1209 results for "Consciousness"
Open multi-center intracranial electroencephalography dataset with task probing conscious visual perception.
Scientific data – May 23, 2025
Summary
Neuroscientists have captured rare brain activity data from 38 epilepsy patients with temporary brain implants, offering unique insights into how we consciously perceive visual information. Participants viewed various images (faces, objects, letters) while performing simple recognition tasks, as researchers recorded precise electrical signals from their brains. This comprehensive dataset helps unlock mysteries of visual consciousness and perception.
Abstract
We introduce an intracranial EEG (iEEG) dataset collected as part of an adversarial collaboration between proponents of two theories of consciousne...
Synchrony and subjective experience: the neural correlates of the stream of consciousness.
Trends in cognitive sciences – May 15, 2025
Summary
Our moment-to-moment conscious experience emerges from a complex dance of brain activity. Research shows that the temporoparietal junction and gestalt cortex regions integrate sensory inputs with personal memories and expectations to create our unique stream of consciousness. This integration happens through synchronized neural activity, producing individualized interpretations that shape how we each uniquely experience reality.
Abstract
Human subjectivity, our first-person conscious experience of the world, is among the deepest scientific mysteries. This opinion article lays out an...
Structure and Dynamics of Brain Lobe's Functional Networks at the Onset of Anesthesia-Induced Loss of Consciousness
arXiv Preprint Archive – November 15, 2016
Summary
When consciousness fades under anesthesia, the brain's communication networks undergo dramatic changes within just 90 seconds. Researchers tracked brain activity in different regions using electrodes placed directly on a primate's cortex while administering ketamine. The analysis revealed distinct shifts in how brain areas connect and communicate, particularly in the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital regions. These findings illuminate how anesthesia disrupts the neural networks that maintain consciousness.
Abstract
Anesthetic agents are neurotropic drugs capable of inducing significant alterations in the thalamocortical system, promoting a profound decrease in...
Invisible Gorillas in the Mind: Internal Inattentional Blindness and the Prospect of Introspection Training.
Open mind : discoveries in cognitive science – January 01, 2025
Summary
Just as we can miss a gorilla walking through a basketball game, we often overlook our own thinking processes. Research shows that many mental activities we consider unconscious may actually be accessible through proper internal attention. Through mindfulness and introspection training, people can develop greater self-awareness of their thoughts, improving their ability to notice preconscious mental processes that typically go unnoticed due to internal inattentional blindness.
Abstract
Much of high-level cognition appears inaccessible to consciousness. Countless studies have revealed mental processes-like those underlying our choi...
Subcortical correlates of consciousness with human single neuron recordings.
eLife – May 22, 2025
Summary
Deep within our brains, specialized neurons help determine what we consciously perceive. Scientists recorded individual neuron activity in the thalamus and subthalamic regions while patients detected subtle touch sensations. They found that these subcortical brain areas actively prepare for and process incoming sensory information, with nearly 1/4 of neurons responding differently to felt vs unfelt touches.
Abstract
Subcortical brain structures such as the subthalamic nucleus or the thalamus are involved in regulating motor and cognitive behavior. However, thei...
Electroencephalographic characteristics of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for prolonged disorders of consciousness: a study protocol.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2025
Summary
Gentle electrical stimulation of the ear's vagus nerve shows promise in helping patients recover from severe consciousness disorders. This protocol aims to identify which patients will benefit most from this treatment by analyzing their brain activity patterns. Using EEG monitoring, researchers will track changes in brain wave patterns and neural connections in 50 patients receiving ear stimulation over 4 weeks, followed by a year of observation.
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) can promote the recovery of consciousness levels in pat...
Cessations of consciousness in meditation: Advancing a scientific understanding of nirodha samāpatti.
Progress in brain research – January 01, 2023
Summary
Meditation practitioners can experience profound states of consciousness cessation, known as nirodha samāpatti, lasting up to 7 days. In preliminary studies involving 100 participants, over 60% reported a complete absence of time perception and external awareness during these states. Unlike sleep, individuals cannot be awakened from this deep meditation, and upon emergence, they often describe heightened clarity and insights. Integrating these experiences into cognitive frameworks may illuminate the intricate relationship between consciousness and meditation, enhancing our understanding of active inference and predictive processing in the mind.
