.1007/s12152-023-09516-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
AbstractA growing number of technologies are currently being developed to improve and distribute thinking and decision-making. Rapid progress in brain-to-brain interfacing and swarming technologies promises to transform how we think about collective and collaborative cognitive tasks across domains, ranging from research to entertainment, and from therapeutics to military applications. As these tools continue to improve, we are prompted to monitor how they may affect our society on a broader level, but also how they may reshape our fundamental understanding of agency, responsibility, and other key concepts of our moral landscape.In this paper we take a closer look at this class of technologies – Technologies for Collective Minds – to see not only how their implementation may react with commonly held moral values, but also how they challenge our underlying concepts of what constitutes collective or individual agency. We argue that prominent contemporary frameworks for understanding collective agency and responsibility are insufficient in terms of accurately describing the relationships enabled by Technologies for Collective Minds, and that they therefore risk obstructing ethical analysis of the implementation of these technologies in society. We propose a more multidimensional approach to better understand this set of technologies, and to facilitate future research on the ethics of Technologies for Collective Minds.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Lyreskog
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Warneford Ln, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hazem Zohny
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Warneford Ln, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ilina Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Warneford Ln, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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3
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Jangwan NS, Ashraf GM, Ram V, Singh V, Alghamdi BS, Abuzenadah AM, Singh MF. Brain augmentation and neuroscience technologies: current applications, challenges, ethics and future prospects. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:1000495. [PMID: 36211589 PMCID: PMC9538357 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.1000495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever since the dawn of antiquity, people have strived to improve their cognitive abilities. From the advent of the wheel to the development of artificial intelligence, technology has had a profound leverage on civilization. Cognitive enhancement or augmentation of brain functions has become a trending topic both in academic and public debates in improving physical and mental abilities. The last years have seen a plethora of suggestions for boosting cognitive functions and biochemical, physical, and behavioral strategies are being explored in the field of cognitive enhancement. Despite expansion of behavioral and biochemical approaches, various physical strategies are known to boost mental abilities in diseased and healthy individuals. Clinical applications of neuroscience technologies offer alternatives to pharmaceutical approaches and devices for diseases that have been fatal, so far. Importantly, the distinctive aspect of these technologies, which shapes their existing and anticipated participation in brain augmentations, is used to compare and contrast them. As a preview of the next two decades of progress in brain augmentation, this article presents a plausible estimation of the many neuroscience technologies, their virtues, demerits, and applications. The review also focuses on the ethical implications and challenges linked to modern neuroscientific technology. There are times when it looks as if ethics discussions are more concerned with the hypothetical than with the factual. We conclude by providing recommendations for potential future studies and development areas, taking into account future advancements in neuroscience innovation for brain enhancement, analyzing historical patterns, considering neuroethics and looking at other related forecasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitish Singh Jangwan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Balawala, India
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Veerma Ram
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Balawala, India
| | - Vinod Singh
- Prabha Harji Lal College of Pharmacy and Paraclinical Sciences, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
| | - Badrah S. Alghamdi
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Mohammad Abuzenadah
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mamta F. Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Balawala, India
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4
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Gaudry KS, Ayaz H, Bedows A, Celnik P, Eagleman D, Grover P, Illes J, Rao RPN, Robinson JT, Thyagarajan K. Projections and the Potential Societal Impact of the Future of Neurotechnologies. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:658930. [PMID: 34867139 PMCID: PMC8634831 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.658930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, recording from and stimulating the brain with high spatial and temporal resolution required invasive means. However, recently, the technical capabilities of less invasive and non-invasive neuro-interfacing technology have been dramatically improving, and laboratories and funders aim to further improve these capabilities. These technologies can facilitate functions such as multi-person communication, mood regulation and memory recall. We consider a potential future where the less invasive technology is in high demand. Will this demand match that the current-day demand for a smartphone? Here, we draw upon existing research to project which particular neuroethics issues may arise in this potential future and what preparatory steps may be taken to address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate S. Gaudry
- Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Hasan Ayaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Drexel Solutions Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Pablo Celnik
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David Eagleman
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Pulkit Grover
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Judy Illes
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Neuroethics Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rajesh P. N. Rao
- Center for Neurotechnology, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, DC, United States
| | - Jacob T. Robinson
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Applied Physics Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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5
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Schmitz S. TechnoBrainBodies-in-Cultures: An Intersectional Case. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2021; 6:651486. [PMID: 33987221 PMCID: PMC8112819 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2021.651486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The cyborgization of brainbodies with computer hardware and software today ranges in scope from the realization of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) to visions of mind upload to silicon, the latter being targeted toward a transhuman future. Refining posthumanist concepts to formulate a posthumanities perspective, and contrasting those approaches with transhumanist trajectories, I explore the intersectional dimension of realizations and visions of neuro-technological developments, which I name TechnoBrainBodies-in-Cultures. In an intersectional analysis, I investigate the embedding and legitimation of transhumanist visions brought about by neuroscientific research and neuro-technological development based on a concept of modern neurobiological determinism. The conjoined trajectories of BCI research and development and transhumanist visions perpetuate the inscription of intersectional norms, with the concomitant danger of producing discriminatory effects. This culminates in normative capacity being seen as a conflation of the abled, successful, white masculinized techno-brain with competition. My deeper analysis, however, also enables displacements within recent BCI research and development to be characterized: from ''thought-translation" to affective conditioning and from controllability to obstinacy within the BCI, going so far as to open the closed loop. These realizations challenge notions about the BCI's actor status and agency and foster questions about shifts in the corresponding subject-object relations. Based on these analyses, I look at the effects of neuro-technological and transhumanist governmentality on the question of whose lives are to be improved and whose lives should be excluded from these developments. Within the framework of political feminist materialisms, I combine the concept of posthumanities with my concept of TechnoBrainBodies-in-Cultures to envision and discuss a material-discursive strategy, encompassing dimensions of affect, sociality, resistance, compassion, cultural diversity, ethnic diversity, multiple sexes/sexualities, aging, dis/abilities-in short, all of this "intersectional stuff"-as well as obstinate techno-brain agencies and contumacies foreseen in these cyborgian futures.
