Emerging 'Brain Weapons': Scientists Warn of Real-World Threats Beyond Science Fiction

Researchers Michael Crowley and Malcolm Dando from Bradford University are sounding the alarm on the rapid development of so-called 'brain weapons'—technologies that could manipulate, disrupt, or even harm human cognition. In their forthcoming book, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the authors argue that advances in neuroscience, pharmacology, and artificial intelligence are transforming what was once the realm of science fiction into a pressing real-world concern. Crowley and Dando emphasize that existing international arms treaties, such as the Chemical Weapons Convention and Biological Weapons Convention, do not sufficiently address these emerging neurotechnologies. They warn that without updated regulations, there is a risk that hostile actors or even state militaries could exploit these tools to influence behavior, impair decision-making, or induce psychological distress on a mass scale. The researchers call for urgent international dialogue and the creation of new frameworks to govern the development and potential use of brain-targeting technologies. They stress the need for transparency, ethical guidelines, and robust oversight to prevent misuse and to protect global security as the boundaries between science fiction and reality continue to blur. Read the source »