Ethics of neuroscience

• What is the claustrum?

  Thin sheet of neurons in centre of brain. Seat of consciousness-combines info from distant brain regions. (Crick & Koch, 1998)
• Koubeissi et al (2014):

  54 year old woman suffered from severe epilepsy-electrode placed near claustrum was electrically stimulated. Woman stopped, stared blankly & didn't respond to visual or auditory commands. When stimulation stopped, she regained consciousness immediately, no recollection of event. When stimulation repeated, same thing happened.
• What does neuroscience help us make decisions about?

  Patients in persistent vegetative state. Decision to end their life could be based on knowledge of whether they remain conscious or not.
• Cherek et al (2002):


  Investigated levels of impulsivity & aggression in males with history of conduct disorder & criminal behaviour. 1/2 received placebo for 21 days, other 1/2 received paroxetine (SSRI antidepressant). Those with drug showed significant decrease in impulsive responses, & aggression declined by end of study.
• How could neuroscience be used in criminal behaviour?

  Offering pharmacological treatments to criminals could reduce recidivism & make society safer for all. (Criminal behaviours could stem from abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters. Drugs could 'treat' criminals).
• What is TDCS?


  Transcranial direct current stimulation-passing small electric current across specific regions in brain. Improve abilities of 'normal' individuals e.g, improved performance on complex academic tasks. Many already use neuroenhancement when using caffeine-based drinks to block adenosine receptors in brain & are hence more alert to revise.
• Kadosh et al (2012):

  TDCS leads to improvements in problem-solving & mathematical, language, memory & attention capabilities. (Students could use TDCS apparatus in exam preparation).
• How can neuroscience be used in neuromarketing?

  Social desirability bias can be avoided using eye tracking equipment to provide objective evidence of what catches someone's eye when shopping or watching ads. EEG used to analyse neurological responses.
• What did Sands research use?

  Neuromarketing research when devising highly successful ad- 'The Force' (Volkswagen). Doug van Praet (part of creative team) notes it 'upped traffic to VW website by 1/2 & contributed to a hugely successful sales year for the brand'. Aids economy by stimulating sales & profits.
• What is wrong with Koubeissi's research?

  Evidence derived from case study of 1 'abnormal' brain (person suffering from severe epilepsy). Furthermore, should those in persistent vegetative state have life support withdrawn? Just because they've currently lost consciousness do we have moral right to withdraw care?.
• Farah (2004):


  Courts using neurological interventions signals denial of an individual's freedom e.g, thinking your own thoughts & having your own personality.
• What implicit coercion can occur?

  Court may offer convicted criminal choice of prison term or course of medication. (Little choice about meds).
• What are the issues with TDCS?

  No training or licensing rules for practitioners-poorly qualified clinicians administering ineffective treatments or causing brain damage to patients. TDCS apparatus comparatively cheap but not available to everyone (unfair). Should we ban use of neuro-enhancing technologies in same way as performance-enhancing substances in sport? May be important when using treatment with brains still developing.
• Wilson et al (2008):

  Allows advertisers to deliver individualised messages where our free will is potentially manipulated by big brands. Corporations may produce marketing messages that remove our ability to make informed decisions about whether we purchase a product or not. Have access to our inner thoughts.
• Nelson (2008):


  Neuromarketing firms not obliged to abide by ethical codes of practice. 5% of brain scans recorded by marketing firms produced 'incidental findings'. E.g, researchers may see evidence of brain tumour. Not 'board-certified' so not obliged to follow appropriate ethical protocols (advising person of findings).
• Conclusions:


  Great insight into understanding how brain works-development of stigma-free explanations of normal & abnormal behaviour. Knowledge published accessible to all, whether intentions for its use are good or bad. Neuroscientists, Gov, regulatory bodies etc responsible of ensuring neuroscientific knowledge is applied in appropriate ethical way.
• Nuffield Trust (2014):


  Since financial crisis started in 2008, increase in amount of antidepressants prescribed. Greater rise in usage amongst areas with higher rates unemployment. Therefore neuroscientists who treat & cure disorders could save UK economy billions of £. E.g, Alzheimer's research UK (treating dementia is £23 billion per year).
• What are the 4 sections?

  Understanding consciousness, neuromarketing, enhance neurological function & treating criminal behaviour.