Understanding societal challenges: a NeurotechEU perspective.

Futuristic universities like The NeurotechEU and the technological innovations they provide will shape and serve society, but will also require support from society. Positive attitudes about neuro-technologies will increase their reach within society and may also impact policy-making, including funding decisions. However, the acceptability rates, especially of invasive neuro-technologies, are quite low and the majority of people are more worried than enthusiastic about them. The question therefore arises as to what neuro-technological advances should entail. In a rare effort to reach out to the public, we propose to conduct a trans-national survey with the goal to better understand the challenges of our NeurotechEU nations. We aim to compare and contrast our nations specifically with respect to their perspectives on neuro-technological advances, i.e., their needs for, interests in, access to, knowledge of and trust in neuro-technologies, and whether these should be regulated. To this end, we have developed the first version of a new tool-the Understanding Societal Challenges Questionnaire (USCQ)-which assesses all six of these dimensions (needs, interest, access, knowledge, trust, and policy-making) and is designed for administration across EU/AC countries. In addition to trans-national comparisons, we will also examine the links of our nations' perspectives on neuro-technological advances to demographic and personality variables, for example, education and socio-economic status, size of the residential area, the Big Five personality traits, religiosity, political standings, and more. We expect that this research will provide a deeper understanding of the challenges that our nations are facing as well as the similarities and differences between them, and will also help uncover the variables that predict positive and negative attitudes toward neuro-technological advances. By integrating this knowledge into the scientific process, The NeurotechEU may be able to develop neuro-technologies that people really care about, are ethical and regulated, and actually understood by the user.

Brain-computer interfaces inspired spiking neural network model for depression stage identification.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a global mental disorder, and traditional diagnostic methods mainly rely on scales and subjective evaluations by doctors, which cannot effectively identify symptoms and even carry the risk of misdiagnosis. Brain-Computer Interfaces inspired deep learning-assisted diagnosis based on physiological signals holds promise for improving traditional methods lacking physiological basis and leads next generation neuro-technologies. However, traditional deep learning methods rely on immense computational power and mostly involve end-to-end network learning. These learning methods also lack physiological interpretability, limiting their clinical application in assisted diagnosis. METHODOLOGY: A brain-like learning model for diagnosing depression using electroencephalogram (EEG) is proposed. The study collects EEG data using 128-channel electrodes, producing a 128×128 brain adjacency matrix. Given the assumption of undirected connectivity, the upper half of the 128×128 matrix is chosen in order to minimise the input parameter size, producing 8,128-dimensional data. After eliminating 28 components derived from irrelevant or reference electrodes, a 90×90 matrix is produced, which can be used as an input for a single-channel brain-computer interface image. RESULT: At the functional level, a spiking neural network is constructed to classify individuals with depression and healthy individuals, achieving an accuracy exceeding 97.5 %. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Compared to deep convolutional methods, the spiking method reduces energy consumption. CONCLUSION: At the structural level, complex networks are utilized to establish spatial topology of brain connections and analyse their graph features, identifying potential abnormal brain functional connections in individuals with depression.

Multi-scale self-attention approach for analysing motor imagery signals in brain-computer interfaces.

BACKGROUND: Motor imagery-based electroencephalogram (EEG) brain-computer interface (BCI) technology has seen tremendous advancements in the past several years. Deep learning has outperformed more traditional approaches, such next-gen neuro-technologies, in terms of productivity. It is still challenging to develop and train an end-to-end network that can sufficiently extract the possible characteristics from EEG data used in motor imaging. Brain-computer interface research is largely reliant on the fundamental problem of accurately classifying EEG data. There are still many challenges in the field of MI classification even after researchers have proposed a variety of methods, such as deep learning and machine learning techniques. METHODOLOGY: We provide a model for four-class categorization of motor imagery EEG signals using attention mechanisms: left hand, right hand, foot, and tongue/rest. The model is built on multi-scale spatiotemporal self-attention networks. To determine the most effective channels, self-attention networks are implemented spatially to assign greater weight to channels associated with motion and lesser weight to channels unrelated to motion. To eliminate noise in the temporal domain, parallel multi-scale Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) layers are utilized to extract temporal domain features at various scales. RESULT: On the IV-2b dataset from the BCI Competition, the suggested model achieved an accuracy of 85.09 %; on the IV-2a and IV-2b datasets from the HGD datasets, it was 96.26 %. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: In single-subject classification, this approach demonstrates superior accuracy when compared to existing methods. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that this approach exhibits commendable performance, resilience, and capacity for transfer learning.

