Toggle light / dark theme

Neuroscientists uncover a sensory “gateway” in the brain

The anterior insular cortex requires more understanding in its role for human cognition and consciousness. But the next time you notice a cyclist who came out of nowhere or a dog that’s about to round the corner, you can thank your anterior insular cortex for it.

INVERSE is counting down the 20 science discoveries that made us say “WTF” in 2021. This is #2. Read the original story here.

Yale scientists restore cellular function in 32 dead pig brains

As a control, other brains received either a fake solution or no solution at all. None revived brain activity and deteriorated as normal.

The researchers hope the technology can enhance our ability to study the brain and its cellular functions. One of the main avenues of such studies would be brain disorders and diseases. This could point the way to developing new of treatments for the likes of brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and neurodegenerative conditions.

As we have long suspected: Evidence for Mycelial intelligence

“The fungus in these experiments showed spatial recognition, memory and intelligence. It’s a conscious organism.”

Article: https://psyche.co/ideas/the-fungal-mind-on-the-evidence-for-…telligence.
(Clickable links at PaulStamets.com)

Nicholas P Money is a professor of biology and Western programme director at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

(See also my book wherein I postulated that mycelium has a consciousness: Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World.)

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878614621000246

#research #mycology #science #intelligence #mycelium #fungi #fungalmind #mushrooms #petri #consciousness #discovery

The Original Inventor Of “Metaverse” On Technology, Life, And Books: Interview With Neal Stephenson

Few individuals write about issues that impact human survival. Fewer still win multiple literary awards for writing science fiction novels. Hardly anyone joins a major corporation as chief futurist. Neal Stephenson can be credited for doing all three.

Writer, academician, video game designer and technology consultant are just some of the things Neal is famous for. He has authored historical epic novels ‘Cryptonomicon’ and ‘The Baroque Cycle;’ science fiction novels ‘The Diamond Age’ and ‘Anathem;’ contemporary thrillers ‘Zodiac’ and ‘REAMDE;’ and science fiction epic ‘Seveneves,’ among others.

His “Snow Crash” published in 1992 preceded ” The Matrix” series and introduced the concept of “The Metaverse”. Yes, Neal Stephenson coined the term. And his 1994 “Interface” preceded NeuraLink by over 20 years!

In his latest science fiction book “Termination Shock,” Neal lays out a scenario where an individual takes technological steps to intervene in climate change in order to ensure human survival. Let’s hope that this book does is not as prophetic as some of the others.

His imagination, unique sense of technology trends, immersive literary style, and attention to detail set a very high bar for the other science fiction authors. In the past, when people asked me what I would do when aging is defeated, I usually answered that I would catch up on Neal Stephenson’s novels as well as movies and video games based on his work.

Full Story:

Why Are Humans the Only Animals That Cry When They’re Sad?

The propensity to cry emotional tears is uniquely human. Of all the claims to human exceptionality—consciousness, intelligence, innovation—it is the liquid that falls from our eyes when we are sad, happy, jealous, angry, and grateful, more than anything else, that we can call ours, and ours alone.

And yet the act of emotional crying is poorly understood. There is remarkably little consensus about the purpose of crying, its underlying physiology, and its impact on our moods. “What intrigued me about crying is how few people in the world have been studying it,” said Lauren Bylsma, an assistant professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. “You would think with such a ubiquitous and important behavior, there would be more known about it.”

Nitrosigine may support cognitive health and memory, according to recent study

A recent study published in Nutrients1 found that a patented complex of bonded arginine silicate called Nitrosigine (from Nutrition 21, based in Harrison, NY) supported cognitive health and memory. In the randomized, double-blind, crossover study, 19 young adults either consumed the arginine silicate or placebo. Participants completed the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and two digital cognitive assessments before consuming the supplement, then completed the same battery of tests an hour after consumption.

Results showed that those taking the supplement saw significantly improved RBANS and immediate memory scores by 11% and 27%, respectively, compared to placebo. Nitrosigine has been linked to increased nitric oxide availability, which is associated with enhanced vasodilation, blood flow, exercise performance, and mental acuity.

“The results of this study further aligned with previous findings that show how administering Nitrosigine can improve mental focus, memory, and acuity due to an increase in NO levels,” said Danielle Greenberg, PhD, FACN, vice president, scientific affairs, Nutrition21, in a press release. “Therefore, consuming products made with Nitrosigine can help those looking to get in the zone and maximize their performance during a workout, while taking a test, or when performing other tasks of a similar nature.”

/* */