Neurotechnology: Dilemmas and Risks of Neural Implants

The development of neural implants and brain-machine interfaces is progressing, raising questions about human autonomy. Mr. Achilleas Gravanis, Professor of Pharmacology at the Medical School of the University of Crete, examines the challenges.

Mr. Gravanis' research team is developing neural implants from three-dimensional biomaterials with the aim of transplantation into patients with injured spinal cords. At the same time, human tissues are being created on-chip to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

While neural implants have a therapeutic character, technology is evolving towards enhancing cognitive and sensory functions. The brain-machine interaction raises questions about free will and the potential creation of inequalities.

The possibility of Artificial Intelligence approaching consciousness through neural simulations is a philosophical question. Programs such as the Blue Brain Project and the Human Brain Project are trying to simulate human neural circuits.

Neurotechnologies are being developed for therapeutic purposes, but there is interest in using them to enhance human cognitive ability, leading to ethical dilemmas regarding access and authenticity.

Serious bioethical problems are being raised that need to be studied before a possible alteration of human nature.

Source: ygeiamou.gr