Applying the IEEE BRAIN neuroethics framework to intra-cortical brain-computer interfaces.

Objective. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are neuroprosthetic devices that allow for direct interaction between brains and machines. These types of neurotechnologies have recently experienced a strong drive in research and development, given, in part, that they promise to restore motor and communication abilities in individuals experiencing severe paralysis. While a rich literature analyzes the ethical, legal, and sociocultural implications (ELSCI) of these novel neurotechnologies, engineers, clinicians and BCI practitioners often do not have enough exposure to these topics.Approach. Here, we present the IEEE Neuroethics Framework, an international, multiyear, iterative initiative aimed at developing a robust, accessible set of considerations for diverse stakeholders.Main results. Using the framework, we provide practical examples of ELSCI considerations for BCI neurotechnologies. We focus on invasive technologies, and in particular, devices that are implanted intra-cortically for medical research applications.Significance. We demonstrate the utility of our framework in exposing a wide range of implications across different intra-cortical BCI technology modalities and conclude with recommendations on how to utilize this knowledge in the development and application of ethical guidelines for BCI neurotechnologies.

Neurotechnologies, Ethics, and the Limits of Free Will.

This article delves into the implications of neurotechnologies for the philosophical debates surrounding free will and moral responsibility. Tracing the concept from ancient religious and philosophical roots, we discuss how recent neurotechnological advancements (e.g. optogenetics, fMRI and machine learning, predictive diagnostics, et al.) challenge traditional notions of autonomy. Although neurotechnologies aim to enhance autonomy in the strict sense - as self-determination - they risk reducing or changing the broader notion of autonomy, which involves personal authenticity. We also submit that, in a world with an altered or limited concept of free will, humans should still be held accountable for actions executed through their bodies. By examining the dynamic between choice and responsibility, we emphasize the shift in technology ethics, moral philosophy, and the broader legal landscape in response to the advancement of neurotechnologies. By bringing the neurotechnological innovations into the world, neuroscientists not only change the technological landscape but also partake in long-standing moral narratives about freedom, justice, and responsibility.

Recommendations for promoting user agency in the design of speech neuroprostheses.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) that directly decode speech from brain activity aim to restore communication in people with paralysis who cannot speak. Despite recent advances, neural inference of speech remains imperfect, limiting the ability for speech BCIs to enable experiences such as fluent conversation that promote agency - that is, the ability for users to author and transmit messages enacting their intentions. Here, we make recommendations for promoting agency based on existing and emerging strategies in neural engineering. The focus is on achieving fast, accurate, and reliable performance while ensuring volitional control over when a decoder is engaged, what exactly is decoded, and how messages are expressed. Additionally, alongside neuroscientific progress within controlled experimental settings, we argue that a parallel line of research must consider how to translate experimental successes into real-world environments. While such research will ultimately require input from prospective users, here we identify and describe design choices inspired by human-factors work conducted in existing fields of assistive technology, which address practical issues likely to emerge in future real-world speech BCI applications.

