Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
26:41
Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
Contemporary neuroscience in the media
Eric Racine1, Sarah Waldman, Jarett Rosenberg
1Neuroethics Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, Québec H2W 1R7, Canada. eric.racine@ircm.qc.ca
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|July 9, 2010
Summary
Print media coverage of neuroscience, particularly neurotechnology for neuropsychiatric disorders, is generally optimistic. However, many reports lack study details, yet neuroscience significantly influences societal views on identity and policy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Media Studies
- Societal Impact of Scientific Advancements
Background:
- Neuroscience innovations offer insights into brain function, neuropsychiatric disorders, and social behavior.
- Public interest and funding initiatives have increased the interface between neuroscience and society.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how different facets of neuroscience are portrayed in print media.
- To analyze the tone, content, and emerging interpretations of neuroscience in news coverage.
Main Methods:
- Searched LexisNexis Academic database for U.S. and U.K. English-language news articles (1995-2004).
- Utilized keyword searches across headlines, lead paragraphs, and body text.
- Coded articles for tone, study details, ethical/legal/social discussions, and interpretations (neuro-essentialism, neuro-realism, neuro-policy).
Main Results:
- Print media coverage of neurotechnology for neuropsychiatric disorders was predominantly optimistic.
- Many articles identified as research reports lacked specific details about the studies.
- Neuroscience significantly impacts personal identity and policy-making, as evidenced by neuro-essentialism, neuro-realism, and neuro-policy.
Conclusions:
- Neuroscience knowledge holds substantial authority in defining personal identity and influencing policy.
- The transfer of neuroscience knowledge to society has profound implications, underscoring the need for careful communication.
- Findings highlight the interplay between social and biological sciences in contemporary psychiatry and mental health policy.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Neurons as Communicators of the Brain
Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, function as the primary transmitters of information throughout the body. Their ability to communicate through electrical and chemical signals is vital for every bodily function, from regulating the heartbeat to processing complex thoughts. Each neuron has three main components: the cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon, each specialized to facilitate swift and efficient neural communication.
Cell Body
The cell body, also known...
Cell Body
The cell body, also known...
01:28Neuronal Communication
Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...
01:29Contemporary Psychology
Psychology explores human behavior and mental processes through various lenses, each offering unique insights. This overview examines key subfields, including biopsychology, evolutionary, developmental, personality, and social psychology, highlighting their approaches and contributions to understanding complex human behaviors.
Biopsychology
Biopsychology, also known as biological psychology or behavioral neuroscience, focuses on the biological underpinnings of behavior and mental processes. It...
Biopsychology
Biopsychology, also known as biological psychology or behavioral neuroscience, focuses on the biological underpinnings of behavior and mental processes. It...
01:30Organization of the Brain
The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
01:14Brain Imaging
Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
01:01Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.