Consciousness is supported by near-critical cortical electrodynamics
bioRxiv June 11, 2021 preprint DOI: 10.1101/2021.06.10.447959
Summary
Our brains achieve consciousness by operating at a unique "sweet spot" of electrical activity, neither too random nor too rigid. Researchers hypothesized that this "near-critical" state in the brain's outer layer is essential for awareness. By analyzing brain activity patterns, they found that conscious states consistently exhibit these balanced, highly dynamic patterns. Unconscious states, however, showed different, less optimal activity. This suggests that the brain's ability to flexibly process information, crucial for our conscious experience, relies on maintaining this precise electrical balance.
Abstract
Consciousness is supported by near-critical cortical electrodynamics