Scientists warn about the era of "neuro-weapons"

Photo: Vecteezy

Bradford University scientists Michael Crowley and Malcolm Dando have published research warning the world about a new threat — chemical "neuro-weapons" designed to directly attack the central nervous system (CNS).

As noted on the university's website, in their book titled "Preventing Weaponization of CNS-acting Chemicals: A Holistic Arms Control Analysis," the authors argue that the ability to chemically alter human perception, memory, or behavior is becoming a reality for which international law is absolutely unprepared.

From Cold War Experiments to 21st Century Convergence

The book traces the history of state research into CNS-acting chemicals: from CIA and Soviet Union experiments during the Cold War to later incidents, such as the hostage crisis at the Dubrovka theater center in Moscow in 2002.

At that time, Russian security forces used an aerosol based on fentanyl derivatives to neutralize the terrorists. The outcome of the operation demonstrated the unpredictability of such weapons: over 120 hostages died from the gas.

Since then, science has made great strides. While previous secret programs often failed to create reliable weapons due to a lack of knowledge and technology, today, according to the authors, the scientific and technological landscape looks completely different. Advances in neuroscience, pharmacology, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and delivery systems provide a level of precision and control previously unimaginable.

“We are entering an era where the brain itself can become a battlefield,” states Dr. Crowley. “Tools for manipulating the CNS — to sedate, confuse, or even compel obedience — are becoming increasingly precise, accessible, and attractive to states.”

The authors describe how scientists have already learned to map the brain's "survival circuits" — neural pathways responsible for fear, sleep, aggression, and decision-making. Understanding these circuits opens the door for potential manipulations, both for therapeutic and hostile purposes.

“The same knowledge that helps us treat neurological disorders can be used to disrupt thought, compel obedience, or even, in the future, to turn people into involuntary executors. This is the dual-use dilemma we face,” notes Professor Dando, a leading expert in biological and chemical weapons control.

Gray Area in Laws and What to Do

The main problem, according to experts, lies in legal loopholes. Existing treaties, such as the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention, are outdated.

Although they prohibit chemical weapons, they permit the use of certain chemical substances in specific circumstances, particularly for law enforcement purposes. The authors fear that this creates a risk for the legalization of developing combat neuro-agents under the guise of police special equipment.

The authors propose the concept of "Holistic Arms Control." It envisions not just the formal signing of new papers, but the creation of a real multi-level defense system. First and foremost, international treaties need to be updated, and a clear definition finally provided for prohibited psychoactive substances.

However, legal measures alone are not enough. Experts insist on integrating norms of medical ethics and human rights directly into the arms control system. Special attention is given to education: chemists and neurobiologists should be aware of the risks of using their discoveries for military purposes already during their training. Society completes this chain — the scientific community must emerge from the shadows and actively monitor that states honestly fulfill their commitments.

The authors emphasize that their goal is not to hinder scientific progress, but to ensure its development with ethical and legal safeguards. They argue that the militarization of neuroscience is not inevitable, but without active measures, it becomes increasingly probable.

“This is an urgent call to action,” concluded Dr. Crowley. “We must act now to protect the purity of science and the integrity of the human mind.”

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