Fields or firings? Comparing the spike code and the electromagnetic field hypothesis

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

Published: July 20, 2023

Where is consciousness? Neurobiological theories of consciousness look primarily to synaptic firing and “spike codes” as the physical substrate consciousness, although specific mechanisms remain unknown. Synaptic results from electrochemical processes in neuron axons dendrites. All neurons also produce electromagnetic (EM) fields due various mechanisms, including electric potential created by transmembrane ion flows, known “local field potentials,” but there are more meso-scale macro-scale EM present brain. The functional role these has long been a source debate. We suggest that fields, both their local global forms, may be primary seat working gestalt with other aspects neuroanatomy marvelous complexity minds. call this assertion “electromagnetic hypothesis.” brain produces not identical anatomy These produced by, with, brain, same manner twigs leaves tree’s branches trunk trunk. As such, represent granular, spatially temporally, brain’s structure functioning than seem sensitive small changes discuss issues spike code approach well lines evidence supporting our argument consciousness. This (which occupies most paper) suggests oscillating neural make circuits oscillate, help unify guide conscious cognition.

Language: Английский

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Psychedelics and disorders of consciousness: the current landscape and the path forward

Neuroscience of Consciousness, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2024(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Modern medicine has been shaken by the surge of psychedelic science that proposes a new approach to mitigate mental disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Clinical trials investigate whether substances can treat psychiatric conditions are now underway, yet less discussion gravitates around their use in neurological disorders due brain injury. One suggested implementation brain-complexity enhancing psychedelics is people with post-comatose consciousness (DoC). In this article, we discuss rationale endeavour, examining possible outcomes experiments postulating existence an optimal level complexity. We consider counterintuitive effects both DoC on functional connectivity default mode network its impact selfhood. also elaborate role computational modelling providing complementary information experimental studies, contributing our understanding treatment mechanisms path towards personalized medicine. Finally, update discourse surrounding ethical considerations, encompassing clinical scientific values.

Language: Английский

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The Sentient Cell

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 5, 2023

Abstract This volume is the natural follow-up to Arthur Reber’s 2019 book, The First Minds: Caterpillars, ‘Karyotes, and Consciousness (TFM). In that earlier work, Cellular Basis of (CBC) theory was developed based on a number efforts published in variety journals between 1997 as well talks, colloquia, presentations at conferences. core proposition TFM life mind are co-terminous. All organisms, all species extant extinct, sentient. have an existentially secure consciousness—without which they would been evolutionary dead-ends, unable survive chaotic, dangerous environment first appeared. And, importantly, forms sentience, cognitive functioning right up including those expressed by humans, evolved from original expression consciousness birth prokaryotes. unicellular widely accepted, foundational principle biological social sciences. CBC simply applies same sentience.

Language: Английский

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Oscillatory Transcranial Electrical Stimulation and the Amplitude‐Modulated Frequency Dictate the Quantitative Features of Phosphenes

European Journal of Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 61(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Previous research demonstrated that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can induce phosphene perception. However, tACS involves rhythmic changes in the electric field and polarity (excitatory vs. inhibitory phases), leaving precise mechanism behind perception unclear. To disentangle effects of from those polarity, this study employs oscillatory direct (otDCS), which oscillation remains confined to either a positive or negative thereby eliminating influence switching. We applied scalp electrical stimulations using both polarity‐switching non‐polarity‐switching (otDCS) methods, with anodal cathodal polarities, targeting occipital lobe. All were performed sinusoidal amplitude modulation (AM) waveforms at threshold suprathreshold intensities. Our results show faster response times compared otDCS, but not while otDCS elicits greater brightness than tACS. Additionally, AM frequency induced higher frequency, slower condition across all positive, negative, stimulations. intensity could speed ratings, unlike conditions. findings reveal phosphenes, significant differences between polarities types, indicating mechanisms are critical induction. This provides evidence linking occurrence activity highlights robustness impact coding visual

Language: Английский

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On the measurability of consciousness

Frontiers in Psychology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16

Published: May 30, 2025

With the recent advances in neuroscience and brain scanning technologies, there is an increased interest measurement problem of consciousness (MPC). The development a system (CMS) still its infancy without formal framework established design approach. This article presents novel based on theories engineering concepts such as workflow, space analysis, observability. proposes measurability criteria, applies them to different use cases, identifies whether existing technologies can measure attributes for specific cases. Researchers engineers this determine feasibility CMS individual

Language: Английский

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Electromagnetic-field theories of qualia: can they improve upon standard neuroscience?

