Bigger, Better, Faster, More Brain Doping
(eVideo)

English

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Drugs that "enhance" thinking are nothing new-caffeine and even more addictive substances have, for better or worse, altered our cognitive abilities for centuries, while medications have long been prescribed for conditions like ADHD. But scientists are at work on entirely new kinds of brain-boosting advances which will be non-addictive (theoretically, at least) and designed for general use. This program explores some of those innovations as it visits neuroscience research laboratories around the world. From the brave new world of "intelligence pills" to the technique known as transcranial direct current stimulation, pioneered by University of Sydney professor Alan Snyder, the film helps viewers assess the possibilities at hand. Is a new era of human creativity dawning, or will the end results amount to cosmetic neurology or worse?

6 & up.

Mode of access: Internet.

System requirements: Access Video On Demand playback platform.