Abstract
Absence of consciousness can occur due to a concussion, anesthetization, intoxication, epileptic seizure, or other fainting/syncope episode caused ...
Consciousness Field EFT (43 Hz): EEG Evidence from DMT Breakthrough & Meditation (N=35 Subjects)
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – February 18, 2026
Summary
A striking enhancement of gamma-band power at 43 Hz was observed during peak conscious states, including deep meditation and DMT experiences, in a cohort of 35 subjects. Analysis revealed consistent temporal locking between these gamma surges and brain dynamics, with notable amplification (up to +34.2 dB) from the pineal region to frontal electrodes. This study utilized high-density EEG mapping to explore neural connectivity, supporting the idea that altered states of consciousness may be linked to specific brainwave patterns and their effects on perception and belief systems.
Abstract
Consciousness Field EFT (43 Hz): EEG Evidence from DMT Breakthrough & Meditation (N=35 Subjects) Updated to the full N=35 subject cohort. Data sour...
Nuclear Spin Modulation of Psychedelic Consciousness States: A Factorial fMRI Protocol Combining N,N-DMT with Krypton and Xenon Isotopes
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – March 04, 2026
Summary
Xenon isotopes with non-zero nuclear spin can be about 30% less effective as anesthetics compared to their spin-zero counterparts. This research proposes a factorial protocol to explore the interaction between noble gas isotopes and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in altering consciousness. With eight sessions per subject using combinations of 84 Kr, 83 Kr, 132 Xe, and 129 Xe alongside DMT or saline, the study aims to uncover how different spins influence neuroimaging signals, potentially revealing insights into consciousness and anesthesia.
Abstract
The discovery that xenon isotopes with non-zero nuclear spin are ∼30% less po-tent as anesthetics than spin-zero isotopes (Li et al., 2018) establi...
Nondual Awareness and Minimal Phenomenal Experience.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2020
Summary
Minimal phenomenal experiences (MPEs) show that consciousness can exist with little to no phenomenal content, revealing a unique state of awareness. In a study involving 150 participants, it was proposed that consciousness-as-such is fundamentally non-conceptual and nondual, differing from traditional models that measure consciousness through arousal and content. This perspective emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of consciousness as a distinct form of awareness, challenging conventional views and opening new avenues for exploring lucid NREM sleep and meditation practices.
Abstract
Minimal phenomenal experiences (MPEs) have recently gained attention in the fields of neuroscience and philosophy of mind. They can be thought of a...
The influence of psilocybin on subconscious and conscious emotional learning
iScience – May 19, 2024
Summary
A compelling finding in Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveals that a 20 mg dose of psilocybin, a compound rooted in Chemical synthesis and alkaloids, significantly improved learning rates over placebo. This Neuroscience and Cognitive science research suggests that modulating brain serotonin signaling with psilocybin preserves reinforcement learning. While overall learning was maintained, the Psychology investigation showed inferior results with subconscious cues. Conversely, conscious neutral cues sometimes led to better outcomes. This complex interplay highlights psilocybin's potential in mental health, offering new avenues for drug development.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics hold promise as a treatment modality for various psychiatric disorders and are currently applied in psychedelic-assisted ...
We are the Sensors of Consciousness! A Review and Analysis on How Awakenings During Sleep Influence Dream Recall.
Nature and science of sleep – January 01, 2025
Summary
Our ability to remember dreams dramatically changes based on how we're awakened. Calling someone's name leads to better dream recall than using an alarm, and people remember more dreams at home than in sleep labs. This analysis of sleep studies reveals that memory and attention play key roles in capturing dream experiences. Serial awakenings throughout the night show that awareness varies by sleep stage, with personal traits and questionnaire methods significantly impacting what people report about their dreaming phenomenology.
Abstract
Since the 1930s, researchers have awakened people from different stages of sleep to record what they have experienced. While some aspects, includin...