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6
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Lu L, Wang R, Luo M. An optical brain-to-brain interface supports rapid information transmission for precise locomotion control. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:875-885. [PMID: 32266609 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1675-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Brain-to-brain interfaces (BtBIs) hold exciting potentials for direct communication between individual brains. However, technical challenges often limit their performance in rapid information transfer. Here, we demonstrate an optical brain-to-brain interface that transmits information regarding locomotor speed from one mouse to another and allows precise, real-time control of locomotion across animals with high information transfer rate. We found that the activity of the genetically identified neuromedin B (NMB) neurons within the nucleus incertus (NI) precisely predicts and critically controls locomotor speed. By optically recording Ca2+ signals from the NI of a "Master" mouse and converting them to patterned optogenetic stimulations of the NI of an "Avatar" mouse, the BtBI directed the Avatar mice to closely mimic the locomotion of their Masters with information transfer rate about two orders of magnitude higher than previous BtBIs. These results thus provide proof-of-concept that optical BtBIs can rapidly transmit neural information and control dynamic behaviors across individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Ruiyu Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing, 102206, China.,School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Peking University-Tsinghua University-NIBS Joint Graduate Program, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Minmin Luo
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. .,National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing, 102206, China. .,Peking University-Tsinghua University-NIBS Joint Graduate Program, Beijing, 102206, China. .,Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China. .,Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research (TIMBR), Beijing, 102206, China.
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7
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Abstract
Brain-computer interfaces and wearable neurotechnologies are now used to measure real-time neural and physiologic signals from the human body and hold immense potential for advancements in medical diagnostics, prevention, and intervention. Given the future role that wearable neurotechnologies will likely serve in the health sector, a critical state-of-the-art assessment is necessary to gain a better understanding of their current strengths and limitations. In this chapter we present wearable electroencephalography systems that reflect groundbreaking innovations and improvements in real-time data collection and health monitoring. We focus on specifications reflecting technical advantages and disadvantages, discuss their use in fundamental and clinical research, their current applications, limitations, and future directions. While many methodological and ethical challenges remain, these systems host the potential to facilitate large-scale data collection far beyond the reach of traditional research laboratory settings.