Chilean neurorights legislation and its relevance for mental health: Criticisms and outlook / La legislación chilena sobre neuroderechos y su relevancia para la salud mental: Críticas y perspectivas

Abstract Background Recently, the academic world has established a series of reconfigurations of emerging human rights, in order to safeguard the mental integrity of people exposed to neurotechnologies. The recommendations of different stakeholders and a literature review support regulation of these technologies. There are different proposals for regulation, some in soft law and others in objective law. The type of regulation chosen can have repercussions on clinical practice, research, and public policy. The constitutional enactment of neurorights in Chile has been criticized in the academic fields of neuroethics and law as having potential negative effects on mental health research. Objective To analyze in light of the available literature whether the construction of neurorights could create ethical conflicts in the field of mental health, or if it could offer protection against the disruptive use of various neurotechnologies. Method This analysis included a narrative review of studies included in the PsycInfo, Springer, JSTOR, Medline, Scopus, PubMed, CINALH, and Web of Science databases, without restrictions on language or year of publication. Results The enactment of neurorights as hard law is found not to be detrimental to the field of mental health. Discussion and conclusion This article argues that the regulation of neurorights does not threaten the framework of an ecosystem that uses neurotechnologies. On the contrary, such regulation offers protections to people within the complex system of neurotechnologies.

Resumen Antecedentes Recientemente, el mundo académico ha establecido una serie de reconfiguraciones de derechos humanos emergentes, con el fin de salvaguardar la indemnidad mental de las personas expuestas a las neurotecnologías. Las recomendaciones de las diferentes partes interesadas y de una revisión bibliográfica son la regulación de estas. Existen diferentes ejemplos de regulación, algunos de derecho blando y otros de derecho objetivo. El tipo de regulación puede tener repercusiones en la práctica clínica, la investigación y las políticas públicas de una comunidad. La consagración constitucional chilena de los neuroderechos ha sido criticada desde el mundo académico de la neuroética y también desde el derecho argumentándose que podría ser negativa para la investigación en salud mental. Objetivo Analizar a la luz de la literatura disponible si la constitucionalización de los neuroderechos es éticamente conflictiva en el campo de la salud mental o más bien la protege frente del uso disruptivo de diversas neurotecnologías. Método Revisión narrativa de estudios incluidos en las siguientes bases de datos (PsycInfo, Springer, JSTOR, Medline, Scopus, PubMed, CINALH y Web of Science) sin restricciones de idioma o año de publicación. Resultados No se considera que la consagración de los neuroderechos como hard law sea perjudicial en el ámbito de la salud mental. Discusión y conclusión Se discute si los neuroderechos son una regulación amenazante en el marco de un ecosistema que utiliza neurotecnologías. Se concluye que, a pesar de las críticas, no lo es, sino que favorece la protección de las personas del uso inapropiado de neurotecnologías.

MEMS micro-coils for magnetic neurostimulation.

Micro-coil magnetic stimulation of brain tissue presents new challenges for MEMS micro-coil probe fabrication. The main challenges are threefold; (i) low coil resistance for high power efficiency, (ii) low leak current from the probe into the in vitro experimental set-up, (iii) adaptive MEMS process technology because of the dynamic research area, which requires agile design changes. Taking on these challenges, we present a MEMS fabrication process that has three main features; (i) multilayer resist lift-off process to pattern up to 1800-nm-thick metal films, and special care is taken to obtain high conductivity thin-films by physical vapor deposition, and (ii) all micro-coil Al wires are encapsulated in at least 200 nm of ALD alumina and 6-µm-thick parylene C such the leak resistance is high (>210 GΩ), (iii) combining a multi-step DRIE process and maskless photolithography for adaptive design and device fabrication. The entire process requires four lithography steps. Because we avoided SOI wafers and lithography mask fabrication, the design-to-device time is shortened significantly. The resulting probes are 4-mm-long, 60-µm-thick, and down to 150 µm-wide. Selected MEMS coil devices were validated in vivo using mice and compared to previous work.