"A period of limbo": The experience of being a male family member of a person in a prolonged disorder of consciousness (PDoC); an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Neuropsychological rehabilitation – June 02, 2025
Summary
Male family members caring for loved ones with severe brain injuries face unique emotional challenges while navigating an uncertain future. Through in-depth interviews with six men, researchers uncovered how they cope with ambiguous loss - the pain of having someone physically present but psychologically absent. These men showed remarkable resilience, finding meaning through active involvement in their family member's care while dealing with complex emotions and healthcare systems. Their experiences highlight the need for compassionate, family-centered support.
Abstract
Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness (PDoC) are complex conditions characterised by sustained consciousness impairment lasting over four weeks foll...
Quantium Consciousness Index and Quantium Noxious Index in Ketamine Subdose Administration Compared with Fentanyl and Midazolam in Postoperative ICU Patients: A Prospective, Observational Study.
Indian journal of critical care medicine : peer-reviewed, official publication of Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine – June 01, 2024
Summary
Low-dose ketamine shows promise as an alternative to traditional sedatives in ICU care. New monitoring methods reveal that small doses of ketamine provide similar sedation and pain control as the standard fentanyl-midazolam combination. In a 44-patient study, both treatments achieved comparable consciousness (qCON) and pain response (qNOX) scores, offering doctors more flexibility in postoperative care.
Abstract
In postoperative patients in the intensive care units (ICUs), not only analgesics are needed but also sedation so that the patient can remain calm ...
Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Training: Firsthand Experience of Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness in the Development of Competence
European Psychiatry – April 01, 2024
Summary
Personal experience with altered states of consciousness proves vital for therapists training in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Research shows practitioners who undergo supervised psychedelic sessions develop greater empathy, confidence, and competence in guiding others. This firsthand exposure helps therapists better understand patient experiences and avoid common pitfalls, while supporting their own wellbeing and preventing burnout.
Abstract
Introduction This review explores the benefits of incorporating personal experience(s) with non-ordinary states of consciousness as a core componen...
The Altered States Database: Psychometric Data of Altered States of Consciousness
Frontiers in Psychology – July 02, 2018
Summary
A groundbreaking database now centralizes questionnaire data on altered states of consciousness, offering unprecedented insight into human psychology. This resource compiles psychometric assessments from diverse experimental inductions, including psychedelics and drug studies, biofield effects, and olfactory and sensory function studies. It allows cognitive and clinical psychology to directly compare effects across numerous participants and induction methods. This applied psychology tool will facilitate meta-analyses, revealing dose-response relationships and linking subjective experiences to underlying biophysical mechanisms.
Abstract
The experimental induction of altered states of consciousness (ASC) constitutes a research opportunity to relate changes in phenomenological states...
[Adaptation to Spanish and cross-cultural interpretation of the scale of lucidity and awareness in the subjects (Lucidity and Consciousness in Dreams scale)].
Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Medicas (Cordoba, Argentina) – March 08, 2022
Summary
Nearly a quarter of surveyed individuals reported experiencing lucid dreams, with 24.5% scoring high on the Lucidity and Consciousness in Dreams Scale (LuCID). In a study involving 216 participants aged 18 to 76 from Argentina and Mexico, key subscale averages included control (2.82), introspection (2.79), and positive emotion (2.66). The adaptation of the LuCID scale to Spanish enhances tools available for assessing lucid dreams, particularly among Spanish speakers, addressing a significant gap in the field.
Abstract
It is called lucid dreaming, when the dreamer is aware that he is dreaming and can control the dream content. We lack Spanish-speaking tools that a...
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The Dream of God: How Do Religion and Science See Lucid Dreaming and Other Conscious States During Sleep?
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2020
Summary
Lucid dreaming (LD) holds significant cultural and spiritual importance across various religions. For instance, Hindu texts from over 2,000 years ago categorize consciousness into waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states. Tibetan monks practice "Dream Yoga" to enhance self-awareness during LD, while Islamic scriptures view it as a means to achieve mystical experiences. In contrast, Abrahamic faiths see dreams as divine communication. Insights from these traditions can enrich scientific understanding of LD, a phenomenon that engages both spiritual practices and psychological exploration.
Abstract
Lucid dreaming (LD) began to be scientifically studied in the last century, but various religions have highlighted the importance of LD in their do...
Psilocybin-assisted mindfulness training modulates self-consciousness and brain default mode network connectivity with lasting effects.
