The feasibility of artificial consciousness through the lens of neuroscience

Trends in Neurosciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 46(12), P. 1008 - 1017

Published: Oct. 18, 2023

Language: Английский

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An integrative, multiscale view on neural theories of consciousness

Neuron, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 112(10), P. 1531 - 1552

Published: March 5, 2024

How is conscious experience related to material brain processes? A variety of theories aiming answer this age-old question have emerged from the recent surge in consciousness research, and some are now hotly debated. Although most researchers so far focused on development validation their preferred theory relative isolation, article, written by a group scientists representing different theories, takes an alternative approach. Noting that various often try explain aspects or mechanistic levels consciousness, we argue do not necessarily contradict each other. Instead, several them may converge fundamental neuronal mechanisms be partly compatible complementary, multiple can simultaneously contribute our understanding. Here, consider unifying, integration-oriented approaches been largely neglected, seeking combine valuable elements theories.

Language: Английский

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Thalamic contributions to the state and contents of consciousness

Neuron, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 112(10), P. 1611 - 1625

Published: May 1, 2024

Consciousness can be conceptualized as varying along at least two dimensions: the global state of consciousness and content conscious experience. Here, we highlight cellular systems-level contributions thalamus to then argue for thalamic content, including integrated, segregated, continuous nature our We underscore vital, yet distinct roles core- matrix-type neurons. Through reciprocal interactions with deep-layer cortical neurons, matrix neurons support wakefulness determine perceptual thresholds, whereas core maintain enable constancy. further propose that integration, segregation, continuity depend on convergent corticothalamic projections enabling dimensionality reduction, a reticular nucleus-mediated divisive normalization-like process, sustained coherent activity in thalamocortical loops, respectively. Overall, conclude plays central topological role brain structures controlling

Language: Английский

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Unlocking the Potential of Two-Point Cells for Energy-Efficient and Resilient Training of Deep Nets

IEEE Transactions on Emerging Topics in Computational Intelligence, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 7(3), P. 818 - 828

Published: March 1, 2023

Context-sensitive two-point layer 5 pyramidal cells (L5PCs) were discovered as long ago 1999.However, the potential of this discovery to provide useful neural computation has yet be demonstrated.Here we show for first time how a transformative L5PCs-driven deep network (DNN), termed multisensory cooperative computing (MCC) architecture, can effectively process large amounts heterogeneous realworld audio-visual (AV) data, using far less energy compared best available 'point' neuron-driven DNNs.A novel highlydistributed parallel implementation on Xilinx UltraScale+ MPSoC device estimates savings up 245759 × 50000 µJ (i.e., 62% than baseline model in semi-supervised learning setup) where single synapse consumes 8e -5 µJ.In supervised setup, energy-saving potentially reach 1250x (per feedforward transmission) model.The significantly reduced activity MCC leads inherently fast and resilience against sudden damage.This remarkable performance pilot experiments demonstrates embodied neuromorphic intelligence our proposed L5PC that receives input from diverse neighbouring neurons context amplify transmission most salient relevant information onward transmission, overwhelmingly multimodal utilised at early stages on-chip training.Our approach opens new cross-disciplinary avenues future DNN training implementations posits radical shift current paradigms.

Language: Английский

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A thalamocortical substrate for integrated information via critical synchronous bursting

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 120(46)

Published: Nov. 8, 2023

Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying consciousness remains a significant challenge. Recent evidence suggests that coupling between distal–apical and basal–somatic dendrites in thick-tufted layer 5 pyramidal neurons (L5 PN ), regulated by nonspecific-projecting thalamus, is crucial for consciousness. Yet, it uncertain whether this thalamocortical mechanism can support emergent signatures of consciousness, such as integrated information. To address question, we constructed biophysical network dual-compartment L5 , with dendrosomatic controlled thalamic inputs. Our findings demonstrate information maximized when nonspecific inputs drive system into regime time-varying synchronous bursting. Here, exhibits variable spiking dynamics broad pairwise correlations, supporting enhanced Further, observed peak aligns criticality empirically bursting rates. These results suggest core mammalian brain may be evolutionarily configured to optimize effective processing, providing potential neuronal integrates microscale theories macroscale

