Spanish Researcher Advocates for Ethical Use of Neurotechnology Amid Rapid Advancements

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Rafael Yuste, a prominent Spanish neuroscientist and head of the NeuroTechnology Center at Columbia University, is spearheading the establishment of the National Center for Neurotechnology in Spain. This ambitious initiative aims to develop devices that can read and potentially modify human brain activity, emphasizing a need for ethical considerations amidst rapid technological advancements.

Speaking in a recent interview, Yuste reflected on a groundbreaking experiment that allowed researchers to manipulate a mouse's brain activity, leading it to perceive nonexistent images. This research underscores the potential for similar advancements in humans, raising significant ethical questions regarding cognitive enhancement and mental privacy.

The National Center for Neurotechnology is proposed to be located at the Autonomous University of Madrid, with an investment of over $200 million pledged by the Spanish government and EU funds by 2037. Yuste described the center's structure, which will consist of various departments focusing on neurobiology, neuroengineering, artificial intelligence, and ethics, aiming to address both the scientific and moral implications of neurotechnology.

As corporations like Meta and Apple explore wearable neurotechnologies, Yuste warns of the potential consequences of companies collecting and selling users' neural data. He advocates for "neuro-rights," which prioritize mental privacy and equitable access to cognitive enhancement, to prevent societal divides between those who can afford cognitive augmentation and those who cannot.

The urgency for regulatory measures is emphasized as Yuste and his colleagues seek to inspire legislative action to protect brain data in Spain, potentially positioning the country as a leader in neuroethics in Europe.

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