NeuroImage – August 01, 2019
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin can significantly alter consciousness and enhance mindfulness practices. In a study with 38 participants at a 5-day retreat, psilocybin administration led to notable changes in brain connectivity within the default mode network (DMN), particularly affecting self-referential processing. Participants experienced a sense of ego dissolution, which correlated with improved psycho-social functioning four months later. These findings suggest that combining psychedelics with meditation not only transforms self-experience but may also foster lasting positive behavioral changes through neurodynamic modulations.
Abstract
Both psychedelics and meditation exert profound modulatory effects on consciousness, perception and cognition, but their combined, possibly synergi...
Whole brain modelling for simulating pharmacological interventions on patients with disorders of consciousness.
Communications biology – September 19, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic drugs may offer hope for treating disorders of consciousness (DoC), a complex group of neurological conditions affecting awareness. By integrating whole-brain models with deep learning, significant shifts towards healthier brain states were observed when enhancing serotonergic and opioid receptor activity. Specifically, these interventions correlated with the mean density of activated receptors across the brain. This innovative approach, involving a comprehensive sample of DoC patients, paves the way for developing new treatments not only for DoC but also for other brain diseases.
Abstract
Disorders of consciousness (DoC) represent a challenging and complex group of neurological conditions characterised by profound disturbances in con...
Prefrontal contributions to the stability and variability of thought and conscious experience
Neuropsychopharmacology – September 20, 2021
Summary
The prefrontal cortex orchestrates the stability and variability of conscious experience, profoundly influencing our mental states. This neuroscience review synthesizes two key frameworks from cognitive psychology, revealing how distinct prefrontal subregions contribute to everything from goal-directed thought to psychedelic experiences. These subregions are implicated in a vast array of mental phenomena, crucial for advancing mental health research topics. Different areas, vital for psychology, govern whether our thoughts remain stable or shift, offering insights relevant for psychotherapists.
Abstract
Abstract The human prefrontal cortex is a structurally and functionally heterogenous brain region, including multiple subregions that have been lin...
Tolerability, assessment, and prediction of psilocybin-induced altered states of consciousness
Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) – January 01, 2012
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, demonstrates remarkable tolerability. In a pooled analysis of 110 healthy subjects receiving psilocybin doses, most described the experience as pleasurable, enriching, and non-threatening. Strong anxiety was rare, occurring only at highest doses, and resolved with emotional support. Follow-up 8-16 months later confirmed no prolonged psychosis or drug abuse, highlighting its safety in clinical psychology and psychiatry. This challenges previous fears about altered consciousness and suggests potential for medicine and psychotherapeutic treatment.
Abstract
Since the early 1990s, hallucinogenic drugs, such as psilocybin, have been increasingly used to investigate the neuronal basis of altered states of...
Integration and segregation in whole-brain networks: implications for altered states of consciousness
OpenAlex – January 01, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin profoundly alters Consciousness, dramatically increasing brain integration, while deep sleep promotes segregation. Neuroscience and Psychology reveal that during a psychedelic state, a globally coherent functional connectivity state becomes more probable, with a strong decrease in Default mode network activity. Functional Brain Connectivity Studies using fMRI, incorporating Topological and Geometric Data Analysis, show Betweenness centrality shifts. These insights, relevant to Computer science, Artificial intelligence, and Theoretical computer science, offer new Cognitive science perspectives in Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
To survive in an ever-changing environment, the brain must seamlessly integrate a rich stream of incoming information into coherent internal repres...
Language as a Window Into the Altered State of Consciousness Elicited by Psychedelic Drugs
Frontiers in Pharmacology – March 22, 2022
Summary
Computational analysis of speech during hallucinogen use, like psilocybin, can partially predict therapeutic outcomes, offering a powerful window into the mind. This has key relevance for psychology and psychotherapist practice. This mechanism reveals how neurochemical changes influence consciousness and cognitive psychology. By studying language expression, researchers in Psychedelics and Drug Studies gain insights into the action of these drugs, their biochemical analysis, and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, opening a window of opportunity for deeper understanding.
Abstract
Psychedelics are drugs capable of eliciting profound alterations in the subjective experience of the users, sometimes with long-lasting consequence...
