Amy Le
Intro to Biomedical Engineering
Ting Chen
November 30, 2012

Neuroengineering

Neural engineering, alternatively written as neuroengineering, is defined as an “interdisciplinary research area within biomedical engineering” that engages both neurological and engineering methods to unveil neural functions and “design solutions for neurological dysfunction” (Avramut). Since the period of Enlightenment, advancements in science and technology have been known to greatly improve the understanding and knowledge of the universe and how it functions. However, as groups started to interpret this further gain of knowledge as going to far because it went beyond what their religion taught them or interrupted their morals. Neural engineering follows the same path as any other science, ethically and practically. Some applications of this technology that arises controls your brain and can change how you act or feel. Ultimately changing our character and who we are at the “core”. In addition to striving to attain a deep understanding of complex neural systems and mechanics, neuroengineers use these methods to apply to their research or design to eventually control the brain, thus fully understanding how it works. One research project is going towards trying to find a way to make a mood switch and installing it into the human brain. This is especially beneficial to those suffering from depression. Depression, from a neurological standpoint, is a medical condition in which lowered mood occurs in response to the brain’s not receiving enough neurotransmitters. The antidepressants that are commonly used are not very useful in the way that they don’t target and treat the problem. “When a drug get[s] to the brain, its effects are felt in all parts of the brain.” Some include very dangerous side effects that show just how complicated and sensitive our brains are. And