Neuroethics Today

During Episode 6 of our special season highlighting last year’s International Neuroethics Society meeting, we focused on important take-home messages. Our guest host was Dr. Tim Brown, assistant professor in the Department of Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Washington. Our speakers were Dr. Jasmine Kwasa, postdoc at Carnegie Mellon’s Neuroscience Institute; Juhi Farooqui, PhD student in neural computation at Carnegie Mellon University; Dr. Kate Webb, postdoc at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Erin Morrow, PhD student in cognitive psychology at UCLA; and Katherine Bassil,  founder and host of Neuroethics Today and PhD candidate in neuroscience at Maastricht University. Our speakers discussed several questions, including: What were your favorite moments of the meeting? Who should answer the meeting’s many calls-to-action? How can we make sure social justice becomes more than just an afterthought in neuroethics?

A special thanks to Rudi Louis Taylor-Bragge - Iowendjeri Boonwurrung Kulin from Birraranga, Naarm (Australia) - for the music especially dedicated to this season of Neuroethics Today.

The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Neuroethics Society (INS) or the INS Board.

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During Episode 5 of our special season highlighting last year’s International Neuroethics Society meeting, we focused on the emerging field of environmental neuroethics. Our co-guest hosts were Dr. Laura Cabrera, J. Lloyd Huck Career Chair in Neuroethics at Pennsylvania State University; and Erin Morrow, PhD student in cognitive psychology at UCLA. Our speakers were Rudi Louis Taylor-Bragge - Iowendjeri Boonwurrung Kulin from Birraranga, Naarm (Australia), PhD candidate in psychology at Monash University; Dr. Judy Illes, Distinguished Professor in Neuroethics at the University of British Columbia; and Louise Harding, who recently completed her master’s degree at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia. Our speakers consider several questions, including: What is environmental neuroethics? How can it learn from Indigenous communities and become more inclusive? How can story-telling and different forms of knowledge enrich neuroethics? What can environmental neuroethics add to existing climate advocacy efforts? Curious for more? TUNE in NOW!

A special thanks to Rudi Louis Taylor-Bragge - Iowendjeri Boonwurrung Kulin from Birraranga, Naarm (Australia) - for the music especially dedicated to this season of Neuroethics Today.

The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Neuroethics Society (INS) or the INS Board.

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During episode 4, we focused on the questions: 'What is anti-racist neuroscience? Is there space for social justice in academic institutions? How can neuroethics truly engage meaningfully with social justice and anti-racism?' Episode 4 of the special INS season of Neuroethics Today brings together Dr. Keisha Ray, Assistant Professor at the McGovern Center for Humanities & Ethics at UT Health Houston, and Dr. Oliver Rollins, Assistant Professor of American Ethnic Studies at the University of Washington along with guest hosts Dr. Timothy Brown and Juhi Farooqui, to dive into these questions and more. Join this difficult but essential discussion by tuning in to this week’s episode.

A special thanks to Rudi Louis Taylor-Bragge - Iowendjeri Boonwurrung Kulin from Birraranga, Naarm (Australia) - for the music especially dedicated to this season of Neuroethics Today.

The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Neuroethics Society (INS) or the INS Board.

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During episode 3, we focused on the question 'How do disability, neurotechnology, and social justice all interact?'. Join guest host Dr. Sara Goering and three incredible panelists as they explore how emerging technologies interact with ableist structures and how neuroethics can better challenge these ableist structures. This week’s panelists are Gregor Wolbring, Professor at the University of Calgary, Jasmine Harris, Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and Ricardo Chavarriaga, Research Associate at the ZHAW School of Engineering Centre for Artificial Intelligence. Want to hear more? Hit play and tune in to the conversation!

A special thanks to Rudi Louis Taylor-Bragge - Iowendjeri Boonwurrung Kulin from Birraranga, Naarm (Australia) - for the music especially dedicated to this season of Neuroethics Today.

The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Neuroethics Society (INS) or the INS Board.

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During episode 2 our special INS season brings together diverse voices on community-centered social justice and neuroethics. Led by guest hosts Dr. Laura Specker Sullivan and Dr. Nicole Martinez, this panel delves into the role of identity and of communities in mental health work and advancing social justice. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Neely Myers, Associate Professor of Anthropology at Southern Methodist University, Dr. Gulamabbas Lakha, DPhil Candidate in Neuroscience, Ethics and Society at the University of Oxford, and Dr. Eunice Kamaara, Professor of Religion at Moi University in Kenya. Ready to learn more about how mental health providers can support individuals in their full identities? Press play, and join the conversation!

A special thanks to Rudi Louis Taylor-Bragge - Iowendjeri Boonwurrung Kulin from Birraranga, Naarm (Australia) - for the music especially dedicated to this season of Neuroethics Today.

