Samantha Nunez

Professor Jackie
English 101
October 22, 2015
Research

With the help of neuroscience technology, insight of the human brain has been a
resourceful tool to detect mental illness and neurological disorders. A brain scan alone cannot
evaluate a mental disorder as more tests must be run in order to give a formal diagnosis. Yet, the
incredible relationship between the brain activity of that of a criminal and a healthy being is
considerably far off from being similar. MRIs. CTs and PET scans have revealed that criminals
have significantly smaller areas of the brain in which emotions and behaviors are located. in the
prefrontal cortex, an area that prevents us from acting on impulse, and poor functioning
deformities in the amygdala all make a person more prone to violent, aggressive and disinhibited
behavior. The brains of 40 prisoners, half of whom were identified as psychopaths, were scanned
by Wisconsin University researchers. Results revealed that there was indeed a lack of
communication between these two areas of the brain making it difficult for said inmates to
manage their emotional and social behavior, "The decision-making study showed indirectly what
this study shows directly - that there is a specific brain abnormality associated with criminal
psychopathy," Professor Koeings, Michael. "University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and
Public Health." UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Web. 23 Oct. 2015.

As far as studies go, it has been uncovered that brain differences can be detected early
on. Indiana University Bloomington assistant professor, Nathalie Fontaine, utilizes CU traits

(callous unemotional traits) to help identify children at risk of antisocial behavior along with
other adjustment problems. Fontaine insist on the neccesity of observing children in order to help
prevent future criminal activity in them. Though a very serious accusation, the former
criminologist argues that it is only a precaution. "We're not suggesting that some children are
psychopaths, but CU traits can be used to identify a subgroup of children who are at risk,"
Moskowitz, By. "Criminal Minds Are Different From Yours, Brain Scans Reveal." LiveScience.
TechMedia Network, 4 Mar. 2011. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. Social intervention is widely
recommended for children who fall under the category of possible future felons. Supplemental
pills are also being suggested to help obtain growth in the brain cells.

Yet, scanning the brains of our children seems rather terrifying. Subjecting a child to
brain scans would require parental permission which for the most part does not look agreeable to
the eyes of a guardian. Moreover, the idea of having ones mind studied is well seen as an
invasion of our privacy. It can also be claimed that it is being completely and reluctantly under
the control of the government. As if being snooped around by Obama through our technological
devices were not enough, now we shall be held subject to the violation of our very heads. This
can certainly be argued both ways but the prevention of tragedies such as the University of Texas
shooting has no wrong doings. In 1966, twenty-five year old Charles Whitman not only
murdered his wife and mother before placing a bullet on himself, but also took victim of 49
innocent others, 17 of whom were left murdered. Overlooked by many, Whitman held a suicide
note in his pocket that has thus created a wake up call for the battle between man and his mind.
I do not really understand myself these days. I am supposed to be an average reasonable and
intelligent young man. However, lately, I cannot recall when it started,I have been a victim of
many unusual and irrational thoughts please pay off my debts [and] donate the rest

anonymously to a mental-health foundation. Maybe research can prevent further tragedies of this
type. Kluger, Jeffrey. "The Evil Brain: What Lurks Inside a Killers Mind." Web. 6 May 2003.
A tumor was since detected followed by a vascular malformation which pressed upon Whitmans
amygdala. Damage to this area resulted in his horrific actions.

So is it crazy to anticipate a persons violence? Envision victims and their perpetrators

being saved by a calamity waiting to take place. Its possible to create a safer environment with
less crime and more treatment for a healthier living and a balanced thought process.
.