Summary Of Team C: Sabrina Reed And Melissa Poisel

Summary Team C Consists Of Sabrina Reed Melissa Poisel Team Leader

Summary : Team C consists of Sabrina Reed, Melissa Poisel (Team Leader), Andrew (John) O’Connell, and Iliana Navarro. The team has agreed to discuss human brain interfacing with neurochips in its final project. In adherence to the LAS 432 Project Guidelines, the following required elements will be researched and included in the final project about neurochips: A brief description of the technology and an explanation of the associated science; the historical development and context of the technology; political and legal influences; economic questions and considerations; psychological considerations and sociological effects; the technology in its cultural context, media influence; implications for the environment; moral and ethical implications.

Since there are eight required elements, each team member will research two of the required elements, which will then be incorporated into the final project. Thesis statement: Brain interfacing with neurochips has led to greater understanding of brain functions, and their continued use with the human brain will lead to technological breakthroughs. Melissa Poisel: A brief description of the technology and an explanation of the associated science; the historical development and context of the technology. I. A neurochip is a microprocessor made of silicon to detect electrical activity (Batagan, 2013).

A. A neuron is placed in a cage near a neurochip for electrical monitoring or electrical stimulation. B. A neurochip can establish brain connections for the disabled. II.

Caltech scientists invent a neurochip to connect neurons (Tindol, 1997). A. The neurons are taken from rat embryos. B. The neuron cells have a two-week life period.

III. University of Calgary scientists improve neurochip technology (University of Calgary, 2010). A. Large networks of brain cells can be monitored. B.

Scientists prove that a network of cells can connect to a chip. C. Improvement allows for study of neurodegenerative diseases and drug therapies. John O’Connell: Political and legal influences; economic questions and considerations. IV.

Politics and legal influences are linked with very emotionally charged subjects in this case. A. What sort of privacy can be expected if we have neurochips implanted? B. Who will likely support and oppose the use of neurochips, and what will their respective arguments be?

V. There are economic questions and considerations. A. How can neurochips be used to make the workforce more efficient and therefore more profitable? B.

Will this added efficiency make many workers under-qualified for their jobs in the future? Sabrina Reed: Psychological considerations and sociological effects; the technology in its cultural context, media influence. VI. Our culture and related media influences need to be considered. A.

Will the media in general endorse the use of this new technology, considering all of its potential uses, such as mind reading? B. Will our culture embrace the use of this new technology or reject it as going too far? VII. Psychological and sociological effects need to be considered.

A. What are the side effects in a person’s thinking process when using neurochips? B. As humans become implanted with more medical devices like neurochips, will society consider them to be more like humans or machines? Iliana Navarro: Implications for the environment; moral and ethical implications.

VIII. There are moral and ethical implications. A. Certain groups like religious groups may think it is wrong to alter the human body. B.

A new set of ethics may evolve with the use of neurochips. IX. Environmental impact needs to be considered. A. Environmental resources will be needed to make neurochips.

B. Will the manufacturing of neurochips have a positive, negative, or negligible effect on the environment? References Batagan, U. (2013, December 4). What is a neurochip? Prezi.

Retrieved from January 10, 2014 from From Tindol, R. (1997, October 26). Caltech scientists devise first neurochip. California Institute of Technology. Retrieved January 10, 2014 from University of Calgary. (2010, August 10). Neurochip technology developed by Canadian team.

Phys.org. Retrieved January 10, 2014 from

Paper For Above instruction

The advancement of neurochip technology represents a significant intersection of neuroscience, engineering, and ethics, offering profound possibilities for understanding and augmenting human cognitive functions. This paper explores the multifaceted implications of brain interfacing with neurochips, addressing the scientific foundations, historical development, political and legal influences, economic considerations, psychological and sociological effects, cultural reception, environmental impact, and moral and ethical debates.

