Neuroscience research suggests that scientists may have been undervaluing the most ancient regions of the human brain when studying consciousness. Evidence indicates that the subcortex and cerebellum may play a more significant role than previously thought, and could even be sufficient for basic forms of consciousness.
A new study suggests the thalamus plays a key role in regulating conscious perception, acting as a gateway between sensory signals and the cerebral cortex. Researchers used data from patients with pre-existing electrodes to observe brain activity during visual perception tasks.
A study published in Nature Human Behavior reveals that general anesthesia suppresses unique functional connectivity patterns in the brain, making it difficult to distinguish individuals based on their neural activity. This effect is strongest in uniquely human brain regions and has implications for understanding and potentially aiding consciousness recovery.
