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Mousavi, S., Seyedmirzaei, H., Shahrokhi Nejad, S. et al. Sci Rep 14, 21,936 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73277-z.
Researchers from Japan and the Michigan Technological University have succeeded in building a molecular computer that, more than any previous project of its kind, can replicate the inner mechanisms of the human brain, repairing itself and mimicking the massive parallelism that allows our brains to process information like no silicon-based computer can.
A relatively new technology, molecular electronics is an interdisciplinary pursuit that may very well prove the long-term solution to validate Moore’s law well into the next century. A molecular computer is made of organic molecules instead of silicon. Chips built this way are not only potentially much smaller but also, because of the way they can be networked, able to do things that no other traditional computer, regardless of its speed, can do.
“Modern computers are quite fast, capable of executing trillions of instructions a second, but they can’t match the intelligent performance of our brain,” Michigan Tech physicist Ranjit Pati commented. “Our neurons only fire about a thousand times per second. But I can see you, recognize you, talk with you, and hear someone walking by in the hallway almost instantaneously, a Herculean task for even the fastest computer.”
Our ability to understand the mind and its relation to the body is highly dependent on the way we define consciousness and the lens through which we study it. We argue that looking at conscious experience from an information-theory perspective can help obtain a unified and parsimonious account of the mind. Today’s dominant models consider consciousness to be a specialized function of the brain characterized by a discrete neural event. Against this background, we consider subjective experience through information theory, presenting consciousness as the propagation of information from the past to the future. We examine through this perspective major characteristics of consciousness. We demonstrate that without any additional assumptions, temporal continuity in perception can explain the emergence of volition, subjectivity, higher order thoughts, and body boundaries. Finally, we discuss the broader implications for the mind-body question and the appeal of embodied cognition.
Keywords: body boundaries; consciousness; information theory; neural correlates of consciousness (NCC); perception; self; volition.
Copyright © 2022 Revach and Salti.
When we think creatively, produce novel ideas, or otherwise have “Eureka” moments, we may actually unlock access to a dimension outside of our everyday perception, according to the controversial theory.
Researchers have taken looking for love to a whole new level, revealing that different types of love light up different parts of the brain. We use the word ‘love’ in a bewildering range of contexts – from sexual adoration to parental love or the love of nature. Now, more comprehensive imaging of the brain may shed light on why we use the same word for such a diverse collection of human experiences.
‘You see your newborn child for the first time. The baby is soft, healthy and hearty – your life’s greatest wonder. You feel love for the little one.’
The above statement was one of many simple scenarios presented to fifty-five parents, self-described as being in a loving relationship. Researchers from Aalto University utilised functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity while subjects mulled brief stories related to six different types of love.
In her new book, neuroscience researcher Mithu Storoni breaks down how to best structure your work sessions and increase your productivity.
Question Can microplastics reach the olfactory bulb in the human brain?
Findings This case series analyzed the olfactory bulbs of 15 deceased individuals via micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and detected the presence of microplastics in the olfactory bulbs of 8 individuals. The predominant shapes were particles and fibers, with polypropylene being the most common polymer.
Meaning The presence of microplastics in the human olfactory bulb suggests the olfactory pathway as a potential entry route for microplastics into the brain, highlighting the need for further research on their neurotoxic effects and implications for human health.
“To be able to manage important aspects of my environment and control access to entertainment gives me back the independence that I’m losing,” Mark said.
The chip sits on a blood vessel and senses his brain activity, which is then translated into specific commands and sent to his digital devices for recognition. In a video shared by Synchron, Mark is seen mentally tapping on icons on his devices, ordering Alexa to turn the lights on and off, and checking his security camera to see who is outside — all without using his hands or voice.
“Synchron’s BCI is bridging the gap between neurotechnology and consumer tech, making it possible for people with paralysis to regain control of their environment,” Thomas Oxley, the company’s chief executive, said. “While many smart home systems rely on voice or touch, we are sending control signals directly from the brain, bypassing the need for these inputs. We’re thrilled … to address a critical unmet need for millions of people with mobility and voice impairment.”
