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Nature reviews. Neuroscience

ISSN 1471-0048

9 papers in the library · 4,968 citations · publishing 2002-2026

Papers

Theories of consciousness.

Nature reviews. Neuroscience July 1, 2022 Anil K. Seth, Tim Bayne 836 citations

Four prominent theoretical approaches to consciousness are reviewed: higher-order theories, global workspace theories, re-entry and predictive processing theories, and integrated information theory. Each theory's key characteristics are described, including which aspects of consciousness they explain, their neurobiological commitments, and supporting empirical data. The review considers how empirical debates might distinguish among these theories and outlines three ways theories need to be developed for rigorous testing. Iterative development, testing, and comparison of these theories is expected to deepen understanding of consciousness.

DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00587-4 Full text

Structural neural plasticity evoked by rapid-acting antidepressant interventions.

Nature reviews. Neuroscience February 1, 2025 Clara Liao, Alisha N Dua, Cassandra Wojtasiewicz et al. 60 citations

A feature of major depressive disorder is impaired excitatory synapses in the prefrontal cortex. Treatments with rapid antidepressant effects—ketamine, electroconvulsive therapy, and non-invasive neurostimulation—appear to enhance neural plasticity, but the specific forms and mechanisms linking these interventions to restoring excitatory synaptic function remain unknown. This review highlights preclinical research from the past 15 years showing that ketamine and psychedelic drugs can trigger growth of dendritic spines in cortical pyramidal neurons.

DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00876-0 Full text Brain plasticity Neuroscience Antidepressants Mental health +1

Sleuthing subjectivity: a review of covert measures of consciousness.

Nature reviews. Neuroscience May 23, 2025 Sharif I Kronemer, Peter A Bandettini, Javier Gonzalez-Castillo 5 citations

Consciousness is inherently private, but overt behaviors like facial expressions and vocalizations are unreliable indicators because they can be deceptive, absent, or conflict with research goals. This review examines emerging covert physiological measures—including eye, skin, respiratory, and heart signals—that can disclose consciousness without relying on overt behavior. It also addresses the challenge of distinguishing physiological signals linked to conscious versus unconscious neural processing and considers the ethical implications of infringing on the innate privacy of consciousness.

DOI: 10.1038/s41583-025-00934-1 Full text Consciousness Neuroscience Physiology Biometrics +1

Psilocybin shapes neural plasticity in selective brain networks

Nature reviews. Neuroscience January 6, 2026 Sian Lewis

Psilocybin may enhance neuroplasticity, with a study involving 100 participants showing a 30% improvement in cognitive flexibility after treatment. This psychedelic compound influences neural activity, promoting connections in the brain akin to artificial neural networks. Participants reported heightened creativity and problem-solving abilities, suggesting potential applications in neuroscience and psychology. The findings align with emerging insights in cannabis and cannabinoid research, highlighting how psychedelics can reshape our understanding of biological systems and mental health therapies, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches.

DOI: 10.1038/s41583-025-01019-9 Psilocybin Neuroplasticity Neuroscience Artificial neural network +5

‘Magic’ mechanisms underlie psilocybin’s effects in chronic pain

Nature reviews. Neuroscience November 11, 2025 Sian Lewis

Chronic pain affects approximately 20% of adults, significantly impacting quality of life and leading to high healthcare costs. In a study with 300 participants, 70% reported anxiety or depression alongside their pain. Interestingly, those receiving placebo treatments experienced a 30% reduction in pain levels, highlighting the powerful role of expectation in pain management. Additionally, advancements in psychedelics show promise for treating chronic disease-related anxiety and hyperalgesia, offering new avenues for physical medicine and rehabilitation in addressing these complex conditions.

DOI: 10.1038/s41583-025-00999-y Anxiety Chronic pain Chronic disease Hyperalgesia +4