Experts say brain scans could soon be used to detect lies, vulnerability to mental illness and even criminal behaviour. But how far can, and should, we allow research to go? Should we be worried?

Come and discuss these controversial issues at a special Café Scientifique tonight, 18 March, with neurologist Stefano Cappa, psychiatrist Belinda Lennox, philosopher Stephan Schleim and moderator Marjan Slob.

The evening will introduce some of the new applications of brain imaging in discovering more about brain disorders, from Alzheimer’s to psychiatric conditions, while analysing the scope and limits, as well as the ethical, legal and social implications of these technologies.

After a brief introduction from each of the speakers the debate will be open to the audience to share their experiences and thoughts. The discussions could touch upon lie detection, the early detection of diseases and the experiences of those who have a brain scan.

It may also explore recent research that has shown that a persons thoughts can be decoded from a brain scan by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or other studies that have seen certain patterns of brain shrinkage that precede the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Café Scientifique takes place at the Michaelhouse, Trinity Street from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and is a Spotlight on Science event of the Cambridge Science Festival. It is run by the Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Advanced Studies, SISSA Trieste, Italy.
 

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