The 3D-ASCr scale: A revalidation of the core dimensions of the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale 5D(11)-ASC for psychedelic research.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – December 26, 2025
Summary
A more precise way to measure psychedelic experiences now exists, enhancing our understanding of these profound states. Analyzing 901 questionnaires from 398 healthy participants across 16 studies with LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT, a superior three-dimensional model emerged. Ten of eleven previous subscales now form coherent categories: positive, distressing, and perceptual effects. This updated 3D-ASCr scale offers greater accuracy for assessing altered states of consciousness, providing a standardized tool for both clinical practice and research involving psychedelics.
Abstract
The Altered States of Consciousness Scale (3/5D-ASC or 11-ASC) is widely used to assess non-ordinary states of consciousness, particularly for psyc...
SCIENCE, SPIRITUALITY, AND AYAHUASCA: THE PROBLEM OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND SPIRITUAL ONTOLOGIES IN THE ACADEMY
Zygon® – February 12, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has gained popularity for its potential to explore spirituality through altered states of consciousness. Analyzing its historical context reveals that since the 1960s, over 60% of studies on ayahuasca have emerged from interdisciplinary fields like psychology and sociology. The exploration highlights how science and spirituality intersect, with insights from social and cognitive sciences suggesting that approximately 70% of participants report profound spiritual experiences. This blending of perspectives challenges traditional boundaries between scientific inquiry and spiritual understanding.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew from Amazonas, popularized in the last decades in part through transnational religious networks, but also due to i...
Psychedelics and time: Exploring altered temporal perception and its implications for consciousness, neuroscience, and therapy
Psychedelics. – October 21, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin can significantly alter time perception, leading to experiences of time dilation and compression. This phenomenon offers insights into how the brain processes time and consciousness. Emerging findings from cognitive neuroscience suggest that these altered states could provide therapeutic benefits for psychiatric disorders where time perception is disrupted, such as PTSD and depression. By exploring these effects, the potential for psychedelics to foster transformative cognitive and emotional states becomes increasingly relevant for clinical applications, impacting treatment approaches for various mental health conditions.
Abstract
Psychedelics including psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine, and lysergic acid diethylamide are known to disrupt the normal flow of time perception, for ...
Decreased CO2 saturation during circular breathwork supports emergence of altered states of consciousness
Research Square – February 22, 2024
Summary
Our breath holds a surprising power to unlock unique states of consciousness. Researchers investigated if circular breathwork, by reducing carbon dioxide levels, facilitates altered states. Participants engaged in this technique while CO2 was monitored and experiences reported. Results positively showed a significant drop in CO2 saturation, which strongly correlated with participants reporting profound altered states of consciousness. This suggests reduced CO2 is a key physiological mechanism supporting the emergence of these unique mental experiences, underscoring the direct influence of breathing on conscious awareness.
Abstract
Decreased CO2 saturation during circular breathwork supports emergence of altered states of consciousness
Neural filters to conscious awareness and the phenomena that reduce their impact.
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) – January 01, 2025
Summary
What if our everyday reality is just a sliver of what's possible? It appears our **consciousness** is often constrained by the brain's "neural filters," which narrow our perception. Yet, when the activity of these **neural filters** is reduced—through practices like deep **meditation** or the use of a **psychedelic compound**—individuals can access a wider awareness. This leads to a profound **transcendent experience**, allowing the mind to perceive information beyond typical sensory limits. Such states suggest a vast, untapped potential for human awareness.
Abstract
In this review, we examine studies suggesting that conscious or mental awareness is constrained by our neural filters. These filters include sensor...
Emergent Consciousness: From the Early Universe to Our Mind
arXiv Preprint Archive – July 05, 2000
Summary
Quantum physics reveals a fascinating parallel: our conscious brain may operate similarly to the early universe. The infant cosmos existed as a vast quantum superposition, processing information through roughly one billion quantum bits - remarkably matching the number of quantum-computing proteins in our brain during conscious thought. This link suggests consciousness may emerge through similar quantum processes in both cosmic and neural systems.
Abstract
In a previous paper (gr-qc/9907063) we described the early inflationary universe in terms of quantum information. In this paper, we analize those r...
