FoxtArt
02-15-2020, 18:41
Interesting consciousness study:
Original:
https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(20)30005-2
Somewhat creatively interpreted, but less nerdy:
https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/tiny-area-of-the-brain-could-enable-consciousness
Note it's a very limited sample size (2 Macaques) but the study basically entailed anesthetizing the two monkeys, and electrically stimulating various parts of the brain at around 50Hz. When they stimulated the central lateral thalamus (CL) specifically, the monkey would appear to wake up from the anesthesia - to some degree (eyes open, reaching limbs out, etc.). They tested on two different drugs, and repeated the example several times. When they stopped stimulating the CL, the monkey would again pretty much immediately go back into full anesthesia.
Very exciting even simply from the perspective of long term vegetative/comatose patients. I have a second cousin of sorts that's been in his parents care, in a semi-vegetative for 15 years... failed suicide attempt. But, he is "in" there as demonstrated from a temporary "lucid" period that I'm assuming came from something like Ambien. At any rate, I hope they advance this research quickly.
Also imagine how much money we'd make with a child pacemaker in the CL.
Kids, It's bedtime!
KID: BUT I WANNA..
Mom: *presses remote*
KID: *kid plonks*
Mom: *sips wine*
Original:
https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(20)30005-2
Somewhat creatively interpreted, but less nerdy:
https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/tiny-area-of-the-brain-could-enable-consciousness
Note it's a very limited sample size (2 Macaques) but the study basically entailed anesthetizing the two monkeys, and electrically stimulating various parts of the brain at around 50Hz. When they stimulated the central lateral thalamus (CL) specifically, the monkey would appear to wake up from the anesthesia - to some degree (eyes open, reaching limbs out, etc.). They tested on two different drugs, and repeated the example several times. When they stopped stimulating the CL, the monkey would again pretty much immediately go back into full anesthesia.
Very exciting even simply from the perspective of long term vegetative/comatose patients. I have a second cousin of sorts that's been in his parents care, in a semi-vegetative for 15 years... failed suicide attempt. But, he is "in" there as demonstrated from a temporary "lucid" period that I'm assuming came from something like Ambien. At any rate, I hope they advance this research quickly.
Also imagine how much money we'd make with a child pacemaker in the CL.
Kids, It's bedtime!
KID: BUT I WANNA..
Mom: *presses remote*
KID: *kid plonks*
Mom: *sips wine*