Unravelling consciousness and brain function through the lens of time, space, and information

Trends in Neurosciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 47(7), P. 551 - 568

Published: May 31, 2024

Disentangling how cognitive functions emerge from the interplay of brain dynamics and network architecture is among major challenges that neuroscientists face. Pharmacological pathological perturbations consciousness provide a lens to investigate these complex challenges. Here, we review recent advances about brain's functional organisation have been driven by common denominator: decomposing function into fundamental constituents time, space, information. Whereas unconsciousness increases structure-function coupling across scales, psychedelics may decouple structure. Convergent effects also emerge: anaesthetics, psychedelics, disorders can exhibit similar reconfigurations unimodal-transmodal axis. Decomposition approaches reveal potential translate discoveries species, with computational modelling providing path towards mechanistic integration.

Language: Английский

---

Paradoxical pharmacological dissociations result from drugs that enhance delta oscillations but preserve consciousness

Communications Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 6(1)

Published: June 20, 2023

Abstract Low-frequency (<4 Hz) neural activity, particularly in the delta band, is generally indicative of loss consciousness and cortical down states, when it diffuse high amplitude. Remarkably, however, drug challenge studies several diverse classes pharmacological agents—including drugs which treat epilepsy, activate GABA B receptors, block acetylcholine or produce psychedelic effects—demonstrate activity resembling states even as participants remain conscious. Of those substances that are safe to use healthy volunteers, some may be highly valuable research tools for investigating patterns sufficient its absence.

Language: Английский

---

The nature of consciousness in anaesthesia

BJA Open, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 8, P. 100224 - 100224

Published: Sept. 26, 2023

Neuroscientists agree on the value of locating source consciousness within brain. Anaesthesiologists are no exception, and have their own operational definition based phenomenological observations during anaesthesia. The full functional correlates yet to be precisely identified, however rapidly evolving progress in this scientific domain has yielded several theories that attempt model generation consciousness. They received variable support from experimental observations, including those involving anaesthesia its ability reversibly modulate different aspects Aside interest a better understanding mechanisms consciousness, exploring tenets states general potential ultimately improve patient management. It could facilitate design specific monitoring devices approaches, aiming at reliably detecting each possible an anaesthetic procedure, total absence mental content (unconsciousness), internal awareness (sensation self thoughts) with or without conscious perception environment (connected disconnected respectively). Indeed, it must noted unresponsiveness is not sufficient infer connectedness even This narrative review presents current knowledge field system-level, underlining contribution studies supporting proposing directions for future research.

Language: Английский

---

A Semantic Web-Based Prototype Exercise—Video Game for Children with Anxiety and Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy and Its Usability Assessment

Algorithms for intelligent systems, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 155 - 167

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

---

A science of consciousness beyond pseudo-science and pseudo-consciousness

Nature Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 10, 2025

Language: Английский

---

Integrated Information Theory and the Phenomenal Binding Problem: Challenges and Solutions in a Dynamic Framework

Entropy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 27(4), P. 338 - 338

Published: March 25, 2025

Theories of consciousness grounded in neuroscience must explain the phenomenal binding problem, e.g., how micro-units information are combined to create macro-scale conscious experience common human phenomenology. An example is single ‘pixels’ a visual scene experienced as holistic image ‘mind’s eye’, rather than individual, separate, and massively parallel experiences, corresponding perhaps individual neuron activations, neural ensembles, or foveal saccades, any which could conceivably deliver identical functionality from an processing point view. There multiple contested candidate solutions problem. This paper explores metaphysical infrastructure Integrated Information Theory (IIT) v4.0 can provide distinctive solution. The solution—that particular entities aggregable units (‘complexes’) define existence—might work static picture, but introduces issues dynamic system. We ask what happens our self main complex moves around biological network. Our account developing through time leads apparent dilemma for IIT theorists between non-local entity transitions contiguous selves: ‘dynamic evolution problem’. As well specifying dilemma, we describe three ways might dissolve before it gains traction. Clarifying IIT’s position on potentially underpinned with novel empirical theoretical research, helps researchers understand assess its plausibility. see contributing current research emphasis shift analysis.

