Featured
For Immediate Release
February 10, 2010
Contact:
Prof. James Giordano, PhD
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Laurie Kinney
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703-525-0770
Event: "Cyborg Ear, Cyborg Mind" Looks at Cochlear Implants and Beyond
Arlington, VA - What's it like to "hear" using cochlear implants? And how could the technology pave the way for other devices to be incorporated into the human body in the future?
On February 19, at noon, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies will present a guest lecture by Michael Chorost, PhD, entitled "Cyborg Ear, Cyborg Mind." Dr. Chorost is a science writer who has been deaf since 2001 and uses bilateral cochlear implants. He lectures extensively about cochlear implant technology and is the author of numerous articles about the technology and his own choice to use it, including "Confessions of a Bionic Man" (Washington Post, April 13, 2008) and others. In his lecture, Dr. Chorost will discuss his personal experiences and explore implications for future integration of technological devices into the human body. He will also demonstrate the audio effect of sound filtered through a cochlear implant, so hearing audience members can experience a simulation of the device's performance.
The event will be held at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, 901 North Stuart Street, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22203, from noon-1:30 pm on February 19.
The program is supported in part by the Center for Neurotechnology Studies and Neurobioethics.org, and is presented by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies in conjunction with the Capital Consortium for Neuroscience: Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (www.ccnelsi.com). CCNELSI is under the direction of James Giordano, PhD, director of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies’ Center for Neurotechnology Studies. More information about CNS and Dr. Giordano may be found at www.potomacinstitute.org and www.neurobioethics.org.
February 10, 2010
Contact:
Prof. James Giordano, PhD
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Laurie Kinney
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
703-525-0770
Event: "Cyborg Ear, Cyborg Mind" Looks at Cochlear Implants and Beyond
Arlington, VA - What's it like to "hear" using cochlear implants? And how could the technology pave the way for other devices to be incorporated into the human body in the future?
On February 19, at noon, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies will present a guest lecture by Michael Chorost, PhD, entitled "Cyborg Ear, Cyborg Mind." Dr. Chorost is a science writer who has been deaf since 2001 and uses bilateral cochlear implants. He lectures extensively about cochlear implant technology and is the author of numerous articles about the technology and his own choice to use it, including "Confessions of a Bionic Man" (Washington Post, April 13, 2008) and others. In his lecture, Dr. Chorost will discuss his personal experiences and explore implications for future integration of technological devices into the human body. He will also demonstrate the audio effect of sound filtered through a cochlear implant, so hearing audience members can experience a simulation of the device's performance.
The event will be held at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, 901 North Stuart Street, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22203, from noon-1:30 pm on February 19.
The program is supported in part by the Center for Neurotechnology Studies and Neurobioethics.org, and is presented by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies in conjunction with the Capital Consortium for Neuroscience: Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (www.ccnelsi.com). CCNELSI is under the direction of James Giordano, PhD, director of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies’ Center for Neurotechnology Studies. More information about CNS and Dr. Giordano may be found at www.potomacinstitute.org and www.neurobioethics.org.
For Immediate Release
February 8, 2010
Contact:
Prof. James Giordano, PhD
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Laurie Kinney
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
703-525-0770
Lecture: "Brains, Minds and Selves" Explores Mystery of Non-Human Minds
Arlington, VA - On Saturday, February 20, the Director of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies' Center for Neurotechnology Studies, Prof. James Giordano, PhD, will present a lecture at the National Science Foundation entitled "Brains, Minds and Selves: What Is It Like to Be a Bat, and What Does It Matter?" The program is free and open to the public. The lecture will be held at 1:30 pm at the National Science Foundation, Room 110, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA, 22230.
Dr. Giordano comments, "The field of neuroscience has achieved considerable insight to the workings of the brain. While the most essential question – how brains produce consciousness and mind – remains enigmatic, what is becoming increasingly evident is that even simple brains enable a variety of complex functions – including the capacity to think, feel pain and be self-aware." In his talk, he will argue that the key question is not whether other organisms have minds, but what kinds of minds they have. He will also probe the intriguing question of whether neuroscience and technology will ever allow us to know what it is like to be another organism, and what we should do with such knowledge. The event is sponsored by the National Capital Area Skeptics. For more information, contact Dr. James Giordano at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. More information about Dr. Giordano and the Center for Neurotechnology Studies may be found at www.potomacinstitute.org and www.neurobioethics.com.
