NPC Podcast #4

Neuroethics with Nicholas Cicero and Leo Steiner | Ethical Problems in Neuroscience Research

Nicholas Cicero is a fourth year PhD student in Dr. Laura Lewis’ lab. Nick’s research combines noninvasive human brain imaging techniques such as EEG and fMRI to investigate how regions deep in the brain regulate sleep-wake states and block the processing of sensory information when we are in a sleep state.

Leo Steiner is a fourth year PhD student in Dr. Xue Han’s lab. Leo studies the impact of Parkinson’s Disease on stepping and gait in murine models, and how Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus can be improved specifically to reduce gait symptoms.

Nick and Leo are co-founders and current co-presidents of the BU Neuroethics Organization, a student-led organization with the mission of exploring the wide array of ethical issues across neuroscience and biomedical engineering.

In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Cicero and Leo Steiner, as we discuss the various challenges in neuroscience research from an ethics perspective. They share their passion for understanding neuroethics and what we can do as researchers to create a better, more ethical research environment.

🔬 Whether you’re a neuroscientist, engineer, or just curious about brain function, this episode is packed with insights on the future of neuroscience and the importance of crossing disciplinary boundaries.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:58 Welcome

2:17 What is Neuroethics?

4:04 Challenges in Neuroethics?

5:18 The Clinical Trial Problem

9:18 What can PhD Students Do?

10:55 Neuroethics in Animal Research?

12:20 Thoughts on Brain-Computer Interface?

18:03 Academia vs Industry?

19:37 What can we do about Slow Regulation?

21:53 More on the Organization

24:01 Were there any Surprises?

25:57 Even More about the Organization!

27:21 Where is the Organization Going?

29:17 Rapid Q&A

29:35 If AI Becomes Intelligent?

30:58 Favorite Neuroethics in Media?

32:50 Hobby Outside Research?

34:26 Neuroethics in Everyday Life?

36:03 Convo with Historical Neuroscientist?

37:06 Neuroethics Advice?

39:23 What Scientific Question Answered?

41:47 So What is Neuroethics?

42:52 Outro and Thanks!