Neuroderechos: Ser o no ser. Una propuesta de adscripción sistemática en el ordenamiento jurídico español / Neurorights: To be or not to be. A proposal for systematic ascription to the Spanish legal system

Nuestro cerebro es lo que nos define. Estamos pasando de lasmuy desarrolladas tecnologías para la información y la comunicación (conocidas porsu acrónimo TIC) a las nuevas tecnologías sobre la información y para la comunicacióncon el cerebro. Estos avances neurocientíficos se traducen en notables mejoras parala salud de las personas, pero también en bienes de consumo. Dichas tecnologíascombinadas con la Inteligencia Artificial (IA), podrían usarse para descifrar y manipularprocesos mentales y para aumentar las capacidades cognitivas de las personasconectándolas a las interfaces cerebro-computadora, alterando lo que significaser humano. En lo que sigue, expondremos el estado actual de la neurociencia, suimpacto jurídico, el examen de las escasas iniciativas legislativas sobre el particularcon especial estudio de la propuesta de reforma constitucional chilena de 2020,concluyendo si se hace necesario realizar cambios o adaptar las reglas existentes a lassituaciones nuevas. Se trata en definitiva de modular dogmáticamente la respuesta jurídica ante el imparable avance de la neurociencia y cuestionarse si articular unanueva categoría de derechos como los denominados neuroderechos puede ser o no ser la mejor solución. (AU)

Our brain is what defines us. We are moving from highly developed informationand communication technologies (known by its acronym ICT) to new informationand communication technologies with the brain. These neuroscientific advancestranslate into remarkable improvements for people’s health, but also consumergoods. Such technologies, combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI), could beused to decipher and manipulate mental processes and to increase people’scognitive abilities by connecting them to brain-computer interfaces, alteringwhat it means to be human. In what follows, we will present the current state ofneuroscience, its legal impact, the examination of the few legislative initiativeson the subject with special study of the Chilean constitutional reform proposal of2020, concluding if it is necessary to make changes or adapt the existing rules tonew situations. Ultimately, it is about dogmatically modulating the legal responseto the unstoppable advance of neuroscience and questioning whether articulatinga new category of rights such as the so-called neuro-rights may or may not be the best solution. (AU)

Una mirada actual a la caracterización de datos y ficheros de neurociencias / A Current Look at Characterization of Neuroscience Data and Files

Para los neurocientíficos constituye un desafío realizar un seguimiento de los datos y metadatos generados en cada investigación y extraer con precisión toda la información relevante, hecho crucial para interpretar resultados y requisito mínimo para que los investigadores construyan sus investigaciones sobre los hallazgos anteriores. Se debe mantener tanta información como sea posible desde el inicio, incluso si esta pudiera parece ser irrelevante, además de registrar y almacenar los datos con sus metadatos de forma clara y concisa. Un análisis preliminar sobre la literatura especializada arrojó ausencia de una investigación detallada sobre cómo incorporar la gestión de datos y metadatos en las investigaciones clínicas del cerebro, en términos de organizar datos y metadatos completamente en repositorios digitales, recopilar e ingresar estos teniendo en cuenta su completitud, y sacar provecho de dicha recopilación en el proceso de análisis de los datos. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo caracterizar conceptual y técnicamente los datos y metadatos de neurociencias para facilitar el desarrollo de soluciones informáticas para su gestión y procesamiento. Se consultaron diferentes fuentes bibliográficas, así como bases de datos y repositorios tales como: Pubmed, Scielo, Nature, Researchgate, entre otros. El análisis sobre la recopilación, organización, procesamiento y almacenamiento de los datos y metadatos de neurociencias para cada técnica de adquisición de datos (EEG, iEEG, MEG, PET), así como su vínculo a la estructura de datos de imágenes cerebrales (BIDS) permitió obtener una caracterización general de cómo gestionar y procesar la información contenida en los mismos(AU)

For neuroscientists, it is a challenge to keep track of the data and metadata generated in each investigation and accurately extract all the relevant information, a crucial fact to interpret results and a minimum requirement for researchers to build their investigations on previous findings. Keep as much information as possible from the start, even if it may seem irrelevant and record and store the data with its metadata clearly and concisely. A preliminary analysis of the specialized literature revealed an absence of detailed research on how to incorporate data and metadata management in clinical brain research, in terms of organizing data and metadata completely in digital repositories, collecting and inputting them taking into account their completeness. , and take advantage of such collection in the process of data analysis. This research aims to conceptually and technically characterize neuroscience data and metadata to facilitate the development of computer solutions for its management and processing. Different bibliographic sources were consulted, as well as databases and repositories such as: Pubmed, Scielo, Nature, Researchgate, among others. The analysis on the collection, organization, processing and storage of neuroscience data and metadata for each data acquisition technique (EEG, iEEG, MEG, PET), as well as its link to the brain imaging data structure (BIDS) allowed to obtain a general characterization of how to manage and process the information contained in them(AU)