Language: Английский

---

Separating weak integrated information theory into inspired and aspirational approaches

Neuroscience of Consciousness, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 2023(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Mediano et al. (The strength of weak integrated information theory.

Language: Английский

---

High-order brain interactions in ketamine during rest and task: a double-blinded cross-over design using portable EEG on male participants

Translational Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: July 27, 2024

Abstract Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that induces shift in global consciousness states and related brain dynamics. Portable low-density EEG systems could be used to monitor these effects. However, previous evidence almost null lacks adequate methods address dynamics with small number of electrodes. This study delves into high-order interactions (HOI) explore the effects ketamine using portable EEG. In double-blinded cross-over design, 30 male adults (mean age = 25.57, SD 3.74) were administered racemic compared against saline infusion as control. Both task-driven (auditory oddball paradigm) resting-state recorded. HOI computed advanced multivariate information theory tools, allowing us quantify nonlinear statistical dependencies between all possible electrode combinations. induced an increase redundancy (copies same can retrieved from 3 or more electrodes), most significantly alpha frequency band. Redundancy was evident during resting state, associated conscious towards tendencies. Furthermore, context oddball), impact on significant for predictable (standard stimuli) deviant ones. Finally, associations observed ketamine’s experiences derealization. appears across psychometric measures, suggesting are correlated alterations dissociation. comparisons event-related potential (ERP) standard functional connectivity metrics, represent innovative method combine signal spatial obtained dry drug interventions, it only approach exploits combinations research emphasizes complexity measures coupled devices monitoring shifts consciousness, especially when paired configurations, paving way better understanding pharmacological-induced changes.

Language: Английский

---

The Qualia Structure Paradigm: towards a construction of a Qualia Periodic Table for the dissolution of the Hard Problem of Consciousness

Published: Sept. 1, 2024

The nature of the relationships between qualitative aspects consciousness, or qualia, and their physical substrates remains unclear. problem qualia is one biggest challenges among enigmas consciousness. One difficulty in research characterization qualia. Verbal descriptions simple behavioral responses are unable to capture richness dilemma faced by traditional NCC paradigm. Comparing a quale with another quale, however, not difficult. Such relational but now structural context, underlies core Qualia Structure This new paradigm was inspired category theory, particular, Yoneda lemma, which states that an object characterized its all objects category. Inspired proposes pathway characterize organize properties different one. As result, it aspires reach organizing principle, akin Mendeleevian periodic table, for domains substrates. Under this framework, any valid theories consciousness should link two structure-preserving manner. Successful refinement such will lead “natural” these theories. level specification understanding relations would dissolve Hard Problem current form.

Language: Английский

---

Simultaneity of consciousness with physical reality: the key that unlocks the mind-matter problem

Frontiers in Psychology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14

Published: Sept. 28, 2023

The problem of explaining the relationship between subjective experience and physical reality remains difficult unresolved. In most explanations, consciousness is epiphenomenal, without causal power. notable exception Integrated Information Theory (IIT), which provides a explanation for consciousness. However, IIT relies on an identity subjectivity particular type structure, namely with information structure that has intrinsic power greater than sum its parts. Any theory psycho-phyiscal must eventually appeal to panpsychism, undermines theory’s claim be fundamental. recently pivoted towards strong version emergence, but macroscopic structures cannot stronger causally their microphysical parts some new law or governing principle. approach taken here designed uncover such decisive argument entirely deductive from initial premises are phenomenologically certain. If correct, arguments prove conscious sufficient create additional degrees freedom independently content experience, in manner unpredictable unobservable by any temporally sequential means. This fundamental principle about consciousness, conceptual bridge it physics describing what experienced. makes testable predictions brain function, differences IIT, also empirically testable.

Language: Английский

---