NeuroNews on Wired

Another driveby post: Wired Science has two stories in Neuroscience the last two days that will be sure to be of interest to bioethicists:

Modafinil May Be Addictive:

The alertness drug developed as an addiction-free alternative to amphetamines might be addictive after all.

Researchers have found that people taking modafinil experience a surge of dopamine, an important cognitive neurotransmitter. Such dopamine upswings are seen in people taking Ritalin, and are considered a chemical signature of possible addictiveness. [Link to full article here.]

AND

MRI Lie Detection to Get First Day in Court

Defense attorneys are for the first time submitting a controversial neurological lie-detection test as evidence in U.S. court.

In an upcoming juvenile-sex-abuse case in San Diego, the defense is hoping to get an fMRI scan, which shows brain activity based on oxygen levels, admitted to prove the abuse didn't happen. [Link to full article here.]

The Intersection of Krispy Kremes and Neuroethics

Never thought you'd hear Krispy Kremes and neuroethics in the same sentence? An article in Science Daily reports new research from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine looks at how your brain reacts as you walk by the donut shop and inhale the wafting aromas of these oh-so-good-but-oh-so-bad-for-you toothsome treats. Does it come as a surprise to anyone that after fasting for eight hours, then being shown pictures of donuts, FMRI's show that the limbic system lights up like a Christmas tree?

As one the researchers commented, "Now I know why I can't resist walking into the bakery some days when I smell fresh scones."

The w(hole) article can be accessed here.