MIT neuroscientists propose brain uses analog waves, not just circuits, for consciousness
New theory suggests brain coordinates cognition through traveling neural waves rather than sequential digital processing.
What to know
- MIT neuroscientists propose cognition and consciousness arise from analog wave computations rather than circuit connections alone, offering a new mechanistic explanation of how the brain processes information.
- Traveling neural waves enable parallel processing of multiple calculations simultaneously, allowing the brain to rapidly adapt to novel sensory contexts—something sequential digital circuits cannot do as efficiently.
- Brain waves can be manipulated non-invasively, suggesting potential clinical applications for treating neurological conditions like autism based on wave dynamics.
Earl K. Miller Picower Professor, MIT; senior authorScott L. Brincat Research scientist, Miller's lab; co-authorJefferson E. Roy Research scientist, Miller's lab; co-authorMIT Picower Institute for Learning and Memory Research institution
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What people are saying 4 voices from 2 sites · verbatim
- Aug 25
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I'd say the specific case here is "the brain is conscious, also we want to derive a result that says AIs/computers can't be... therefore, it's all about the brain being analog". What does it even mean anyway, at a lower level? Our neurons have firing/non firing states. Transistor currents are only approximately binary if you look close enough…
- Aug 23
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If you accurately reflect all physical processes that would happen while you cook an egg in a frying pan, have you cooked a meal you can actually eat? I really hope you won't be telling me that the function of nutrition will accurateby be reflected in the notebook and whatever you wrote down is therefore adequate food. By the same token…
- Aug 22
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We can't explain consciousness, but we can describe it. https:// picower.mit.edu/news/cognition -and-consciousness-arise-analog-computations-says-new-theory # science # biology # physics # chemistry # technology # education # space # engineering
- Aug 21
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I am not claiming that. I am saying that denying it is equally as poorly substantiated a claim. That is not how proofs work. The onus is on the people making the claim that an MLP is functionally similar to/replicates a brain to prove it with evidence. You can't prove it by saying that you can't disprove it. Why cannot a slab of silicon with…