February 8, 2010
Contact:
Prof. James Giordano, PhD
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Laurie Kinney
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
703-525-0770
Lecture: "Brains, Minds and Selves" Explores Mystery of Non-Human Minds
Arlington, VA - On Saturday, February 20, the Director of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies' Center for Neurotechnology Studies, Prof. James Giordano, PhD, will present a lecture at the National Science Foundation entitled "Brains, Minds and Selves: What Is It Like to Be a Bat, and What Does It Matter?" The program is free and open to the public. The lecture will be held at 1:30 pm at the National Science Foundation, Room 110, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA, 22230.
Dr. Giordano comments, "The field of neuroscience has achieved considerable insight to the workings of the brain. While the most essential question – how brains produce consciousness and mind – remains enigmatic, what is becoming increasingly evident is that even simple brains enable a variety of complex functions – including the capacity to think, feel pain and be self-aware." In his talk, he will argue that the key question is not whether other organisms have minds, but what kinds of minds they have. He will also probe the intriguing question of whether neuroscience and technology will ever allow us to know what it is like to be another organism, and what we should do with such knowledge. The event is sponsored by the National Capital Area Skeptics. For more information, contact Dr. James Giordano at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. More information about Dr. Giordano and the Center for Neurotechnology Studies may be found at www.potomacinstitute.org and www.neurobioethics.com.
The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies’ Center for Neurotechnology Studies
Cordially Invites You to Attend the February CCNELSI Lecture
February 19, 2010
noon - 2 pm
On February 19, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies will present a guest lecture by Michael Chorost, PhD, entitled "Cyborg Ear, Cyborg Mind." Dr. Chorost is a science writer who has been deaf since 2001 and uses bilateral cochlear implants. He lectures extensively about cochlear implant technology and is the author of numerous articles about the technology and his own choice to use it, including "Confessions of a Bionic Man" (Washington Post, April 13, 2008) and others. In his lecture, Dr. Chorost will discuss his personal experiences and explore implications for future integration of technological devices into the human body. He will also demonstrate the audio effect of sound filtered through a cochlear implant, so hearing audience members can experience a simulation of the device's performance.
Lunch will be served and RSVP is requested. Please reply to this e-mail if you would like to attend. The event will be held at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, 901 North Stuart Street, Suite 200, Arlington, VA, in the M level conference room. The event will also be webcast live on the Potomac Institute website. Click here to access our Live Event page.
This program is supported in part by the Center for Neurotechnology Studies and Neurobioethics.org, and is presented by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies in conjunction with the Capital Consortium for Neuroscience: Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (www.ccnelsi.com). CCNELSI is under the direction of James Giordano, PhD, director of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies’ Center for Neurotechnology Studies. More information about CNS and Dr. Giordano may be found at www.potomacinstitute.org and www.neurobioethics.org.
For Immediate Release
February 4, 2010
Contact:
Prof. Yonah Alexander
301-518-2823
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Laurie Kinney
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Expert Panel Says “Damaged” Al-Qaeda Remains Top Terrorist Threat
Special report calls North, West/Central Africa next terrorism trouble spot
Arlington, VA— An expert panel convened on January 29 by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies’ International Center for Terrorism Studies concluded that although al-Qaeda has been damaged by recent attacks on its hideouts in Pakistan, it remains the single most dangerous terrorist threat to the US in 2010. The panel included the Hon. Michelle Van Cleave, former head of US counterintelligence; former Assistant Director of Central Intelligence Charles Allen; Ambassador Bob Godec of the State Department’s counterterrorism division; BGen. David Reist, USMC (Ret.) of the Potomac Institute; Angelos Pangratis of the European Union delegation to the US; Potomac Institute CEO Michael Swetnam, and ICTS Director Yonah Alexander.
In his remarks, Charles Allen noted that although it has been weakened, al-Qaeda continues to show adaptability, altering its recruiting strategy to include westerners who are more likely to blend into populations they seek to attack. He offered a warning: another al-Qaeda attack on the US will almost certainly occur, and could involve chemical weapons. Ambassador Godec spoke for the Obama administration, saying “all elements of national power must be brought to bear” to combat terrorism, but conceded that the attempted jet bombing on Christmas Day proves that some front-line defenses remain inadequate.
