The Brain Supremacy

In a world full of science, the balance of power between sciences is changing. Advances in physics, chemistry, and other natural sciences have given us extraordinary control over our world. Now the younger sciences of brain and mind are applying the scientific method not only to our environments, but to us. In recent years funding and effort poured into brain research. We are entering the era of the brain supremacy. What will the new science mean for us, as individuals, consumers, parents and citizens? Should we be excited, or alarmed, by the remarkable promises we read about in the media - promises of drugs that can boost our brain power, ever more subtle marketing techniques, even machines that can read minds? What is the neuroscience behind these claims, and how do scientists look inside living human brains to get their astonishing results? The Brain Supremacy is a lucid and rational guide to this exciting new world. Using recent examples from the scientific literature and the media, it explores the science behind the hype, revealing how techniques like fMRI actually work and what claims about using them for mindreading really mean. The implications of this amazingly powerful new research are clearly and entertainingly presented. Looking to the future, the book sets current neuroscience in its social and ethical context, as an increasingly important influence on how all of us live our lives.
"The book shines in presenting a thorough and illuminating analysis of neuroscience methods, past and present. Taylor's explanation is thoughtful, engaging and provides readers with a valuable understanding of what different approaches can offer to both science and society as a whole." - NewScientist

"Well-written and thought-provoking, this book will help scientifically literate readers understand the science behind a potentially unsettling future." - Library Journal

THE WAY WE LIVE NOW ; 1. Introducing the brain supremacy ; 2. The many powers of science ; 3. Could we read minds? ; 4. Bring on the designer minds? ; THE KEYS TO POWER ; 5. Seeing the brain through many eyes ; 6. To physics, with thanks ; 7. When science meets journalism ; 8. The subatomic chorus ; 9. When currents flow ; 10. Neuroscience goes quantum ; 11. Poke it and see what happens ; 12. Poking people ; 13. Chemical control ; 14. Tweaking genes ; NEUROSCIENCE AND THE FUTURE ; 15. The problems of neurotech ; 16. Creating the brain supremacy ; GLOSSARY ; LIST OF WEBSITES ; BIBLIOGRAPHY