Neurotechnologies: The Next Technology Frontier | IEEE Brain

For millennia, the human brain has been a largely unexplored frontier. Relative to the whole of human history, studying, understanding, and influencing human thought and consciousness is a radically new endeavor. Only in the twenty-first century has science truly begun to progress far enough into the field of neuroscience for effective neurotechnologies to begin to take shape.

The implications of neurotechnologies for society are vast. From pharmaceuticals that improve quality of life, to brain imaging that revolutionizes our conception of human consciousness, neurotechnologies stand to change our understanding of ourselves and harness the power of the brain and nervous systems myriad functions to promote human thriving.

Although the layperson might not be familiar with the term neurotechnology, in fact these emerging technologies already affect many peoples everyday lives. Neurotechnologies have become widespread in medical contexts, but other uses are on the horizon.

Neurotechnology refers to any technology that provides greater insight into brain or nervous system activity, or affects brain or nervous system function. Neurotechnology can be used purely for research purposes, such as experimental brain imaging to gather information about mental illness or sleep patterns. It can also be used in practical applications to influence the brain or nervous system; for example, in therapeutic or rehabilitative contexts.

Broadly speaking, neurotechnology uses neural interfaces to read or write information into the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS), or the autonomic nervous system (ANS). There are a number of methods to do this, both invasive and noninvasive.

Neurotechnologies fall into the following three categories:

Neurotechnology is already being practically applied in the medical and wellness industries, with many future implications for other contexts including education, workplace management, national security, and even sports. The following are some of the most prominent uses of neurotechnologies today:

Outside the field of neurotechnology, Pharmaceuticals are the most common form of neuro treatment in everyday life. They influence brain chemistry by modulating chemicals and hormones within the brain in situations where the subjects brain does not produce normal amounts of these chemicals on its own. Pharmaceuticals can help treat mental conditions such as depression and anxiety. Cell therapies are another emerging field. Cell therapy seeks to use stem cells to induce the brain to produce new cells in order to heal brain damage or disorders.

Research and development of neurotechnologies has the potential to change the human experience in multiple ways. These technologies could open a number of doors to enhanced mental and physical ability, once researchers are able to overcome neurotechnologys current limitations.

Currently, the greatest potential of neurotechnologies is in their ability to alleviate human suffering through enabling better treatments for mental and neurological disorders, movement disorders and sensory disorders. Innumerable people could benefit from treatments for as-yet unsolved neurological disorders like Alzheimers Disease and multiple sclerosis, as well as psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder and phobias.

Beyond medical applications, neurotechnologies have the potential to elevate human experience and functioning in other ways. For example, these technologies could enhance human learning ability, boost physical performance, and enable efficiencies like brain-controlled devices.

In the future, neurotechnologies could potentially affect almost everyone in society at large. They could be used in applications like the following:

Neuromodulation technology, neuroprostheses technology, and BMI technology currently only have the capability to gather data over time. There is very limited continuous sensing, with limited means of modifying stimulation to the nervous system as needed based on neurofeedback.

This means neurotechnologies are, as yet, unable to perform autonomously and in synthesis with brain signals. Further research and development is needed in order to create a smooth-running closed-loop system that allows the technology to read, write, and modify brain signals simultaneously.

In many ways, neurotechnology is still in its infancy. Yet there is already great potential to use these technologies to positively influence brain activity for a variety of reasons, from disorder treatment and management to accelerated learning.

Although not a neurotechnology, pharmaceuticals are currently the most widely used therapy, with their ability to affect brain chemistry through blocking or stimulating the production of certain hormones that affect mood or cognition.

MRIs and other brain imaging technologies have provided researchers with important brain mapping information. These technologies are also used in clinical settings to measure brain activity based on blood flow or electromagnetic current.

Other neurotechnologies, such as neuromodulation technology, neuroprostheses technology, and BMI technology, have so far provided a rudimentary ability to read and write nervous system activity. However, these technologies require much development before they can be widely used in medical or other applications.

Researchers are currently working on closed-loop neurotechnology systems that can treat neurological, psychiatric and movement disorders. These systems may be able to restore physical movement after an injury or disease of the brain, provide neuroprosthetics or implants to cure neurological disorders like Parkinsons disease, treat memory disorders such as Alzheimers disease or dementia, and relieve psychiatric disorders that reduce quality of life.

Neurotechnology researchers are also focused on creating closed-loop technologies for general consumer applications. For example, next-generation neurotechnologies may be able to speed learning and information retention.

Neurotechnologies with better sensor capabilities are currently in development. Better sensors are important for two reasons: they will have the ability to generate immediate neurofeedback, and they will facilitate better understanding of the downstream effects of stimulation. This will aid researchers in developing more accurate models of how information travels downstream.

In addition, stimulation technologies currently have limited spatial and temporal selectivity. Researchers are currently developing stimulation technologies that can instantly respond to neurofeedback and self-modify as needed.

Overall, researchers are modifying closed-loop neurotechnology systems to be more responsive and autonomous so they can work in tandem with the subjects brain, responding to neurofeedback fluidly.

Since neurotechnologies affect the brainthe center of human consciousnessconsidering ethical and legal questions around agency is paramount. The ethics and legality of neurotechnology still has far to go, and must be a prime consideration moving forward.

Since neurotechnologies have to do with modifying human brain and nervous system activity, there are a number of ethical questions involved. In particular, potential subjects must be informed of the risks of neurotechnologies. Some neurotechnologies, such as intracranial electrode implantationplacing electrodes inside the skull in order to monitor seizureshold a high risk for the subject.

It is essential that researchers and clinicians communicate transparently with subjects in order to create realistic expectations for studies and procedures. In addition, subjects must have a realistic understanding of the potential benefits of a study or procedure for themselves or others.

Finally, neurotechnologies have the potential to influence or change a persons thought patterns or behavior, thus potentially influencing their essential identity. Neurotechnology researchers must weigh this potential to affect identity against the benefits of improved functioning or quality of life.

Safety and reliability are essential considerations when discussing the legal implications of neurotechnologies. Further research is needed in order to establish baseline parameters and expectations for minimal tissue damage, safe implementation techniques, and long-term safety in the use of neurotechnologies. It is also important to know if a device is performing as intended, and provide options to override the technology as needed. Researchers should be aware of these potential issues and consider them during product development.

In addition, data management is an important legal consideration in the neurotechnology field. There does not yet exist a standardized system for data security and privacy, such as guidelines for ownership of patient information, access to such data, and data sharing. Such a system needs to be developed in order to best stay in compliance with the law.

Although neurotechnologies come with ethical and legal risks, many researchers believe their potential to improve quality of life for millions or billions around the globe indicates that the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks.

For instance, in 2014 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched its Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative on the basis that neurotechnologies have the potential to launch a quantum leap in the understanding of brain function and disease. The NIH states its belief that this could facilitate more effective treatments for neurological, mental, and even substance abuse disorders among the global population.

Neurotechnology holds incredible potential to improve many aspects of human life, from treating debilitating diseases to improving efficiency, learning potential, and even physical prowess. However, neurotechnologies are still a relatively young development, and much is yet unknown about their full capabilities, as well as the ethical, legal, and societal implications they may have for society going forward.

To learn more about neurotechnologies, how they work, their applications, and future possibilities, we invite you to read the IEEE Brain white paper Future Neural Therapeutics.

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Neurotechnologies: The Next Technology Frontier | IEEE Brain