How consciousness emerges: a revolutionary theory from neuroscientists

American neuroscientists have presented a hypothesis explaining the nature of consciousness through dynamic traveling waves that coordinate the work of billions of neurons. The theory is based on the principle of mixed selectivity, where each neuron flexibly changes its firing patterns depending on context. Consciousness arises when these waves bring the cortex into a globally integrated state. The research also points to sensory areas in the back of the brain as the epicenter of consciousness, rather than the frontal lobe.

American neuroscientists have presented a revolutionary hypothesis explaining the fundamental nature of human consciousness. According to the new theory, the key to unraveling the mystery of the mind lies in dynamic traveling waves that coordinate the colossal work of billions of neurons. At the core of the concept is the principle of mixed selectivity: each individual neuron can flexibly change the nature of its electrical discharges depending on incoming signals and current context, participating in multiple thought processes simultaneously. When the peaks of two wave patterns coincide, they mutually amplify each other; a peak meeting a trough leads to cancellation. Consciousness arises when such waves bring the cortex into an organized and globally integrated state. The research also changes ideas about the localization of consciousness: new data points to sensory areas in the back of the brain, rather than the frontal lobe. The results were reported in IFL Science.