METHODS: The following databases and interfaces were queried: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, PhilPapers, and Google Scholar. Additional references were identified via bibliographies of included citations. References included experimental studies, reviews, opinion papers, and letters to editors published in peer-reviewed journals that explored the ethical implications of electrical and magnetic neuromodulation technologies and brain-computer interfaces for enhancement of brain function in healthy adult or pediatric populations.
RESULTS: A total of 23 articles were included in the review, of which the majority explored expert opinions in the form of qualitative studies or surveys as well as reviews. Two studies explored the view of laypersons on the topic. The majority of evidence pointed to ethical concerns relating to a lack of sufficient efficacy and safety data for these new technologies, with the risks of invasive procedures potentially outweighing the benefits. Additionally, concerns about potential socioeconomic consequences were raised that could further exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequalities, as well as the risk of changes to person and environment.
CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review highlights a critical shortage of ethical research on electrical and magnetic neuromodulation technologies and brain-computer interfaces for enhancement of brain function in healthy individuals, with key concerns regarding the safety, efficacy, and socioeconomic impacts of neuromodulation technologies. It underscores the urgent need for integrating ethical considerations into neuroscientific research to address significant gaps and ensure equitable access and outcomes.
方法:查询了以下数据库和接口:MEDLINE(通过PubMed),WebofScience,PhilPapers,谷歌学者。通过所包括的引文的参考书目确定了其他参考文献。参考文献包括实验研究,reviews,意见文件,以及在同行评审的期刊上发表的致编辑的信,探讨了电和磁神经调节技术以及脑机接口对增强健康成人或儿科人群脑功能的伦理意义。
结果:共有23篇文章被纳入综述,其中大多数以定性研究或调查以及审查的形式探讨了专家意见。两项研究探讨了外行人对该主题的看法。大多数证据表明,这些新技术缺乏足够的有效性和安全性数据,侵入性手术的风险可能超过收益。此外,有人提出了对潜在社会经济后果的担忧,这些后果可能进一步加剧现有的社会经济不平等,以及改变人和环境的风险。
结论:这项范围审查强调了在电和磁神经调节技术以及脑-计算机接口方面增强健康人脑功能的伦理研究的严重不足。关于安全的关键问题,功效,以及神经调节技术的社会经济影响。它强调迫切需要将伦理考虑纳入神经科学研究,以解决重大差距并确保公平的获取和结果。