MIND CONTROL WARFARE could become a reality thanks to advances being made on technologies that allow weapons to be controlled by the brain.

Researchers also believe that new technologies could enhance concentration, increase strength, and be developed to help treat diseases such as stroke, dementia, obesity and depression.

Some concern has been raised about the ethical implications of interfering with the workings of the brain – particularly in the context of armed conflict – which has prompted the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCB) has launched a consultation to study the potential associated risks.

The study will investigate whether being able to control weapons by thought alone could lead to a diminished sense of responsibility.

The leader of the study, Professor Thomas Baldwin from York University, explained that technologies which enhance human capability beyond what is normally possible inspire hope and fear in equal measure: “These challenge us to think carefully about fundamental questions to do with the brain: What makes us human? What makes us an individual? And how and why do we think and behave in the way we do?

He said the prospect of such technologies being successfully developed was promising: “It is not just science fiction… I don’t think it is unrealistic if you have the unlimited funds of the Pentagon to project ourselves towards some kind of Star Wars future.”

As part of the study, the NBC will focus on three main areas of neurotechnology:

• Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)
• Neurostimulation techniques such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Neural stem cell therapy

Neurotechnology is also a potential area for economic growth, with the global market for mid-control technology is worth $8 billion (€6 billion) – and growing – according to the NCB.

Read more about the study on the Nuffield Council on Bioethics’ website