"SUBNETS" is the one of interesting projects developing by DARPA (Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency). In official note we can read that project
aims veterans and the effects of neuropsychological illness brought on by war,
traumatic injuries, and other experiences remain challenging to treat.
Through
SUBNETS, DARPA hopes to generate the knowledge and technology required to
deliver relief to patients with otherwise intractable neuropsychological
illness. Solution which is under development will pursue the capability to
record and model how complex brain regions function in both normal and abnormal
conditions. These models will be then adapted onto new type of neural
stimulators, which will influence multiple brain regions for therapeutic
purposes. The program would create one of the most comprehensive datasets of
systems-based brain activity ever recorded.
You can read full DARPA’s announcement
here: http://www.darpa.mil/our_work/bto/programs/systems-based_neurotechnology_for_emerging_therapies_subnets.aspx
Please read this note and write your
opinion regarding following questions:
1. What do you think about
recording and stimulating activity of neural system? What benefits and what threats
can you notice after reading text linked above?
2. What could be other applications
of this upcoming technology can you point out?
3. Do you think that military
agency can have also other intentions regarding this technology and try to hide
it under well-sounding subject of helping veterans to overcome their traumas?
1. What do you think about recording and stimulating activity of neural system? What benefits and what threats can you notice after reading text linked above?
ReplyDeleteIt is scientifically proven that many kinds of behaviour deviation, whether it is ADHD, depression, aggression or other more severe psychological states are connected to the way the brain functions or malfunctions in this case. The problem is that the same symptoms may have a completely different cause. Until now, doctors treated the malfunctioning of the brain by giving the patients drugs without a clear understanding of what is really going on in the patient's brain, on the level of neural activity. The treatment often proved to be ineffective.
Recording and stimulating activity of neural system, precisely where it is needed, is a revolutionary method that gives the doctor a good pair of lenses to see exactly what the problem is. The benefits are both for the patient - as he can regain sanity - and for the doctor - as he gains more credibility as a professional. The threat is that the doctor may not be needed soon, as his expertise may be replaced by the technology. The other threat is connected to who will become the owner of the technology. No technology is good or bad, but used for a corporation's own benefits may become a tool to control the market and exclude certain groups of beneficiaries.
2. What could be other applications of this upcoming technology can you point out?
I can imagine we could record hidden thoughts and motives of one's behaviour. The technology may be used for example in criminal court to prove one's innocence or, on the contrary, guilt. It can also be used to define people talents and neurological predispositions for a specific kind of job.
3. Do you think that military agency can have also other intentions regarding this technology and try to hide it under well-sounding subject of helping veterans to overcome their traumas?
One can never be sure about a military agency's intentions, th eagency is a tool in the hands of a government and its primary goal is to develop technology to defeat enemies. In my opinion as long as the governmental intentions and actions are clear we are safe.
It is worth pointing out that many modern innovations are spin-offs of either military or space technology and for me personally it is exciting, that such technology is invented, tested and implemented.
Defining people’s talents and predispositions i.e. in early childhood sounds as fantastic to help people detect and gain their skills, but I can also feel that it in some way it could touch my sense of freedom. There already are few enclosed occupations like airplane’s pilot who needs perfect sight and healthy nasal sinus (not mentions psychological health). If every occupation would be limited to perfect candidates then our childhood’s dreams about being fireman, sales woman or medical would stay only dream.
DeleteEthan Hawke had this problem in Gattaca! And Philip J. Fry in the first episode of Futurama...
DeleteIf such information was private, it would be extremely useful, so much better than career advisors. If it was public, well, "You gotta do what you gotta do".
Albert, can you send me the paper or give an access if you are able to?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.darpa.mil/our_work/bto/programs/systems-based_neurotechnology_for_emerging_therapies_subnets.aspx
"Access Denied
You don't have permission to access this page on this server.
Reference #5334842405225830922"
s13509@pjwstk.edu.pl
Deletehttp://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:www.darpa.mil/Our_Work/BTO/Programs/Systems-Based_Neurotechnology_for_Emerging_Therapies_SUBNETS.aspx
DeleteThis should work - interesting thing, why they started to deny access this week..