Prof. Alexander presented a new ICTS report, “Maghreb and Sahel Terrorism: Addressing the Rising Threat from al-Qaeda and Other Terrorists in North and West/Central Africa,” which cites a 558% rise in attacks by al-Qaeda and other terrorists in the region since September 11, 2001. The report also warns of increasing cooperation between al-Qaeda in the Maghreb and narco-traffickers based in Latin America. The full report is available online on www.potomacinstitute.org.
February 4, 2010
Contact:
Prof. Yonah Alexander
301-518-2823
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Laurie Kinney
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Expert Panel Says “Damaged” Al-Qaeda Remains Top Terrorist Threat
Special report calls North, West/Central Africa next terrorism trouble spot
Arlington, VA— An expert panel convened on January 29 by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies’ International Center for Terrorism Studies concluded that although al-Qaeda has been damaged by recent attacks on its hideouts in Pakistan, it remains the single most dangerous terrorist threat to the US in 2010. The panel included the Hon. Michelle Van Cleave, former head of US counterintelligence; former Assistant Director of Central Intelligence Charles Allen; Ambassador Bob Godec of the State Department’s counterterrorism division; BGen. David Reist, USMC (Ret.) of the Potomac Institute; Angelos Pangratis of the European Union delegation to the US; Potomac Institute CEO Michael Swetnam, and ICTS Director Yonah Alexander.
In his remarks, Charles Allen noted that although it has been weakened, al-Qaeda continues to show adaptability, altering its recruiting strategy to include westerners who are more likely to blend into populations they seek to attack. He offered a warning: another al-Qaeda attack on the US will almost certainly occur, and could involve chemical weapons. Ambassador Godec spoke for the Obama administration, saying “all elements of national power must be brought to bear” to combat terrorism, but conceded that the attempted jet bombing on Christmas Day proves that some front-line defenses remain inadequate.
Prof. Alexander presented a new ICTS report, “Maghreb and Sahel Terrorism: Addressing the Rising Threat from al-Qaeda and Other Terrorists in North and West/Central Africa,” which cites a 558% rise in attacks by al-Qaeda and other terrorists in the region since September 11, 2001. The report also warns of increasing cooperation between al-Qaeda in the Maghreb and narco-traffickers based in Latin America. The full report is available online on www.potomacinstitute.org.
For Immediate Release
January 14, 2010
Contact:
Dr. James Giordano
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
703-525-0770
Event to Focus on Neurofeedback Treatment for ADD/ADHD: Hope or Hype?
Arlington, VA— On January 22, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies will present a guest lecture by Don DuRousseau, founder and CEO of Human Bionics LLC, a neurotechnology company specializing in brain-computer interface (BCI) systems. Mr. DuRousseau will explore the use of neurotechnology techniques, including the increasingly popular neurofeedback, as a treatment for ADD/ADHD. Many claims have been made about the efficacy of neurofeedback in treating these disorders. Mr. DuRousseau will address those claims and the risks that may be associated with misuse of the technology – including its application in new “mind-controlled” games and toys now on the market.
The program is sponsored by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies in conjunction with the Capital Consortium for Neuroscience: Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (www.ccnelsi.com.) CCNELSI is under the direction of James Giordano, PhD, director of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies’ Center for Neurotechnology Studies. More information about CNS and Dr. Giordano may be found at www.potomacinstitute.org and www.neurobioethics.org. The event will be held at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, 901 North Stuart Street, Suite 200, Arlington, VA, in the M level conference room.
January 14, 2010
Contact:
Dr. James Giordano
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
703-525-0770
Event to Focus on Neurofeedback Treatment for ADD/ADHD: Hope or Hype?
Arlington, VA— On January 22, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies will present a guest lecture by Don DuRousseau, founder and CEO of Human Bionics LLC, a neurotechnology company specializing in brain-computer interface (BCI) systems. Mr. DuRousseau will explore the use of neurotechnology techniques, including the increasingly popular neurofeedback, as a treatment for ADD/ADHD. Many claims have been made about the efficacy of neurofeedback in treating these disorders. Mr. DuRousseau will address those claims and the risks that may be associated with misuse of the technology – including its application in new “mind-controlled” games and toys now on the market.
The program is sponsored by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies in conjunction with the Capital Consortium for Neuroscience: Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (www.ccnelsi.com.) CCNELSI is under the direction of James Giordano, PhD, director of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies’ Center for Neurotechnology Studies. More information about CNS and Dr. Giordano may be found at www.potomacinstitute.org and www.neurobioethics.org. The event will be held at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, 901 North Stuart Street, Suite 200, Arlington, VA, in the M level conference room.