Two British researchers, Michael Crowley and Malcolm Dando of the University of Bradford, are raising the alarm: “brain weapons” that can manipulate human consciousness, memory, or behavior are moving beyond science fiction. In their forthcoming book—published by the Royal Society of Chemistry—they argue that rapid advances in neuroscience, pharmacology, and artificial intelligence are making tools that target the central nervous system (CNS) more precise, feasible, and potentially weaponizable.

 

The pair point to historical precedent, such as Cold War-era efforts by states to develop CNS-acting chemicals, and a notable incident in 2002 when Russian forces used fentanyl derivatives during the Moscow theatre siege. Though the operation freed many hostages, more than 120 people died, and others suffered long-term effects. These facts, they contend, underscore how real and deadly such technologies already are.

 

Crowley and Dando argue that existing arms control treaties are inadequate to address this emerging threat. In particular, they highlight gaps in the Chemical Weapons Convention. As the 30th session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) convenes in The Hague, they propose a new, more holistic arms control framework. Their plan includes establishing working groups to monitor CNS-acting agents, defining key terms, and setting up international mechanisms to track research. They emphasize these steps are not meant to hamper scientific progress—rather, they aim to prevent malign uses without stifling innovation.

 

Their message is urgent: without decisive global governance, the human brain may become the next battleground. The researchers describe their work as a wake-up call—one that demands proactive policy to prevent the weaponization of neuroscience.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

“Brain weapons” capable of altering consciousness are becoming technically viable, thanks to advances in neuroscience, AI, and pharmacology.

 

Historical use of CNS-acting agents, such as in the 2002 Moscow theatre siege, shows that brain-targeting weapons are not just theoretical.

 

Crowley and Dando call for a robust, new arms-control structure — including working groups and monitoring — to prevent the misuse of neurotechnology.

 

Adapted From 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/22/mind-altering-brain-weapons-no-longer-only-science-fiction-say-researchers

 

There have been several (scientific) articles on this topic in the international media this year.  It is certainly a worrying development.

22 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

There have been several (scientific) articles on this topic in the international media this year.  It is certainly a worrying development.

Why on earth would this be "Worrying" to you ?
Can you change it at all ? Do you have any influence on the end result ?
What a waste of energy.

46 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

There have been several (scientific) articles on this topic in the international media this year.  It is certainly a worrying development.

 

I think I'll be pretty safe from the targeting thingy.

6 minutes ago, Slowhand225 said:

Why on earth would this be "Worrying" to you ?
Can you change it at all ? Do you have any influence on the end result ?
What a waste of energy.

Smartphones, credit cards, registered driving registered vehicles with modern electronics, walking in public space is the biggest threat's.

 

Ultra processed food? Look at USA who was the first to feed their own population, and how it spread out to the world.

 

Using biological and mind and brain altering weapons can and will kick back on those who use them, so a good reason not to.

 

There is a reason why world leaders do not assassinate each other, even they have the option. 

The CIA was experimenting with mind control via LSD from the 50s to 70s

 

 MKUltra^[a] was an illegal human experimentation program designed and undertaken by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to develop procedures and identify drugs that could be used during interrogations to weaken individuals and force confessions through brainwashing and psychological torture.^[1] 

 

The CIA's Appalling Human Experiments With Mind Control | HISTORY Channel

 

MKUltra^[a] was an illegal human experimentation program designed and undertaken by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to develop procedures and identify drugs that could be used during interrogations to weaken individuals and force confessions through brainwashing and psychological torture.^[

 

 

On 11/22/2025 at 10:15 AM, Bacon1 said:

 

 

 

 

Two British researchers, Michael Crowley and Malcolm Dando of the University of Bradford, are raising the alarm: “brain weapons” that can manipulate human consciousness, memory, or behavior are moving beyond science fiction. In their forthcoming book—published by the Royal Society of Chemistry—they argue that rapid advances in neuroscience, pharmacology, and artificial intelligence are making tools that target the central nervous system (CNS) more precise, feasible, and potentially weaponizable.

 

The pair point to historical precedent, such as Cold War-era efforts by states to develop CNS-acting chemicals, and a notable incident in 2002 when Russian forces used fentanyl derivatives during the Moscow theatre siege. Though the operation freed many hostages, more than 120 people died, and others suffered long-term effects. These facts, they contend, underscore how real and deadly such technologies already are.

 

Crowley and Dando argue that existing arms control treaties are inadequate to address this emerging threat. In particular, they highlight gaps in the Chemical Weapons Convention. As the 30th session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) convenes in The Hague, they propose a new, more holistic arms control framework. Their plan includes establishing working groups to monitor CNS-acting agents, defining key terms, and setting up international mechanisms to track research. They emphasize these steps are not meant to hamper scientific progress—rather, they aim to prevent malign uses without stifling innovation.

 

Their message is urgent: without decisive global governance, the human brain may become the next battleground. The researchers describe their work as a wake-up call—one that demands proactive policy to prevent the weaponization of neuroscience.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

“Brain weapons” capable of altering consciousness are becoming technically viable, thanks to advances in neuroscience, AI, and pharmacology.

 

Historical use of CNS-acting agents, such as in the 2002 Moscow theatre siege, shows that brain-targeting weapons are not just theoretical.

 

Crowley and Dando call for a robust, new arms-control structure — including working groups and monitoring — to prevent the misuse of neurotechnology.

 

Adapted From 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/22/mind-altering-brain-weapons-no-longer-only-science-fiction-say-researchers

 

Tik Tok is an example of manipulation over the long term.

Well, casual perusal of some threads on AseanNow may rather support this study...