Neurotech—new, potentially revolutionary technology—promises to transform our lives. With all the global challenges of today, we need revolutionary technology to help the world cope.
There are different types of neurotech some are invasive, some are not. Invasive brain-computer interfaces involve placing microelectrodes or other kinds of neurotech materials directly onto the brain or even embedding them into the neural tissue. Such technology has already improved the quality of life and abilities of people with different illnesses or impairments, from epilepsy to Parkinson's Disease to chronic pain.
There is also noninvasive neurotech that can be used for similar applications. For example, researchers have developed wearables to infer a person's intended speech or movement. These are already quite impressive, but there is also neurolech that really pushes the envelope. Not only can it sense or read neurodata but it can also modulate (调节)—invasively and noninvasively. This research is still in early stages, but it's advancing rapidly.
As neurotech becomes more commonplace, we must consider the risks it might present, the morals around it, and the necessary regulation. We have to anticipate and deal with the implications related to the development and use of this technology. Any neurotech applications should consider potential consequences for the autonomy, privacy, responsibility, consent, integrity and dignity of a person.
What if someone were to face employment discrimination because the algorithms (算法) that power a, neurotech application used for hiring misinterpret his or her neurodata? What if a criminal gets a hold of the previous or current neurodata of the secretary of defense and steals top secret information? Concerns increase when we are not just monitoring someone's neurodata but also interpreting it, decoding the person's thoughts- with implications for accuracy and mental privacy.
One tricky aspect is that most of the neurodata generated by the nervous systems is unconscious. It means it is very possible to unknowingly or unintentionally provide neurotech with information that one otherwise wouldn't. So, in some applications of neurotech, the presumption of privacy within one's own mind may simply no longer be a certainty.
As new, emerging technology, neurotech challenges corporations, researchers and individuals to reaffirm our
commitment to responsible innovation, it's essential to enforce guardrails (防护措施) so that they lead to beneficial long-term outcomes—on company, national and interactional levels. We need to ensure that researchers and manufacturers of neurotech as well as policymakers and consumers approach it responsibly. Let's act now to avoid any future risks as neurotech matures—for the benefit of humanity.
12. The first two paragraphs mainly ________.
A.stress the originality of neurotech |
B.compare the functions of neurotech |
C.prove the effectiveness of neurotech |
D.introduce the development of neurotech |
13. What can be inferred from the passage?
A.Noninvasive neurotech is much better than invasive one. |
B.Messages within one's mind can be safer with neurotech. |
C.Having neurodata analyzed brings about risks to privacy. |
D.Proper rules have already been set to deal with neurodata. |
14. According to the passage, companies, policy makers and consumers should ________.
A.use neurotechnology in a responsible way |
B.avoid neurotech for the benefit of mankind |
C.interpret all neurodata to improve accuracy |
D.help develop more noninvasive applications |
15. Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
A.Neurotech Has Long-term Benefits |
B.Neurotech Meets Moral Challenges |
C.Neurotech Becomes Commonplace |
D.Neurotech Transforms Human Lives |