Expanding the Mind

Give yourself a pat on the back - according to scientists you’re one of the most intelligent organisms on the planet. But why are humans so clever? The theory is that about 5 million years ago there were evolutionary pressures on our ancestors that kick-started the emergence of human intelligence.

Does this mean we still have only evolution to rely on to improve our brains further? US neuroscientist Gary Lynch doesn’t think so. He’ll explain why he thinks technologies for enhancing the human brain have already appeared, and how they could be used to boost our memories and intelligence.

Recent advances have begun to map where memories are stored in the brain, and this knowledge has led to the development of drugs and other techniques that can accelerate learning and improve memory retention. At least one of these new methods has been successfully tested in humans - so are we on the verge of a new era of brain boosting? Perhaps the question is not if, but when? And what about the ethical questions that brain enhancement raises?

Join us for a journey to the frontiers of neuroscience. You’ll hear about the latest discoveries from one of the key players in the field, and get a chance to ask your own questions.

Event organised by:
The European Dana Alliance for the Brain

Speakers

Gary Lynch, University of California, USA
Facilitator: Bruno Frenguelli, Warwick University