Neuroethics Today

During Episode 8 of Season 2, Katherine Bassil - founder and host - together with Dr. Christian Herff - Assistant Professor at Maastricht University - discuss brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and the ethical implications of this neurotechnology. We covered questions such as: What are BCI? What are associated hopes and hypes of this technology? How do private companies like Neuralink influence BCI research? What are the dangers of BCI? That covers just the top of the iceberg of what we discussed on this episode. Curious for more? Tune in NOW!

Useful Links:

Neuroethics Today website

During Episode 7 of Season 2, we decided to focus our attention on digital mental health interventions, namely mental health mobile applications. Katherine Bassil - founder and host - together with Dr. Nicole Martinez-Martin - Assistant Professor at Stanford University - discuss the ethics of mental health mobile apps, their advantages, challenges, and implications of using such tools. We covered questions such as: Are mental health apps safe to use despite lack of robust scientific evidence? Are digital mental health interventions regulated before hitting the market? Can they replace therapists? How has the COVId-19 pandemic changed the way we deal with therapy and mental health interventions? That covers just the top of the iceberg of what we discussed on this episode. Curious for more? Tune in NOW!

Useful Links:

Neuroethics Today website

During Episode 6 of Season 2, Jackson Boonstra - a neuroscience PhD candidate at Maastricht University - argues why he is of the opinion that "Neuralink won't work". In his monologue, Jackson provides arguments on how Neuralink's aims and goals are theatrical and science-fiction in nature.

TUNE in NOW! 

Useful links: 

Neuroethics Today website

During Episode 5 of Season 2, we focused on the topic of the hour: Artificial Intelligence (also known as AI). Katherine Bassil - founder and host - together with Dr. Katleen Gabriels - moral philosopher and assistant professor at Maastricht University - discuss the ethics of AI, the promises and pitfalls, and the need for legislation and AI guidelines. We covered questions such as: What does a moral philosopher do? What is AI? Will AI ever become conscious? Can AI make ethical decisions? What are unique ethical implications of AI in neurotechnologies? Why should we control AI? Curious for more? TUNE in NOW! Useful links: Neuroethics Today website Neuroethics Today on Twitter Neuroethics Today on Instagram Neuroethics Today Blog --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/neuroethicstoday/message

In the third episode of our podcast mini-series #TIPsyThursday* we discuss the 'Cognitive Enhancers'.  Host Katherine, together with co-hosts Mariel and Susan have an open discussion about what are 'Cognitive Enhancers', and what are the ethical issues that can be associated with this emerging HOT technology. Some of the questions we discussed include: What are the different types of cognitive enhancers? Should some individuals be allowed to take them and others prohibited? Why do we have a resistance to accept the widespread use of cognitive enhancers in our society?

Key takeaways:

1. Cognitive enhancers can be either used to diminish or enhance brain activity.

2. Cognitive enhancers that are not regulated may pose ethical implications.

3. There is no consensus on who should and should not be prescribed cognitive enhancers.

4. Views surrounding the use of cognitive enhancers differ depending on the outcome that they facilitate.

*#TIPsyThursday is an informal mini-series by Neuroethics Today where host Katherine Bassil and co-hosts Mariel Kalkach and Susan Kravitz have an open conversation about all things neuroethics including technologies that exist, do not exist, and may one day exist. You do not need to be a neuro-somebody to tune in, just grab your favourite drink, your headphones, relax and enjoy this provoking and stimulating conversation.

Useful Links:

Neuroethics Today website

During Episode 4 of Season 2, we invited Michelle Muller, a scientist-turned-artist with a family history of Huntington's Disease. Michelle shared her experience with genetic testing, the emotional turmoil that accompanied it, and the ethical implications that were running through her mind. As a former early-career scientist, Michelle was driven to find a cure for Huntington's to help her family members that were at risk and suffering from the disease, but after several disappointments, she discovers her own way to cope with the results of her genetic test and embarks on an artistic and spiritual journey. Tune in now and listen to Michelle's inspiring story!

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2-minutes Neuroethics: What is Dual-Use?

During Episode 3 of Season 2, we decided to focus our attention on an increasingly emerging topic in neuroethics: Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Neurotechnology. Katherine Bassil - founder and host - together with Dr. Anna Wexler - Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania - discuss the ethics of DTC Neurotechnology, associated misconceptions, concerns, and advantages of working closely with neurotech companies. We covered questions such as: What are known DTC neurotechnologies? What should consumers beware of when purchasing a DTC Neurotechnology? What are advantages of working closely with neurotech companies? What has changed in the past decade and what should we look forward to? That covers just the top of the iceberg of what we discussed on this episode. Curious for more? Tune in NOW!

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"An open letter concerning do‐it‐yourself users of transcranial direct current stimulation"

Neuroethics Today website

In the second episode of our podcast mini-series #TIPsyThursday* we discuss the 'Biomarkers for Brain Diseases'.  Host Katherine, together with co-hosts Mariel and Susan have an open discussion about what are 'Brain Biomarkers', and what are the ethical issues that can be associated with this this technology. We even raised personal questions such as: Would you want to know of a risk to psychiatric and/or neurological diseases? Do you have a responsibility to act on the results that you are given? How should sensitive 'risk profiles' be communicated with the patient/individual?

Key takeaways:

1. Current biomarker testing for psychiatric diseases is not robust enough to be used in the clinic.

2. There isn't a single biomarker that can detect risk of developing a psychiatric disorder

3. There are 2 schools-of-thought when it comes to biomarker research: (1) The right to know and the right not to know; (2) The right to know and the duty to tell.

4. Risk profiles from biomarker testing should be very carefully communicated to the individual to avoid panic and anxiety.

5. Certain employers might demand a biomarker test risk profile of their potential employees. Is that ethical? What about the involvement of insurance companies?

*#TIPsyThursday is an informal mini-series by Neuroethics Today where host Katherine Bassil and co-hosts Mariel Kalkach and Susan Kravitz have an open conversation about all things neuroethics including technologies that exist, do not exist, and may one day exist. You do not need to be a neuro-somebody to tune in, just grab your favourite drink, your headphones, relax and enjoy this provoking and stimulating conversation.

Useful Links:

Neuroethics Today website

2-minutes Neuroethics: What is the Ethics of Neuroscience?