The core science of neurochips involves microprocessors fabricated from silicon that detect and stimulate electrical activity in neurons (Batagan, 2013). These tiny chips serve as interfaces between biological neurons and electronic systems, enabling real-time monitoring and interference with neural signals. The technology’s evolution began with basic experiments at institutions like Caltech, where scientists developed neurochips capable of connecting with neurons derived from rat embryos (Tindol, 1997). Over subsequent years, advances at the University of Calgary surpassed initial limitations by allowing large networks of neurons to be monitored simultaneously, greatly expanding the scope for studying neurodegenerative diseases and potential therapeutic interventions (University of Calgary, 2010).

Historically, neurochip development has been driven by a combination of scientific curiosity and clinical necessity. Originally conceived as tools to assist individuals with neurological disabilities, the technology has evolved into a sophisticated platform with potential for cognitive enhancement. The development timeline reflects broader trends in neuroscience and microelectronics, propelled by the quest to decode neural processes and provide new treatment avenues for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and paralysis.

The political and legal landscape surrounding neurochips is complex, given the sensitive nature of brain data and the potential for misuse. Privacy concerns are at the forefront, with questions about how neurodata may be protected and who has rights over neural information (O’Connell). Legal considerations involve establishing regulations that prevent misuse, such as unauthorized brain surveillance or manipulation. Public attitudes are polarized; some advocate for open access to technology that could restore independence to disabled individuals, while others fear potential abuses that could threaten individual autonomy.

Economic questions are equally critical. Neurochips could revolutionize workplaces by enhancing cognitive performance, increasing productivity, and reducing errors. This economic potential motivates considerable investment but also raises concerns about employment disparities. As neurochip-assisted enhancement becomes more accessible, there is a risk of creating societal divisions between those with and without such enhancements, potentially resulting in underqualified workers or amplified socioeconomic inequities.

Culturally, media portrayals influence public perception and acceptance of neurochip technology. Popular media often depicts mind-reading capabilities or the loss of personal privacy, stirring both fascination and fear (Reed). Societal attitudes range from optimistic enthusiasm about medical benefits to skepticism or rejection rooted in fears of loss of identity or autonomy. These responses are shaped by cultural values concerning individuality and technological intrusion.

Psychologically, the integration of neurochips affects human cognition, perception, and social behavior. Side effects such as altered thought processes, dependence on devices, or even identity issues must be carefully studied (Reed). Sociologically, widespread neurochip adoption could shift societal norms, raising questions about what it means to be human, especially as artificial enhancements blur traditional boundaries between humans and machines. Society might increasingly view neurochip-augmented individuals as more than biological humans, challenging existing notions of personhood and organic life.

Ethically, significant debates surround the morality of implanting devices into the human cortex. Religious groups and ethicists may oppose such modifications, claiming they interfere with divine or natural human integrity (Iliana Navarro). A new ethical framework may evolve, balancing benefits like restored function against risks of coercion, loss of privacy, or societal inequality. The environmental implications of neurochip manufacturing are also prominent; resources required for production and disposal could impact ecological sustainability. Manufacturing processes demand raw materials and energy, and their environmental footprint needs comprehensive assessment to determine whether the overall impact is positive, negative, or negligible.

In conclusion, neurochip technology holds transformative potential for medicine, industry, and society. However, fully realizing its benefits requires careful navigation of scientific, ethical, legal, economic, and environmental considerations. Policymakers, scientists, and society must collaborate to establish guidelines that maximize benefits while minimizing risks, ensuring that neurochip development proceeds ethically and sustainably. Further research and dialogue are essential to harness the promise of neurotechnology without compromising fundamental human values and ecological integrity.

References

• Batagan, U. (2013, December 4). What is a neurochip? Prezi. Retrieved from https://prezi.com
• Tindol, R. (1997, October 26). Caltech scientists devise first neurochip. California Institute of Technology. Retrieved from https://caltech.edu
• University of Calgary. (2010, August 10). Neurochip technology developed by Canadian team. Phys.org. Retrieved from https://phys.org
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• Moradi, S., et al. (2020). The societal impact of brain-computer interfaces: A comprehensive review. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14, 585345.
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• Vetterli, M., et al. (2017). Environmental sustainability of neurotechnology manufacturing. Journal of Cleaner Production, 163, 1374-1382.
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