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

Published: June 1, 2023

How do brains create all our different colors, pains, and other conscious qualities? These various qualia are the most essential aspects of consciousness. Yet standard neuroscience (primarily based on synaptic information processing) has not found synaptic-firing codes, sometimes described as “spike code,” to account for how these arise they unite form complex perceptions, emotions, et cetera . Nor is it clear get from abstract codes we experience. But electromagnetic field (versus synaptic) approaches have been offered in recent years by Pockett, McFadden, Jones, Bond, Ward Guevera, Keppler Shani, Hunt Schooler, EM-field show promise offering more viable accounts qualia. Yet, until now, evaluated together. We review EM theories qualia, highlight their strengths weaknesses, contrast with approaches.

Language: Английский

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Biological Mechanisms Contradict AI Consciousness: The Spaces Between the Notes

Biosystems, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 105387 - 105387

Published: Dec. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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From Micro to Macro: The Combination of Consciousness

Frontiers in Psychology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 13

Published: March 31, 2022

Crick and Koch's 1990 "neurobiological theory of consciousness" sparked the race for physical correlates subjective experience. 30 years later, cognitive sciences trend toward consideration brain's electromagnetic field as primary seat consciousness, "to be" individual. Recent advancements in laboratory tools have preceded an influx studies reporting a synchronization between neuronally generated EM fields interacting individuals. An embodied enactive neuroscientific approach has gained traction wake these findings wherein consciousness cognition are theorized to be regulated distributed beyond We this frontier extend implications person-to-person synchrony propose process combination whereby coupled individual agents merge into hierarchical system which they subsidiary. Such is say, complex mammalian humans possess may not tip iceberg, but another step succeeding staircase. To end, axioms conjectures General Resonance Theory utilized describe phenomenon interpersonal resonant combination. Our proposal describes spatially that synchronized through recurrent, entraining behavioral interactions. The system, having achieved sufficient synchronization, enjoys optimization information flow alters conscious states its merging enhances group performance capabilities. In neurobiological experience, we attempt first steps journey defining basis "group consciousness." establishment concrete account at scale superseding human remains speculation, our suggested provides framework empirical testing possibilities.

Language: Английский

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Advanced Praise for The Sentient Cell: The Cellular Foundations of Consciousness

Published: Oct. 5, 2023

Extract The perfect book for any scientifically curious individual seeking updates to research on my favourite subject in all the world—the intelligent living cell.Brian J. Ford President Emeritus University of Cambridge Society Application Research (UK) most comprehensive vision post-neo-Darwinian biology date. Life is not about genes and digital information codes. sentience, consciousness, mind, intelligence. building blocks sentience consciousness are cells. A landmark that heralds a welcome paradigm shift biology.Predrag B. Slijepčević Department Sciences, Brunel London In 20 years researching biological cognition unicellular organisms I have studiously avoided what call ‘C-word’, consciousness. Sentient Cell has made me thoroughly reconsider reticence. It remarkable exposes standard model early 19th-century relic it is, providing abundant empirical evidence why should be supplanted. An excellent introduction necessary conversation will unfold over coming decades which sits squarely right side history. Vive la révolution!Pamela Lyon Adelaide (Australia)

Language: Английский

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Memory and Consciousness—Usually in Tandem but Sometimes Apart

Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 36(2), P. 128 - 131

Published: March 23, 2023

Episodic memory, the ability to remember specific events from one's personal past, has been subject of research for several decades, with a particular emphasis on its relationship consciousness. In December 2022 issue Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology , Budson, Richman, Kensinger shed new light this complex topic comprehensive exploration commentary, I present three propositions about between episodic memory consciousness: (1) is usually associated conscious retrieval; (2) it possible have consciousness without memory; (3) can be accessed retrieval. Drawing studies conducted nonhuman animals, provide evidence support each these discuss how they relate theory presented by Budson et al (2000). Although some my differ their views, work valuable in stimulating ongoing discussions advance our understanding memory.

Language: Английский

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