Neuromorphic-Based Neuroprostheses for Brain Rewiring: State-of-the-Art and Perspectives in Neuroengineering.

Neuroprostheses are neuroengineering devices that have an interface with the nervous system and supplement or substitute functionality in people with disabilities. In the collective imagination, neuroprostheses are mostly used to restore sensory or motor capabilities, but in recent years, new devices directly acting at the brain level have been proposed. In order to design the next-generation of neuroprosthetic devices for brain repair, we foresee the increasing exploitation of closed-loop systems enabled with neuromorphic elements due to their intrinsic energy efficiency, their capability to perform real-time data processing, and of mimicking neurobiological computation for an improved synergy between the technological and biological counterparts. In this manuscript, after providing definitions of key concepts, we reviewed the first exploitation of a real-time hardware neuromorphic prosthesis to restore the bidirectional communication between two neuronal populations in vitro. Starting from that 'case-study', we provide perspectives on the technological improvements for real-time interfacing and processing of neural signals and their potential usage for novel in vitro and in vivo experimental designs. The development of innovative neuroprosthetics for translational purposes is also presented and discussed. In our understanding, the pursuit of neuromorphic-based closed-loop neuroprostheses may spur the development of novel powerful technologies, such as 'brain-prostheses', capable of rewiring and/or substituting the injured nervous system.

The Metacognitive and Neurocognitive Signatures of Test Methods in Academic Listening.

This study aims to investigate whether and how test takers' academic listening test performance is predicted by their metacognitive and neurocognitive process under different test methods conditions. Eighty test takers completed two tests consisting of while-listening performance (WLP) and post-listening performance (PLP) test methods. Their metacognitive awareness was measured by the Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire (MALQ), and gaze behavior and brain activation were measured by an eye-tracker and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), respectively. The results of automatic linear modeling indicated that WLP and PLP test performances were predicted by different factors. The predictors of WLP test performance included two metacognitive awareness measures (i.e., person knowledge and mental translation) and fixation duration. In contrast, the predictors of the PLP performance comprised two metacognitive awareness measures (i.e., mental translation and directed attention), visit counts, and importantly, three brain activity measures: the dmPFC measure in the answering phase, IFG measure in the listening phase, and IFG measure in the answering phase. Implications of these findings for language assessment are discussed.

The way forward for neuroethics in Japan: A review of five topics surrounding present challenges.

Neuroethics is the study of how neuroscience impacts humans and society. About 15 years have passed since neuroethics was introduced to Japan, yet the field of neuroethics still seeks developed methodologies and an established academic identity. In light of progress in neuroscience and neurotechnology, the challenges for Japanese neuroethics in the 2020 s can be categorized into five topics. (1) The need for further research into the importance of informed consent in psychiatric research and the promotion of public-patient engagement. (2) The need for a framework that constructs a global environment for neuroscience research that utilizes reliable samples and data. (3) The need for ethical support within a Japanese context regarding the construction of brain banks and the research surrounding their use. It is also important to reconsider the moral value of the human neural system and make comparisons with non-human primates. (4) An urgent need to study neuromodulation technologies that intervene in emotions. (5) The need to reconsider neuroscience and neurotechnology from social points of view. Rules for neuroenhancements and do-it-yourself neurotechnologies are urgently needed, while from a broader perspective, it is essential to study the points of contact between neuroscience and public health.

