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Category: science – Page 46

Cyborgs: Pushing the Boundaries of ‘Human’ | Science & Technology Documentary

In just a few years, technology will merge with our bodies in unimaginable ways and push the boundaries of what it is to be human. While medical technology still aims at remediating disabilities, cyborgs strive to something else: a merging of man and machine with the goal of enhancing human capabilities.

The first cyborgs are already crossing the boundaries of their human limits just for the sake of it – at home, in basement workshops and tattoo parlours, using low-tech equipment and a do-it-yourself attitude. They are a tiny minority, seen by many as weird or crazy experimenters, but in the near future we may call them pioneers.

In this film, we meet some of these explorers. We also look at research in medical technology to assess how close science is to creating cyborgs, and ponder the social and ethical dilemmas of a cyborg society.

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Brain Doping: Super Brains Without The Need for Rest or Sleep? Science & Tech Documentary

Forget about life-work-balance. A new generation of drugs promises unlimited increases in productivity without the need for rest or sleep.

“Brain doping” is the latest trend among high flyers. Pharmaceutical companies are developing pills that increase mental capability, stimulate desire, and heighten mood. A meaningful life full of happiness and success – without side effects.

The industry hopes for fantastic profits if the pretty pills become socially acceptable. Are we at the dawn of a new era, in which cosmetic neurology is an everyday phenomenon?

This documentary was first released in 2011.

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Growing Mini-Brains in a Lab: Cerebral Organoids Could Save Your Life, But Has Science Gone Too Far?

Chapters:
0:00 Intro.
0:43 Growing Organoids.
2:57 Minibrains in Science & Medicine.
4:46 Giving Minibrains Psychedelics.
5:26 Minibrains With Eyes.
6:30 Can Minibrains Feel?
7:22 Looking For Consciousness.
9:03 The Future of Minibrain Research.
10:47 Human Minibrains Grafted Onto Mice.
12:10 What’s Next?

Videography by Island Fox Media.

Sound by Kutan Katas.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IhmCurious.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IhmCurious.

Music.

Continue reading “Growing Mini-Brains in a Lab: Cerebral Organoids Could Save Your Life, But Has Science Gone Too Far?” | >

Is Free Will an Illusion? What Can Cognitive Science Tell Us?

Daniel Dennett.
May 14, 2014

Serious thinkers contend that free will cannot exist in a deterministic universe — one in which events are the singular outcomes of the conditions in which they occur. The alternative view, that free will is prerequisite for personal responsibility and morality, is the basis of our legal and religious institutions. Philosopher Daniel Dennett unravels this conundrum and asks whether we must jettison one of these notions, or whether they can co-exist. He then asks: if free will is an illusion, as many scientists say, should we conclude that we don’t need real free will to be responsible for our actions?

Daniel Dennett is the Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy and Director, Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University.

Rep. Bilirakis on the Longevity Science Caucus

Color me surprised… a new bipartisan house caucus on longevity.

We in the longevity field have received powerful allies on Capitol Hill with the creation of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Longevity Science. We had the opportunity to ask questions of one of its co-chairs.

The fight against aging must become one of humanity’s main priorities if we want to see meaningful progress on a global scale. This requires recruiting allies among politicians and other decision makers.

Recently, a major step in that direction was made. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) announced the formation of the Congressional Caucus for Longevity Science. According to the press release, the caucus “aims to educate Members about the growing field of aging and longevity biotechnology, and promote initiatives aimed at increasing the healthy average lifespan of all Americans.”

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