Case report: Maintaining altered states of consciousness over repeated ketamine infusions may be key to facilitate long-lasting antidepressant effects: some initial lessons from a personalized-dosing single-case study.
Front Psychiatry – October 25, 2023
Summary
Could the unique mental state experienced during ketamine infusions be key to lasting depression relief? A recent personalized single-case study explored this. It found that maintaining an altered state of consciousness over repeated treatments was associated with remarkably long-lasting antidepressant effects for one patient, offering a promising insight into optimizing future therapies.
Abstract
Case report: Maintaining altered states of consciousness over repeated ketamine infusions may be key to facilitate long-lasting antidepressant effe...
A Synergistic Workspace for Human Consciousness Revealed by Integrated Information Decomposition
bioRxiv – November 26, 2020
Summary
Our subjective experience of consciousness may arise from a unique brain dynamic. Researchers hypothesized that consciousness isn't merely the sum of individual brain parts but emerges from a special kind of information synergy. Applying a sophisticated analytical tool, they pinpointed a "synergistic workspace"—a network of brain regions that robustly combine information in a truly integrated and non-redundant fashion. This discovery strongly suggests that such efficient, combined information processing is a fundamental mechanism underlying human consciousness.
Abstract
A Synergistic Workspace for Human Consciousness Revealed by Integrated Information Decomposition
Recumbent Journeys Into Sound—Music, Imagery, and Altering States of Consciousness
OpenAlex – November 10, 2022
Summary
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) effectively evokes vivid mental images through deep relaxation, offering therapeutic benefits similar to those observed with psychedelics. In studies, participants reported significant enhancements in imagery during altered states, with 70% experiencing profound emotional insights. While drug-induced sessions may produce intense "floodlight" imagery, the controlled relaxation approach allows for voluntary integration of experiences. Key factors influencing these outcomes include individual suggestibility and the therapeutic setting, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions in cognitive psychology and music therapy.
Abstract
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) has evolved out of a pharmaco-supported psychotherapy setting in which the Altered State of Cons...
Association of Patient Characteristics With Recovery in Adults With Disorders of Consciousness.
Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation – April 24, 2025
Summary
Two-thirds of patients with severe brain injuries showed meaningful recovery of consciousness during specialized rehabilitation programs. This study tracked 696 adults with consciousness disorders using precise measurements of neurologic function. Earlier rehabilitation after injury was linked to better outcomes. While some patients showed rapid improvement in the first two weeks, early progress didn't predict later recovery patterns. These findings highlight how personalized rehabilitation approaches can support recovery of function in patients with severe brain trauma.
Abstract
To describe the characteristics of patients enrolled in disorders of consciousness (DoC) rehabilitation programs and to examine factors associated ...
Can quantum physics help solve the hard problem of consciousness? A hypothesis based on entangled spins and photons
arXiv Preprint Archive – September 08, 2018
Summary
Could quantum entanglement explain human consciousness? New research bridges quantum physics and neuroscience, proposing that our subjective experiences emerge from networks of entangled spins communicating via photons in the brain. Brain cells emit light particles that travel through neural pathways, potentially creating the unified yet complex nature of consciousness.
Abstract
The hard problem of consciousness is the question how subjective experience arises from brain matter. I suggest exploring the possibility that quan...
Modelling aspects of consciousness: a topological perspective
arXiv Preprint Archive – November 10, 2020
Summary
The brain's inability to fully grasp its own consciousness may be mathematically inevitable. Using topological modeling in neuroscognitive biology (q-bio.NC), researchers demonstrated that no system—biological or artificial—can maintain a complete representation of its own attention processes. This mathematical proof supports Attention Schema Theory, suggesting our brain's simplified model of consciousness is not a bug, but a necessary feature.
Abstract
Attention Schema Theory (AST) is a recent proposal to provide a scientific explanation for the basis of subjective awareness. In AST, the brain con...
Diminished functional gradient of the precuneus during altered states of consciousness
bioRxiv – December 17, 2024
Summary
During sleep, meditation, and psychedelic experiences, a key brain region called the precuneus shows reduced activity patterns. Scientists discovered this by analyzing brain scans of people in various conscious states. The findings reveal how this brain area, vital for self-awareness, becomes less organized during altered consciousness, helping explain why our sense of self changes during these experiences.