1. What do you think about recording and stimulating activity of neural system? What benefits and what threats can you notice after reading text linked above?
ReplyDeleteThe technology of recording and stimulating of neural system seems to be a really breakthrough. In my opinion there might be many advantages and disadvantages of its approach. The first question is how invasive in fact the method is?
Let`s assume that there is now physical contact with a brain so, the method base on electric potential fluctuation. So, having mapped the activity of neural system and comparing it into a proper healthy neural system class there are possibilities to draw the ground breaking discovery.
On the other if there is to strong physical invasion into neural system there might be a negative consequences and the scientist can do a harm in fact.
The scientific paper is only a sort of marketing to sell the technology. The real assumption and the goal of the scientific research are a state secret in fact.
3. Do you think that military agency can have also other intentions regarding this technology and try to hide it under well-sounding subject of helping veterans to overcome their traumas?
ReplyDeleteAs I pointed out the project is carried out under the government control. We got to know that the research founding is on the high level. The underlined purposes of DARPA are focused on mental disorders as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, general anxiety disorder so the most common mental dysfunctions. So, the approach seems to be very desirable.
The project management needed to switch into a military area so the target group are veterans and active duty soldiers suffering from mental disorders. That is way the project is carried out by the Military Agency auspices. What is more the majority of conclusions will be protected by the low as a “top secret“ I suppose.
The main assumptions of the DRAPA are to be well sold for general public. I am sure that the real goal is connected with a kind of weapons or advanced medical research on human brain.
2. What could be other applications of this upcoming technology can you point out?
ReplyDeleteI think that main goal of the project is to:
- to get to know more about a human brain structure, activity and processes,
- to get to know more about correlation between a physical mental disorders and their representation inside the brain.
The mentioned above could be transformed into:
- possibilities of creation a new weapons,
- development of Brain to Brain interfaces,
- a new techniques of teaching and learning,
- a new method of curing,
- and many others.
Well, this brain two brain idea sounds very interesting. I wonder how immediate could it be? Could it be possible to project one brain’s emission to another directly via stimulator or would we need some form of translation understandable for this device and then recreation would be possible?
Delete1. What do you think about recording and stimulating activity of neural system? What benefits and what threats can you notice after reading text linked above?
ReplyDeleteThe new treatment proposed to patients suffering from neuropsychological illnesses has a few obvious benefits. Scientists can get the insight into brain disorders in order to develop new and more effective therapies, to study, understand and treat systems of the brain. Inconsequence, people struggling with brain disorders may finally find relief thanks to this innovative programme. Another advantage of this solution is that its aim is to invite volunteers on the lookout for effective treatment. However, one should be aware of the possible risks stemming from the implementation of the developments of neuroscience,neurotechnology and clinical therapy. The purpose of the new programme is not only recording but also modeling certain anatomical systems, which can pose a great threat to the human kind. The explanation is that scientists can stimulate numerous regions of the brain fora number of non-ethical purposes. It should be underlined that the largest risk arises from designing neural stimulators. What remains to be defined is exactly what intervention is to be applied through neural actuation as well as what device the governmental bodies seek to create. As is explained in the text, the models thus created may be used to define different stimulation methodologies meeting "guidelines for both safety and efficacy in human participants ". Nevertheless, it is essential at this stage to determine what these notions mean exactly for the counterparty involved. Therefore, I believe that such military inventions are highly dangerous and can fall outside any control.
2. What could be other applications of this upcoming technology can you point out?
ReplyDeleteThis military programme may turn out to be particularly detrimental to the mankind. If it becomes a part of weapon engineering, it may threaten, destroy or imprison entire populations. Even if the primary application is intended for benign use, one should not ignore harmful side effects. Some of them may become obvious after long-term use. It is possible that some side effects of the treatment may not be fully revealed to the patients. Furthermore,the new programme may change its aim to programming human brain for absolutely selfish reasons. This novel technology may also be seized by some criminal organizations interested in world destruction weapons. There can also be a risk of infiltrating the society.
