In his Brain Waves column, Zack Lynch argues convincingly that Wall Street investment banks should think about creating a tracking index for the neurotechnology industry, much as Merrill Lynch has created a tracking index for nanotech stocks.

"Defining the neurotechnology industry will increase the potential for successful exit strategies available to neurotechnology companies and investors," he says. "With the public markets pulling for the latest translation of research into successful treatments, the pool of capital that neurotechnology venture funds will have at their disposal will increase dramatically... If there was a simple way to invest in mental health wouldn't you want 10% of your retirement portfolio focused on neurotech ventures who are creating the next generation of tools for neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders?"

On a completely unrelated note: Zack will be chillin' with former President Clinton this week in Dubai, helping to lay out a future vision for the Arab world.