The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Neuroethics Society (INS) or the INS Board.

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During Episode 1 of our special season highlighting last year’s International Neuroethics Society meeting, we focused on the meeting theme. This conference centered social justice and neuroethics, and in this episode we defined these terms and discussed the importance of their intersection. Our guest host was Dr. Nita Farahany, immediate past president of the INS. Our speakers were Dr. Anita L. Allen, Henry R. Silverman Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania; and Dr. Khara Ramos, the Vice President of Neuroscience & Society at the Dana Foundation. Drs. Farahany, Allen, and Ramos consider several critical questions, including: What were the goals of the 2021 INS Annual Meeting? Why do social justice and neuroethics belong together? What did the community hope to accomplish? Curious for more? TUNE in NOW! 

A special thanks to Rudi Louis Taylor-Bragge - Iowendjeri Boonwurrung Kulin from Birraranga, Naarm (Australia) - for the music especially dedicated to this season of Neuroethics Today. 

The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Neuroethics Society (INS) or the INS Board.

During Episode 11 of Season 2, we focused on the role of neuroscience in the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the U.S. Katherine Bassil - founder and host - together with Dr. Veronika Schöpf - head of Natural Science and engineering at the Austrian Science Fund FWF and former professor of neuroimaging- discuss the ethical implications of misinterpreting neuroscientific findings in non-research settings, such as legal settings. Dr. Shöpf weighs in on the discussion by providing both her scientific and personal perspective as a woman who has worked in the field of fetal brain development for several years. We covered questions such as: What do we know about fetal brain development? How has neuroscience contributed to overturning Roe v. Wade? How can we avoid misinterpreting neuroscience findings with similar societal impact? Curious for more? TUNE in NOW!

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During Episode 10 of Season 2, we focused on a rather controversial topic: Military neurotechnologies and dual-use. Katherine Bassil - founder and host - together with Dr. Jonathan D. Moreno - philosopher and professor at University of Pennsylvania - discuss the ethics of using neuroscience research for military purposes, the dangers and advantages of dual-use neurotechnologies, and the challenges in regulating military neurotechnologies. We covered questions such as: What is dual-use? Why is military-funded neuroscience research important? Will neurotechnologies be the next arms race? Can we benefit from military-funded neuroscience research? Do we need neurorights to protect soldiers from emerging neurotechnologies? Curious for more? TUNE in NOW! 

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During Episode 9 of Season 2, we decided to focus our attention on mental health equity, namely mental health equity between low/middle-income and high-income countries. Katherine Bassil - founder and host - together with Dr. Karen Herrera-Ferrá - clinical MD, clinical psychologist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and founder and former president of the Mexican Association of Neuroethics - discuss the drivers of mental health disparities in low income countries, with a focus on Mexico (her home country), highlighting the cultural, socio-economic factors contributing to challenges in ensuring mental health equity. Dr. Herrera-Ferrá weighs in as an expert in neuroethics but also building on some real-life cases based on her experience as a mental health clinician in Mexico.

We covered questions such as: What is mental health equity? How do different factors contribute to mental health disparities? How does culture contribute to mental health challenges in low/middle-incomecountries? Can neurotechnologies mend the gap to ensure mental health equity in low/middle-income countries? 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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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!

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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!

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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! 

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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.

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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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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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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.

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During Episode 2 of Season 2, we decided to discuss one of the most relevant topic in neuroscience and neuroethics: Science Communication. Katherine Bassil - founder and host - together with Dr. Andrew Neff - creator of Neuroscience from Underground - discuss the importance of science communication, its challenges and pitfalls. We covered questions such as: What are the faux-pas of researchers, journalists, and the consumer (or the general public) in science communication of neuroscience research? What are the implications of uninformed consumers? What can scientists do to better communicate their science in a transparent, honest, and correct way? This episode is just the ride dose of neuroethics for you this month.

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We are launching our podcast mini-series #TIPsyThursday* to discuss the 'Morality Pill'.  Host Katherine, together with co-hosts Mariel and Susan have an open discussion about what is a 'Morality Pill', what "issues" can be associated with this pill, who should consider taking it, should it be given as 'treatment', and much more questions raised.

Key takeaways:

1. Morality is not located in ONE brain region and hence is not an ON or OFF switch.

2. Morality has deep roots in culture and hence will not be viewed similarly across countries.

3. Consuming a Morality Pill will highly depend on the case study at hand.

4. Morality Pill may be science-fiction but there are several similar 'cognitive enhancers' on the market, so we should be having this conversation ?NOW!