Criminals would want to possess this technology for sure. They wouldn’t need again to force you by brutal force to give them the money, while they could stimulate your brain to do so. Then let’s erase the memory and you won’t even remember you ever had such amount…
DeleteThere is no denying that technology, and above all, military technology does not have muchmoral or ethical value. That is why it is indispensable to reasonably weigh risks against benefits. It is necessary to prepare a careful independent study before the new solution is implemented for general or extensive use. If the new discovery carries too much risk, its hould be either appropriately modified or simply abandoned.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete3. Do you think that military agency can have also other intentions regarding this technology and try to hide it under well-sounding subject of helping veterans to overcome their traumas?
ReplyDeleteNew technologies are always risk-provoking. They may target some wicked application of primary importance known from the very beginning to all or to a narrow circle of decision-makers, or just quite the opposite.
Taking into account different devices originally reserved only for military purposes and then, gradually implemented in broader society (such as aircrafts, computers,sophisticated electronic equipment of other kind), we can conclude that original plans and strategies can be and are indeed modified with time. It is very probable that there is some other purpose hidden behind the strong willingness to bring help to veterans suffering from terrible traumas.
As can be inferred from the political situation of the United States, this country has always been driven by the competitive spirit in the military field. In order to gain more, prove their supreme power, many people are ready to sacrifice a lot such as the truth, honesty,honour and reputation.
Can I ask the same question as Robert? Temporary I have no access to this site. BTW you must always choose the highest article.:-) In this situation probably a more suitable word is the deepest.
ReplyDeleteMy contact email is piotr.henryk.wojcik@gmail.com.
Please try this link: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:www.darpa.mil/Our_Work/BTO/Programs/Systems-Based_Neurotechnology_for_Emerging_Therapies_SUBNETS.aspx
Delete1. What do you think about recording and stimulating activity of neural system? What benefits and what threats can you notice after reading text linked above?
ReplyDeleteAccording to the article, the benefits would be in the form of new treatments, which can be used to "restore normal functionality following injury or the onset of neuropsychological illness". A variety of disorders are listed, especially those caused by traumatic injuries.
The threats are addressed by creating "models to determine safe and effective therapeutic stimulation methodologies".
2. What could be other applications of this upcoming technology can you point out?
Clinicians will be able to record and analyze brain regions. Then, using these models, new treatments can be created to stimulate the right parts of the brain and perhaps fix the causes of neurological disorders.
3. Do you think that military agency can have also other intentions regarding this technology and try to hide it under well-sounding subject of helping veterans to overcome their traumas?
I doubt that, the problem of taking care of veterans is quite important as it is for the military. I would not dismiss their efforts to help them. But you never know, hopefully brain washing or anything like that is not what they are looking into.
BTW You can use Google cache to access the article.
Thank you for your tip with google web-cache. I also agree that this technology brings completely new quality to investigations, interrogations, special operations, etc. It is always one of most important concerns of any secret service to gain ability to know what people think and to stimulate what people are thinking.
DeleteLink gives 'access denied' error. So, I will try to share my personal opinions;
ReplyDelete1. What do you think about recording and stimulating activity of neural system? What benefits and what threats can you notice after reading text linked above?
> Although I couldn't reach the link above and have no idea around the subject, I may write couple of sentences down though. I'm more concerned, maybe interested with the motivation. It's like we see the pipes and now able to observe the water flow. Next are we going to know why and how ? Curious.
2. What could be other applications of this upcoming technology can you point out?
> My it's an ultimate goal or not. How about, re-locate our brain into something more persistent than our fragile bodies.
3. Do you think that military agency can have also other intentions regarding this technology and try to hide it under well-sounding subject of helping veterans to overcome their traumas?
> Simple knife can be used in various ways. I don't know if anyone cares now the original intention for the first knife.
Sorry for the link, they took it down just few days ago. Please try: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:www.darpa.mil/Our_Work/BTO/Programs/Systems-Based_Neurotechnology_for_Emerging_Therapies_SUBNETS.aspx
DeleteI agree with your "knife-example". Every stick has two ends and also technology can has two different meanings. Let's take atomic bomb and atomic plant for another instance. But regardless you intentions you have to be careful bearing knife, not even mention safety of gaining energy from “atoms”.
