The Astroglia Syncytial Theory of Consciousness.
International journal of molecular sciences June 17, 2025 James M Robertson 3 citations
A novel hypothesis proposes that astrocytes, which form a global syncytium throughout the neocortex, are the locus of consciousness by integrating synaptic signals. Earlier criticism noted that intercellular calcium waves are too slow for consciousness but ideal for memory formation. Recent technical advances have overcome the challenge of separating syncytial electrical responses from neuronal activity, revealing that the astroglia syncytium is isoelectric with minimal impedance and conducts electricity as rapidly as neural networks. This suggests the syncytium can transmit integrated local synaptic signaling globally across the neocortex in the timeframe required for consciousness, potentially binding all functional brain areas.