Neurotechnological Approaches to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, clinically defined by progressive cognitive decline and pathologically, by brain atrophy, neuroinflammation, and accumulation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Neurotechnological approaches, including optogenetics and deep brain stimulation, have exploded as new tools for not only the study of the brain but also for application in the treatment of neurological diseases. Here, we review the current state of AD therapeutics and recent advancements in both invasive and non-invasive neurotechnologies that can be used to ameliorate AD pathology, including neurostimulation via optogenetics, photobiomodulation, electrical stimulation, ultrasound stimulation, and magnetic neurostimulation, as well as nanotechnologies employing nanovectors, magnetic nanoparticles, and quantum dots. We also discuss the current challenges in developing these neurotechnological tools and the prospects for implementing them in the treatment of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Influencing discussions and use of neuroadvancements as professionals and citizens: Perspectives of Canadian speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

BACKGROUND: Early involvement of stakeholders in neuroethics and neurogovernance discourses of neuroscientific and neurotechnological advancements is seen as essential to curtail negative consequences. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists (AUs) make use of neuroadvancements including cochlear implants, brain-computer interfaces, and deep-brain stimulation. Although they have a stake in neuroethics and neurogovernance discussions, they are rarely mentioned in having a role, whether as professionals or as citizens. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to explore the role of SLPs and AUs as professionals and citizens in neuroethics and neurogovernance discussions and examine the utility of lifelong learning mechanisms to learn about the implications of neuroadvancements to contribute in a meaningful way to these discussions. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews conducted with 7 SLPs and 3 AUs were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants stated that their roles expected from them as professionals and as citizens indicate the importance to be knowledgeable on ethical, legal, and social implications of neuroadvancements and that lifelong learning is not used to learn about these implications. CONCLUSION: More must be done to facilitate the participation of SLPs and AUs in neuroethics and neurogovernance discussions, which would enrich the neuroethics and neurogovernance discourses benefitting patients, professionals, and the public.

El internet de los cuerpos. Una aproximación jurídica / The internet of bodies. A legal approach

El internet de las cosas ha dado paso al internet de los cuerpos, dentro del cual se pueden establecer tres grupos de tecnología. El primero se refiere a la tecnología no integrada en el cuerpo humano comprendiendo en especial las apps y los wearables. En segundo lugar, la integrada total o parcialmente en el mismo con mención particular a los ciborgs y biohackers y la tercera comprende aquella tecnología aplicada al sistema nervioso, también conocida como neurotecnologías. Todas ellas suscitan cuestiones jurídicas de interés como son: el derecho a libre disposición del cuerpo humano, el derecho a una libertad neurotecnológica o la protección de los “neurodatos”. La regulación del internet de los cuerpos es dispersa por lo que, si se sigue utilizando el cuerpo humano como plataforma tecnológica, quizá convendría pensar en una mínima armonización de la misma, sin perjuicio de una posible modificación del conocido como Convenio de Oviedo en aras a contemplar esta nueva realidad. Finalmente, la reciente publicación de la Propuesta de reglamento de la inteligencia artificial permite plantearse su aplicación al internet de los cuerpos y la mejor coordinación del recién entrado en vigor Reglamento europeo sobre productos sanitarios con esa propuesta.(AU)

The internet of things leads to the internet of bodies, in which three groups of technology can be established. The first one refers to technology that is not integrated into the human body, especially apps and wearables. Secondly, technology that is totally or partially integrated in the body, with particular mention of cyborgs and biohackers, and the third category includes technology applied to the brain, also known as neurotechnologies. All of them raise legal questions of interest such as: the right to free disposal of the human body, the right to neurotechnological freedom or the protection of the “neuro-data”. The regulation of the Internet of bodies is scattered, so that, if the human body continues to be used as a technological platform, it might be advisable to think about a minimum harmonization, without prejudice to a possible modification of the so-called Oviedo Convention in order to contemplate this new reality. Finally, the recent publication of the Proposal for a regulation on artificial intelligence allows to consider its application to the Internet of bodies and its better coordination of the recently entered into force European Regulation on medical devices.(AU)