Abstract
Diminished functional gradient of the precuneus during altered states of consciousness
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training: An Argument in Support of Firsthand Experience of Nonordinary States of Consciousness in the Development of Competence.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – September 04, 2024
Summary
For psychedelic-assisted therapy, a compelling perspective suggests personal experience with altered states of consciousness is crucial for therapists. This approach posits that direct engagement with non-ordinary states significantly enhances a practitioner's empathy and effectiveness. It highlights how such journeys deepen understanding of patient experiences, improving therapeutic guidance. This firsthand insight proves invaluable for developing core competence and fostering successful healing.
Abstract
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training: An Argument in Support of Firsthand Experience of Nonordinary States of Consciousness in the Development of ...
Altered states of consciousness caused by a mindfulness-based programme up to a year later: Results from a randomised controlled trial.
PLoS One – July 17, 2024
Summary
Mindfulness training can lead to profound shifts in how we experience the world, with lasting effects. A controlled comparison explored if mindfulness programs induce changes in consciousness. Participants in a mindfulness program reported positive shifts, such as heightened awareness and a deeper sense of calm. Remarkably, these beneficial changes were observed to persist for up to a year, indicating mindfulness offers enduring benefits to conscious experience.
Abstract
Altered states of consciousness caused by a mindfulness-based programme up to a year later: Results from a randomised controlled trial.
Understanding individual differences in non-ordinary state of consciousness: Relationship between phenomenological experiences and autonomic nervous system.
Int J Clin Health Psychol – January 01, 2025
Summary
Our subjective experiences during altered states of consciousness are uniquely tied to our body's nervous system. Researchers explored how individual differences in these profound experiences relate to autonomic nervous system activity. By analyzing physiological data alongside personal accounts, clear patterns emerged. Positive findings revealed that specific subjective experiences consistently corresponded with distinct physiological responses, offering valuable insights into the mind-body connection during non-ordinary states. This work successfully deepens our understanding of how our inner world manifests physiologically.
Abstract
Understanding individual differences in non-ordinary state of consciousness: Relationship between phenomenological experiences and autonomic nervou...
DMT as the Prototype of a New Class of Crisis-Linked Endogenous Consciousness Modulators (cECMs)
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – November 23, 2025
Summary
DMT emerges as a unique biological class of consciousness modulators, meeting all six criteria for crisis-linked endogenous consciousness modulators (cECMs). In contrast, 5-MeO-DMT meets five criteria, while classic psychedelics like psilocin and LSD fail most. This classification is backed by evidence of DMT's biosynthesis in mammalian brains and its rapid pharmacological effects. With four testable predictions outlined, the cECM model offers a precise alternative to existing psychedelic frameworks, potentially reshaping our understanding of consciousness and its neurobiological underpinnings.
Abstract
DescriptionThis preprint proposes a new biological classification for N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT): crisis-linked endogenous consciousness modulato...
Personalized stimulation therapies for disorders of consciousness: a computational approach to inducing healthy-like brain activity based on neural field theory.
Journal of neural engineering – June 10, 2025
Summary
Scientists have developed a breakthrough approach to personalized brain stimulation that could help patients with severe consciousness disorders. By combining EEG data with neural field theory, researchers created custom stimulation patterns that successfully induced healthy brain activity patterns in computer models. This targeted method shows promise for developing more effective, individualized treatments for disorders of consciousness.
Abstract
Objective.Disorders of consciousness (DoC) remain a significant challenge in neurology, with traditional brain stimulation therapies showing limite...
The strength of neural entrainment to electronic music correlates with proxies of altered states of consciousness.
Frontiers in human neuroscience – January 01, 2025
Summary
Electronic music's hypnotic beats can sync with our brainwaves, potentially inducing altered states of consciousness. When participants listened to different tempo beats while undergoing electroencephalography, slower rhythms (1.65 Hz) produced stronger neural entrainment and feelings of unity compared to faster beats. This brain-music synchronization also correlated with changes in reaction time.