Hi, you can also try this link: www.medicalxpress.com/pdf302169122.pdf
Delete1. What do you think about recording and stimulating the activity of a neural system? What benefits and what threats can you notice after reading the text linked above?
ReplyDeletePutting the ethical issues aside, if we ever want to fully understand the human mind sooner or later we will have to use technologies like SUBNETS to do so. The topic of technological enhancing, artificial intelligence and privacy were discusses countless of times already on our blog (probably a very interesting subject :) ). Basically for me the benefits (cure for mental disorders, evolution) of such a technology surpass the threats (privacy, impairment/loss of own will) and it is something that should be freely researched.
2. What other applications of this upcoming technology can you point out?
One huge benefit of this technology that I see is basically understanding how the human mind works and being able to replicate it into hardware and software to create better AI.
3. Do you think that the military agency has other intentions regarding this technology and it tries to hide it under the well-sounding subject of helping veterans to overcome their traumas?
When I saw who is responsible for the project (DARPA) I immediately remembered another project they are in charge for. I guess you have heard about HAARP. It basically consists of some antenna arrays somewhere in Alaska and they claim they use it to better understand the ionosphere. There were countless conspiracy theories about it for causing i.e. Mind Control, Gulf War Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome etc. . And now they come up with this new technology that is capable of manipulating someone's thoughts. It all seems too fishy. :)
1. What do you think about recording and stimulating activity of neural system? What benefits and what threats can you notice after reading text linked above?
ReplyDeleteI like what they said about the possible outcome of the project: “[…] it will advance neuropsychiatry beyond the realm of dialogue- driven observations and resultant trial and error and into the realm of therapy driven by quantifiable characteristics of neural state[…]”. Psychiatrists currently have a bit more tools than only dialog and observation, but it is true that such technology would revolutionise neuropsychiatry, psychiatry and would probably also help psychotherapists. Many mental conditions are very often hard to diagnose and hard to cure. It’s hard completely treat things listed in the article, e.g. depression, chronic pain, anxiety. Treatment usually takes a lot of time and often helps patients manage those conditions instead of curing them completely. As it’s such a long process, it’s also hard to determine when the treatment should be stopped, as there is no insight into patient’s brain.
I think that the more we know about human brain the better, and even if this knowledge can be somehow abused, millions (if not billions) can benefit from this knowledge.
2. What could be other applications of this upcoming technology can you point out?
It could probably give us much more information about human behaviour. Everything is controlled by the brain, so there’s a lot of information that can be harvested.
3. Do you think that military agency can have also other intentions regarding this technology and try to hide it under well-sounding subject of helping veterans to overcome their traumas?
It’s hard to predict how such technology can evolve or what are their motives. When I look at the list of DARPA’s current research projects, I have the impression that most of those technologies can be used in the battlefield. Brain study is a sensitive topic and trauma treatment is a great justification for it. But they created ARPANET, so I believe in their good intentions.
1. What do you think about recording and stimulating activity of neural system? What benefits and what threats can you notice after reading text linked above?
ReplyDeleteI think this is in my opinion very deep subject of study and it is fare more complicated to refer only on material included in this article. In my opinion this DARPA project can stimulate and guide many veterans after traumatic experiences. How could you conquer the space if you can't rely on your brain. But someone can say if you don't risk you won't break the limits. It was said some time ago that if pilot try to break velocity beyond one mach of speed with his plane then he would crush on wall. And still there was many brave pilots who risk they lives to break that boundaries. I hope that this project can help us to achieve us more success than hold us permanently on the Earth.
2. What could be other applications of this upcoming technology can you point out?
Many scientist unfortunately believe so much of their own projects that can discriminate other research. You cannot do science in all fields but still you should be aware of achievements in other art and scientific fields.
3. Do you think that military agency can have also other intentions regarding this technology and try to hide it under well-sounding subject of helping veterans to overcome their traumas?
It would be naive to think that this project have only one target. But I hope we could all benefit from the progress of their inventions.