Science determines temperament

Subjects with severe paralysis (Parkinson's disease) are currently indicated for deep brain stimulation (implantable brain) implant therapy. This is a physical intervention with an electrode device implanted in the central part of the brain to produce small electronic pulses to interrupt continuous tremors and other symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Even - according to Martha Farah, a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania - the patient can also choose different levels of sensation through electronic communication for comfort or excitement .

Brain control tool

Brain X-ray of an electrode recipient (Photo: Labor)

Devices such as DBS and psychiatric medications such as Ritalin and Prozac have shown a powerful effect on activating brain function on millions of clinical trials. In the not-too-distant future, GS Farah predicts - there will be different types of drugs that strongly affect the most specific parts of the brain, even more effective and especially with no side effects. . " This intervention is not only about mental health but also treatment for almost all kinds of neurological problems .!" - Professor Farah said.

Farah explains: "The main clue of mental illnesses lies along the interference chain, or axon axon, where the 'happy hormones' like serotonin and norepinephrine are released, the level of internal types. This hormone is abnormally low in people with severe depression The current antidepressant drugs have only a temporary effect on the neuronal axis to stabilize the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine similar to the reaction when you drinking coffee. '.

GS Farah is the principal author of modafinil, the drug developed for narcolepsy, which can be prescribed over-the-counter to patients with depression, ADHD or even tired after a flight. long.

Crime nerve correction

However, nervous ethics do not hide concerns because this new technology can widen the gap between rich and poor and mental health, when money is crucial to mental problems. Sutra and may even create different classes of people. Others argue that this technique will give rise to many problems when uneven access, even forced to use as alternative interventions.

'Someday we will feel pressured to use DBS as a way to increase concentration, to create memory acumen in learning, exams or work competition . - attorneys Richard Glen Boire, a policy maker at the Center for Awareness and Ethics, based in Davis (California), said - and there will be many cases where students are not diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor but forced use DBS or psychoactive drugs like Ritalin to get (pass) into school . '.

Lawyer Glen Boire also believes that someday, we will have what she calls a " nervous system" to easily turn criminals into good-natured people. At that time, sex offenders will be given drugs that discourage sexual desire and prisoners will no longer intend to escape from prison. And someday, drugs that inhibit violence can also be used for the same purpose. In theory, these capabilities will help prevent most types of criminals in the future .

However, human rights activists argue that forcing sex offenders to use DBS or drugs that discourage sexuality is like . castering them, for 'green bearers' - considering about the inalienable right of the body - also the person. Nervous ethics that require legislation should respect freedom of thought, while some lawmakers say the possibility will be institutionalized into law. And, 'finally, we will look at society more broadly when the real benefit of' brain invasion technology 'is higher for the community than it is for criminals .!' - Glen Boire said.

H. DAO (Quote translation)