Language: Английский

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Layer 6b controls brain state via apical dendrites and the higher-order thalamocortical system

Neuron, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 112(5), P. 805 - 820.e4

Published: Dec. 14, 2023

Language: Английский

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Cellular mechanisms of cooperative context-sensitive predictive inference

Current Research in Neurobiology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 6, P. 100129 - 100129

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

We argue that prediction success maximization is a basic objective of cognition and cortex, it compatible with but distinct from error minimization, neither requires subtractive coding, there clear neurobiological evidence for the amplification predicted signals, we are unconvinced by proposed in support coding. outline recent discoveries showing pyramidal cells on which our cognitive capabilities depend usually transmit information about input to their basal dendrites amplify transmission when distal apical provides context agrees feedforward both depolarizing, i.e., excitatory rather than inhibitory. Though these intracellular require level technical expertise beyond current abilities most neuroscience labs, they not controversial acclaimed as groundbreaking. note this cellular cooperative context-sensitivity greatly enhances mammalian neocortex, much remains be discovered concerning its evolution, development, pathology.

Language: Английский

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Human high-order thalamic nuclei gate conscious perception through the thalamofrontal loop

Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 388(6742)

Published: April 4, 2025

Human high-order thalamic nuclei activity is known to closely correlate with conscious states. However, it not clear how those and thalamocortical interactions directly contribute the transient process of human perception. We simultaneously recorded stereoelectroencephalography data from prefrontal cortex (PFC), while patients implanted electrodes performed a visual consciousness task. Compared ventral PFC, intralaminar medial presented earlier stronger consciousness-related activity. Transient thalamofrontal neural synchrony cross-frequency coupling were both driven by θ phase during The thus play gate role drive PFC emergence

Language: Английский

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Apical amplification—a cellular mechanism of conscious perception?

Neuroscience of Consciousness, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 2021(2)

Published: Oct. 1, 2021

Abstract We present a theoretical view of the cellular foundations for network-level processes involved in producing our conscious experience. Inputs to apical synapses layer 1 large subset neocortical cells are summed at an integration zone near top their trunk. These inputs come from diverse sources and provide context within which transmission information abstracted sensory input basal perisomatic can be amplified when relevant. argue that amplification enables perceptual experience makes it more flexible, thus adaptive, by being sensitive context. Apical provides possible mechanism recurrent processing theory avoids strong loops. It broadcasting hypothesized global neuronal workspace theories feasible while preserving distinct contributions individual receiving broadcast. also mechanisms contribute holistic aspects integrated theory. As is highly dependent on cholinergic, aminergic, other neuromodulators, relates specific contents mental states fluctuations arousal awake. conclude dendrites context-sensitive selective cardinal prerequisite perception.

Language: Английский

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Not with a “zap” but with a “beep”: Measuring the origins of perinatal experience

NeuroImage, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 273, P. 120057 - 120057

Published: March 30, 2023

When does the mind begin? Infant psychology is mysterious in part because we cannot remember our first months of life, nor can directly communicate with infants. Even more speculative possibility mental life prior to birth. The question when consciousness, or subjective experience, begins human development thus remains incompletely answered, though boundaries be set using current knowledge from developmental neurobiology and recent investigations perinatal brain. Here, offer perspective on how a sensory perturbational complexity index (sPCI) based auditory ("beep-and-zip"), visual ("flash-and-zip"), even olfactory ("sniff-and-zip") cortical perturbations place electromagnetic ("zap-and-zip") might used address this question. First, discuss studies cognition consciousness techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and, particular, magnetoencephalography (MEG). While newborn infants are archetypal subjects for studying early development, researchers may also benefit fetal studies, womb is, many respects, controlled environment than cradle. earliest possible timepoint experience begin likely establishment thalamocortical connectivity at 26 weeks gestation, system necessary according most theoretical frameworks. To infer what age which behavioral states emerge following initiation pathways, advocate sPCI similar techniques, EEG, MEG, fMRI, estimate brain's state consciousness.

Language: Английский

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