*#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:

With the launch of Season 2, we are taking you back to the roots (or shall we say, to the bottom of the ocean). Katherine Bassil - founder and host - together with episode 1 co-hosts Mariel Kalkach and Susan Kravitz discuss what is Neuroethics and why YOU should care! Have you ever wondered about the relationship between Neuroethics and the ocean? Were you ever skeptical about your involvement in Neuroethics? Have you ever wondered how you can contribute? This episode is just the ride dose of neuroethics for you. Not too much information, just the right dose for your curious mind, and the perfect content to stimulate your critical attitude!

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During episode 13, Katherine Bassil shares 12 neuroethics lessons from 12 neuroethics discussions that took place on season 1 of the Neuroethics Police podcast.  Katherine also answers questions from the audience and finishes off by announcing the winner of the Instagram #neuroethicsmeme Giveaway! Find out more details on episode 13 - the final episode of season 1 - of the Neuroethics Police podcast!

Laurens Landeweerd joins host Katherine Bassil in discussion on the ethical implications of human and cognitive enhancement, a topic that has been buzzing on all media platforms for the last couple of years. In the first part of this episode, Laurens answers questions on lifespan extension and living "forever" from a philosophical point of view. In the second part, he shares with us his insights on cognitive enhancement. Finally, Laurens sheds light on current debates in the field of genetic editing, particularly with developments in the revolutionary technology "CRISPR". Why do humans want to live forever? Should humans want to live forever? Will cognitive enhancers create societal inequalities? Are we playing God? Is Laurens optimistic or pessimistic about the future? We finish off by overing exciting and up-to-date neuroethics news. Find out more details on episode 12 of the Neuroethics Police podcast!

Who is Laurens Landeweerd? Laurens is a philosopher. He holds a position as assistant professor at Radboud University Nijmegen’s Institute for Science in Society. He is also coach at HogeSchool Zuyd’s Interdisciplinary Arts programme (iArts). Landeweerd is interested in the relation between nature and technology. His research focuses on the philosophy of living systems. He has contributed to a series of national and international projects on the ethics and philosophy of the neurosciences, biotechnology and synthetic biology. Next to works on the philosophy of technology, his research focuses on the nature of the human being in relation to human enhancement: lifespan extension, enhancement of cognition and sensory experience.

Andrea Lavazza joins host Katherine Bassil in discussion on the ethical implications of cerebral or brain organoids, a technology that has been developing with high speed ever since its conception. In the first part of this episode, Andrea elaborates on the thought experiment of the philosopher Hilary Putnam on "brains in a vat" and explains why brain organoids carry ethical implications, stressing on what is hope and what is hype. In the second part, we discuss in detail the implications of a recent study where brain function was restored after death. Finally, Andrea sheds light on the importance of focusing on current issues including privacy and commercialization. Are human brain organoids conscious? Will brain organoids aid in the redefinition of life and death? What does the public think of using brain organoids for research? What is the role of scientists, ethicists, journalists and the public in guiding developments in this field? Find out more details on episode 10 of the Neuroethics Police podcast!

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Marcello Ienca joins host Katherine Bassil in discussion on the implementation of new “neuro” human rights with newly emerging neurotechnologies. In the first part of this episode, Marcello explains why our societies are in need of new human rights in a day where we are witnessing a neurotechnology revolution. In the second part, we discuss in detail the implications of emerging neurotechnologies and why it is important to protect the consumer against misuse. Finally we shed light on Marcello’s opinion on a group that has already taken action based on his suggestions for new human rights, by formulating a petition to congress. Are emerging neurotechnologies threatening our human rights? Are we moving towards a neurotech-anxious society? Will neurotechnologies create inequalities within society? Why are the new human rights needed to protect us from emerging neurotechnologies? Find out more details on episode 9 of the Neuroethics Police podcast! 

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Saskia Valk joins host Katherine Bassil in discussion on science communication through ART. In the first part of this episode, Saskia takes us into her world of interdisciplinary art, where she works along with philosophers, scientists and other stakeholders in training upcoming artists to bridge the fields of science, technology and other societal issues. In the second part, we discuss the involvement and importance of artists in communicating science and its practices with a wider non-expert yet implicated audience. Can Art translate science to the wider public? Can Art bridge the worlds of scientists with the general public? Does Art carry a responsibility to communicate science? Find out more details on episode 8 of the Neuroethics Police podcast!

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Prof. dr. David Roef & Dr. Antonia Waltermann join host Katherine Bassil in discussion on neurolaw. In the first part of this episode, we discuss the involvement of neuroscience in the courtroom. In the second part, we delve into philosophical concepts such as free-will and neuroscience. Finally, we discuss how neuroscientific findings can be used to reshape current policies, focusing on criminal cases of juveniles. Can Neuroscience be misused in the courtroom? Did Neuroscience Destroy Free Will? Can Neuroscience influence Criminal Policies? Find out more details on episode 7 of the Neuroethics Police podcast!

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