| Title page | Introduction | Background information | Potential benefits | Concerns | Conclusion | Reference list (written research) | Reference list (graphics) |
The benefits of digitizing neuroscience include an increased quality of patient care, as doctors are better able to diagnose and treat all manner of disorders, illness, and trauma in patients’ brains with greater effectiveness and less risk.
Neuroscientists are able to conduct research and development more cost-effectively and in-depth. As an example, there is the potential to learn more about genetic disorders, such as Tay-Sachs disease, addiction, bipolarism, and Huntington’s disease, and verify the extent to which genetics and brain development play a role. If specific genes that cause, or give a predisposition to, various disorders and diseases can be identified and isolated, that could lead to previously unknown treatments, even cures (NIH, 2011; NIH, 2012).
There is a sociopolitical impact, as well: as our knowledge of the brain increases, we have a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the ways in which behavior correlates with brain development and health. This, in turn, could positively – assuming that more information results in positive change – influence social policy and mores, even our educational and justice systems (Finneran, 2012; Dawson, Ashman, & Carver, 2000).
Additionally, “leading [information systems (IS)] researchers are convinced that the neurobiological measurement, such as fMRI, EEG, and PET, has the potentials to shed light on innovative IS theories and next generation information systems (Dimoka et al., 2011; Riedl et al., 2010; Loos et al., 2010)” (“WITS 2011”).
In other words, as computers and information systems and technology influence neuroscience, neuroscience may, in turn, improve understanding of computers and information systems and technology.