Opinion Archives

Opinion

Guns and the Mental Health Misnomer

While mass shootings continue to escalate, politics has led to the absence of solid, peer-reviewed research that will help identify individuals who might commit violent crimes. Column by Philip M. Boffey

Opinion

Adjusting Sleep Schedules for School

We can help our teens learn and practice good sleep hygiene that will benefit them immediately and throughout their lives.

Opinion

The Marijuana Debate

Neuroethics Viewpoint

There has been a huge increase in legalization and use of cannabis (marijuana) in recent years. Each step raises ethical issues for health care providers, patients, and government officials.

Opinion

Pfizer’s Alzheimer’s Drug Decision

Neuroethics Viewpoint

Is a pharmaceutical giant morally obligated to spend $80 million on a clinical trial when its research suggests that a new drug may hold the promise to treat Alzheimer’s disease?

cartoon double head, one mechanical, one blank

Opinion

Minding the Brain Machines

Neuroethics Viewpoint

Advances in linking brain signals to computers are developing so rapidly that analyses of their ethical implications are straining to keep up. Neuroethics column for Brain in the News.

Opinion

The Frontlines of the Opioids Crisis

Neuroethics Viewpoint

The nation’s opioids epidemic is not just a medical crisis, it is an ethical problem as well, reports an expert committee appointed by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Opinion

Reforming Price Gouging for Drugs

Neuroethics Viewpoint

US Lawmakers and experts are exploring many possibilities for restraining drug prices. No one is sure how well any of these proposals would work in practice, but it is imperative for financial and ethical reasons to bring the escalating costs to a more reasonable level.

senior woman holding missing puzzle piece

Opinion

The Alzheimer’s Puzzle

Neuroethics Viewpoint

Interest in exploring the possible role of germs in causing Alzheimer’s disease has been surging in recent years. However, at this point, it is unclear whether microbes play a major or minor role, if any, in causing Alzheimer’s—and what ethical issues the microbe theory might raise. Neuroethics column for Brain in the News.

Opinion

CRISPR Considerations

Neuroethics Viewpoint

Without a strong global consensus on standards to govern gene-editing, another rogue scientist may be tempted to go astray. Neuroethics column for Brain in the News.