Monkey brain study reveals the 'engine of consciousness'
Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2022 9:01 pm
What exactly ignites consciousness has long been a mystery. But in a study published in February, the search became a bit narrower: to a powerful part of the brain known as the central lateral thalamus, a tiny region found deep in our forebrain.
In the study, macaque monkeys were put under using a general anesthetic. When the researchers applied small electrical pulses to the monkey brains, and at a specific frequency, the animals were revived and alert within just a couple of seconds.
They were, in essence, pulled out of a deep state of unconsciousness β and were acting just like they were awake.
βThe animal went from being deeply anesthetized to opening his eyes, looking around the room, and even reaching out for objects within only a few seconds of the stimulation turning on,β Michelle Redinbaugh, the lead author of the study and a graduate student in psychology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, told Inverse.
https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/tiny- ... usness/amp
In the study, macaque monkeys were put under using a general anesthetic. When the researchers applied small electrical pulses to the monkey brains, and at a specific frequency, the animals were revived and alert within just a couple of seconds.
They were, in essence, pulled out of a deep state of unconsciousness β and were acting just like they were awake.
βThe animal went from being deeply anesthetized to opening his eyes, looking around the room, and even reaching out for objects within only a few seconds of the stimulation turning on,β Michelle Redinbaugh, the lead author of the study and a graduate student in psychology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, told Inverse.
https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/tiny- ... usness/amp