Today the Nuffield Council for Bioethics launches a consultation on the ethics of the new technologies, the global market for which it says is worth US$8 billion ($9.5 billion) and "growing fast."
"Intervening in the brain has always raised hopes and fears. Hopes of curing terrible diseases and fears about trying to enhance human capability beyond what is normally possible," said Professor Thomas Baldwin, chair of the study and professor of philosophy at the University of York. "This challenges us to think what makes us human and why we think and behave in the way we do."
The most advanced technology is deep brain stimulation which has shown dramatic results in improving movement control in Parkinson's disease. But some patients have developed severe side effects including personality changes, increased sexual urges and criminal behaviour.
One study found half of those treated reported a deterioration in their marriage or relationships. "If that is replicated in further studies that will be alarming," said Baldwin.
An electric coil worn in a cap or attached to the head with a band which delivers magnetic pulses to the brain has been shown to relieve the symptoms of severe depression in patients and boost mental performance in young adults. Known as the "creativity cap" and employing a technology called transcranial magnetic stimulation, it is available from online retailers. It suppresses some brain activity enabling the individual to focus on a particular task.
Dr Alena Buyx, of the Nuffield Council, said: "A trial in the UK showed it improved performance in maths and there have been calls for it to be introduced for children in education.
"We know of children prescribed ritalin [a drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder] to boost their school performance. Should we try to create individuals with superhuman abilities?"
In Scotland, doctors are trialling neural stem cells injected into the brain to replace damaged brain cells as a treatment for strokes. But there are fears it could lead to brain tumours or changes in mood, behaviour and ability.
Kevin Warwick, professor of cybernetics at the University of Reading, who has used himself as a guinea pig for implants in his nervous system with which he has controlled remote devices, said: "Military applications are being tested but are not yet in use.
"They involve remote control of vehicles and weaponry with the soldier in a safe location and the weapon in the battlefield. It blurs the distinction between man and machine. Who is making the decisions, who is responsible?"
- Independent