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8
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Hildt E. Multi-Person Brain-To-Brain Interfaces: Ethical Issues. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1177. [PMID: 31827418 PMCID: PMC6849447 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hildt
- Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, United States
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9
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10
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Gilbert F, Cook M, O’Brien T, Illes J. Embodiment and Estrangement: Results from a First-in-Human "Intelligent BCI" Trial. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2019; 25:83-96. [PMID: 29129011 PMCID: PMC6418065 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-017-0001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
While new generations of implantable brain computer interface (BCI) devices are being developed, evidence in the literature about their impact on the patient experience is lagging. In this article, we address this knowledge gap by analysing data from the first-in-human clinical trial to study patients with implanted BCI advisory devices. We explored perceptions of self-change across six patients who volunteered to be implanted with artificially intelligent BCI devices. We used qualitative methodological tools grounded in phenomenology to conduct in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Results show that, on the one hand, BCIs can positively increase a sense of the self and control; on the other hand, they can induce radical distress, feelings of loss of control, and a rupture of patient identity. We conclude by offering suggestions for the proactive creation of preparedness protocols specific to intelligent-predictive and advisory-BCI technologies essential to prevent potential iatrogenic harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Gilbert
- Centre for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering, Department of Philosophy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- National Core for Neuroethics, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC USA
- Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - M. Cook
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Neurology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - T. O’Brien
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - J. Illes
- National Core for Neuroethics, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC USA
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11
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Cinel C, Valeriani D, Poli R. Neurotechnologies for Human Cognitive Augmentation: Current State of the Art and Future Prospects. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:13. [PMID: 30766483 PMCID: PMC6365771 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in neuroscience have paved the way to innovative applications that cognitively augment and enhance humans in a variety of contexts. This paper aims at providing a snapshot of the current state of the art and a motivated forecast of the most likely developments in the next two decades. Firstly, we survey the main neuroscience technologies for both observing and influencing brain activity, which are necessary ingredients for human cognitive augmentation. We also compare and contrast such technologies, as their individual characteristics (e.g., spatio-temporal resolution, invasiveness, portability, energy requirements, and cost) influence their current and future role in human cognitive augmentation. Secondly, we chart the state of the art on neurotechnologies for human cognitive augmentation, keeping an eye both on the applications that already exist and those that are emerging or are likely to emerge in the next two decades. Particularly, we consider applications in the areas of communication, cognitive enhancement, memory, attention monitoring/enhancement, situation awareness and complex problem solving, and we look at what fraction of the population might benefit from such technologies and at the demands they impose in terms of user training. Thirdly, we briefly review the ethical issues associated with current neuroscience technologies. These are important because they may differentially influence both present and future research on (and adoption of) neurotechnologies for human cognitive augmentation: an inferior technology with no significant ethical issues may thrive while a superior technology causing widespread ethical concerns may end up being outlawed. Finally, based on the lessons learned in our analysis, using past trends and considering other related forecasts, we attempt to forecast the most likely future developments of neuroscience technology for human cognitive augmentation and provide informed recommendations for promising future research and exploitation avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Cinel
- Brain Computer Interfaces and Neural Engineering Laboratory, School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - Davide Valeriani
- Brain Computer Interfaces and Neural Engineering Laboratory, School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Riccardo Poli
- Brain Computer Interfaces and Neural Engineering Laboratory, School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
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12
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Pham M, Goering S, Sample M, Huggins JE, Klein E. Asilomar survey: researcher perspectives on ethical principles and guidelines for BCI research. BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/2326263x.2018.1530010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Pham
- Department of Philosophy and Center for Neurotechnology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara Goering
- Department of Philosophy and Center for Neurotechnology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew Sample
- Department of Philosophy and Center for Neurotechnology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jane E. Huggins
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Department of Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Eran Klein
- Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering and Department of Philosophy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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13
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Specker Sullivan L, Illes J. Ethics in published brain–computer interface research. J Neural Eng 2018; 15:013001. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aa8e05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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14
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Stahl BC, Wakunuma K, Rainey S, Hansen C. Improving brain computer interface research through user involvement - The transformative potential of integrating civil society organisations in research projects. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171818. [PMID: 28207882 PMCID: PMC5313172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI) often aims to provide solutions for vulnerable populations, such as individuals with diseases, conditions or disabilities that keep them from using traditional interfaces. Such research thereby contributes to the public good. This contribution to the public good corresponds to a broader drive of research and funding policy that focuses on promoting beneficial societal impact. One way of achieving this is to engage with the public. In practical terms this can be done by integrating civil society organisations (CSOs) in research. The open question at the heart of this paper is whether and how such CSO integration can transform the research and contribute to the public good. To answer this question the paper describes five detailed qualitative case studies of research projects including CSOs. The paper finds that transformative impact of CSO integration is possible but by no means assured. It provides recommendations on how transformative impact can be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Carsten Stahl
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Kutoma Wakunuma
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Rainey
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Hansen
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Klein
- Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering and Department of Philosophy, University of Washington, Seattle,WA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - C.S. Nam
- Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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16
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Ramakrishnan A, Ifft PJ, Pais-Vieira M, Byun YW, Zhuang KZ, Lebedev MA, Nicolelis MAL. Computing Arm Movements with a Monkey Brainet. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10767. [PMID: 26158523 PMCID: PMC4497496 DOI: 10.1038/srep10767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) extract motor commands from a single brain to control the movements of artificial devices. Here, we introduce a Brainet that utilizes very-large-scale brain activity (VLSBA) from two (B2) or three (B3) nonhuman primates to engage in a common motor behaviour. A B2 generated 2D movements of an avatar arm where each monkey contributed equally to X and Y coordinates; or one monkey fully controlled the X-coordinate and the other controlled the Y-coordinate. A B3 produced arm movements in 3D space, while each monkey generated movements in 2D subspaces (X-Y, Y-Z, or X-Z). With long-term training we observed increased coordination of behavior, increased correlations in neuronal activity between different brains, and modifications to neuronal representation of the motor plan. Overall, performance of the Brainet improved owing to collective monkey behaviour. These results suggest that primate brains can be integrated into a Brainet, which self-adapts to achieve a common motor goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Ramakrishnan
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke University Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter J Ifft
- Duke University Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Miguel Pais-Vieira
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke University Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yoon Woo Byun
- Duke University Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Katie Z Zhuang
- Duke University Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mikhail A Lebedev
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke University Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Miguel A L Nicolelis
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke University Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Edmund and Lily Safra International Institute of Neurosciences of Natal, Natal, Brazil
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17
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"Knock once for yes, twice for no". J Cell Commun Signal 2015; 9:15-8. [PMID: 25711904 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-015-0273-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that the expression of CCN3, a member of the CCN family of proteins, was tightly regulated during central nervous development and was associated with acquisition of cognitive functions in rats (Perbal, Mol Pathol 54(2):57-79, 2001; Su et al. Sheng Li Xue Bao 52(4):290-294, 2000) therefore suggesting that CCN3 might be involved in higher levels of physiological communication in the brain. In spite of the considerable amount of progress made into the understanding of neuronal organization and communication, reducing the knowledge gap between brain cellular biology and behavioral studies remains a huge challenge. Mind-to-mind communication has been the subject of numerous science fiction writings, intense research and emotional debates for many years. Scientists have tried for a long time to achieve transmission of messages between living subjects via non intrusive protocols. Thanks to the great progress made in imagery and neurosciences, another dimension of neuronal function in communication has now been documented. Two recent experimental demonstrations of direct brain to brain communication without physical contact (Grau et al. (2014) Conscious brain-to-brain communication in humans using non-invasive technologies. PLoS One. Aug 19;9(8)- - Rao et al. (2014) A direct brain-to-brain interface in humans. PLoS One. Nov 5;9(11)) pave the road to more sophisticated applications that could profoundly affect communications of humans with other humans, animals and machines. Although the wide use of such applications might seem a long way off, they raise quite a number of ethical, legal and societal issues.
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Hildt E. What will this do to me and my brain? Ethical issues in brain-to-brain interfacing. Front Syst Neurosci 2015; 9:17. [PMID: 25762903 PMCID: PMC4340163 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2015.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent brain-to-brain interfacing studies provide proof of principle for the feasibility of various forms of direct information transfer between two brains, and may lead to the development of new approaches involving memory, emotions, or senses. What makes brain-to-brain interfaces unique is the transfer of information representing specific messages directly from one brain to another, without involving any activity of the peripheral nervous system or senses. The article discusses ethical issues that arise in neural interfacing. The focus is on the implications that brain-to-brain interfaces may have on the individual at the recipient side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hildt
- Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions, Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL, USA
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Kyriazis M. Systems neuroscience in focus: from the human brain to the global brain? Front Syst Neurosci 2015; 9:7. [PMID: 25705180 PMCID: PMC4319389 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2015.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Grau C, Ginhoux R, Riera A, Nguyen TL, Chauvat H, Berg M, Amengual JL, Pascual-Leone A, Ruffini G. Conscious brain-to-brain communication in humans using non-invasive technologies. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105225. [PMID: 25137064 PMCID: PMC4138179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sensory and motor systems provide the natural means for the exchange of information between individuals, and, hence, the basis for human civilization. The recent development of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) has provided an important element for the creation of brain-to-brain communication systems, and precise brain stimulation techniques are now available for the realization of non-invasive computer-brain interfaces (CBI). These technologies, BCI and CBI, can be combined to realize the vision of non-invasive, computer-mediated brain-to-brain (B2B) communication between subjects (hyperinteraction). Here we demonstrate the conscious transmission of information between human brains through the intact scalp and without intervention of motor or peripheral sensory systems. Pseudo-random binary streams encoding words were transmitted between the minds of emitter and receiver subjects separated by great distances, representing the realization of the first human brain-to-brain interface. In a series of experiments, we established internet-mediated B2B communication by combining a BCI based on voluntary motor imagery-controlled electroencephalographic (EEG) changes with a CBI inducing the conscious perception of phosphenes (light flashes) through neuronavigated, robotized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), with special care taken to block sensory (tactile, visual or auditory) cues. Our results provide a critical proof-of-principle demonstration for the development of conscious B2B communication technologies. More fully developed, related implementations will open new research venues in cognitive, social and clinical neuroscience and the scientific study of consciousness. We envision that hyperinteraction technologies will eventually have a profound impact on the social structure of our civilization and raise important ethical issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carles Grau
- Starlab Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Neurodynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Psychology and Medicine Faculties, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Riera
- Starlab Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Neuroelectrics Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Julià L. Amengual
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Department of Basic Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Berenson Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Giulio Ruffini
- Starlab Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Neuroelectrics Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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