Abstract
In electronic music events, the driving four-on-the-floor music appears pivotal for inducing altered states of consciousness (ASCs). While various ...
Evaluation of pressure-induced pain in patients with disorders of consciousness based on functional near infrared spectroscopy.
Frontiers in neurology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Pain perception remains a mystery in unresponsive patients, but new brain imaging reveals surprising insights. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, researchers found that while patients with disorders of consciousness showed minimal direct brain activation to pressure-induced pain, their brain regions displayed enhanced functional connectivity during stimulation, suggesting coordinated pain processing still occurs beneath the surface.
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the brain's hemodynamic responses (HRO) and functional connectivity in patients with disorders of consciousness (Do...
Decreased CO<sub>2</sub> saturation during circular breathwork supports emergence of altered states of consciousness.
Commun Psychol – April 13, 2025
Summary
Controlled breathing techniques can induce profound mental states through a surprising mechanism: reduced carbon dioxide in the blood. When practitioners engage in continuous circular breathing patterns, their CO2 levels drop significantly, leading to heightened awareness and altered consciousness. This physiological change helps explain why ancient breathwork practices can create powerful shifts in perception and emotional state.
Abstract
Decreased CO2 saturation during circular breathwork supports emergence of altered states of consciousness.
Psychedelics and disorders of consciousness: the current landscape and the path forward.
Neurosci Conscious – June 15, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic compounds show promising potential for helping patients with disorders of consciousness, from mild attention issues to severe conditions. Scientists found that substances like psilocybin and DMT can temporarily alter brain connectivity patterns, potentially "rebooting" neural pathways in ways that restore awareness and cognitive function. Early clinical evidence suggests these treatments could offer new hope for some patients previously thought untreatable.
Abstract
Psychedelics and disorders of consciousness: the current landscape and the path forward.
Psychedelics and Consciousness: Expanding the Horizons of Mind and Therapy.
Research (Wash D C) – October 04, 2024
Summary
Controlled doses of psychedelic compounds can create lasting positive changes in mental health by altering neural connectivity and expanding consciousness. Research with psilocybin and LSD shows these substances temporarily disrupt default brain networks, allowing new therapeutic perspectives and enhanced emotional processing. Results indicate reduced depression and anxiety, with benefits lasting months after treatment.
Abstract
Psychedelics and Consciousness: Expanding the Horizons of Mind and Therapy.
Psychotherapists’ altered states of consciousness
Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology – October 15, 2020
Summary
During therapy sessions, practitioners sometimes experience profound shifts in consciousness while deeply connecting with clients. These powerful moments occur when therapists remain fully present and open to their clients' essence. Research with both experienced therapists and advanced students found these altered states enhanced healing outcomes and fostered professional growth. The intense experiences strengthened therapeutic relationships and improved treatment effectiveness.
Abstract
The majority of research that has been conducted around counselling and psychotherapy has been directed towards the evaluation of client outcome an...
Deep brain stimulation surgery under ketamine induced conscious sedation: a double blind randomized controlled trial
medRxiv Preprint Server – August 26, 2023
Summary
Deep brain stimulation surgery often requires patients to be awake, which can be highly stressful. A randomized trial investigated if ketamine-induced conscious sedation could offer a better experience. The findings show this method significantly boosted patient comfort, crucially without compromising the precise surgical targeting needed for successful outcomes. This offers a promising, less daunting option for those undergoing this complex brain procedure.
Abstract
Background The gold standard anesthesia for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is the “awake” approach, using local anesthesia alone. While it of...
Alterations of consciousness and mystical-type experiences after acute LSD in humans
Psychopharmacology – October 07, 2016
Summary
Mystical experiences were surprisingly infrequent after Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This hallucinogen's impact on consciousness appears dose-dependent; a 200 µg dose, utilized by psychotherapists in clinical psychology in Switzerland, may induce greater alterations in the level of consciousness than 100 µg. Ego dissolution might correlate with LSD plasma levels, suggesting specific neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. These insights advance psychedelics in drug studies, distinguishing them from placebo effects, and offer comparisons to psilocybin and even cannabis research.
Abstract
Mystical-type experiences were infrequent after LSD, possibly because of the set and setting used in the present study. LSD may produce greater or ...