It is estimated that living neurons can use over 1 million times less energy than the current digital processors we use.
A startup in Switzerland has built a unique computer processor made from 16 tiny brains made from human tissue, basically a living computer.
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in the brain, leading to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The pathophysiology of AD is influenced by receptors for AGEs and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Protein glycation results in irreversible AGEs through a complicated series of reactions involving the formation of Schiff’s base, the Amadori reaction, followed by the Maillard reaction, which causes abnormal brain glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, malfunctioning mitochondria, plaque deposition, and neuronal death. Amyloid plaque and other stimuli activate macrophages, which are crucial immune cells in AD development, triggering the production of inflammatory molecules and contributing to the disease’s pathogenesis. The risk of AD is doubled by risk factors for atherosclerosis, dementia, advanced age, and type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM). As individuals age, the prevalence of neurological illnesses such as AD increases due to a decrease in glyoxalase levels and an increase in AGE accumulation. Insulin’s role in proteostasis influences hallmarks of AD-like tau phosphorylation and amyloid β peptide clearance, affecting lipid metabolism, inflammation, vasoreactivity, and vascular function. The high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, a key initiator and activator of a neuroinflammatory response, has been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. The TLR4 inhibitor was found to improve memory and learning impairment and decrease Aβ build-up. Therapeutic research into anti-glycation agents, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) inhibitors, and AGE breakers offers hope for intervention strategies. Dietary and lifestyle modifications can also slow AD progression. Newer therapeutic approaches targeting AGE-related pathways are needed.
A clip of Daniel Dennett discussing consciousness and what he famously calls the Cartesian Theater. This comes from a 2015 documentary on Dennett.
#Philosophy #Dennett #Consciousness
“For the Love of Sophia!” philosophy podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Soundcloud. Today, we’ll be discussing Daniel Dennett’s “Explaining the…
Science: Friends I want to propose a way to beginning the Scientific Research about Ressurection:
My idea is simple.
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Previous guest and friend of the show, Sir Roger Penrose, argues that human consciousness is not algorithmic and, therefore, cannot be modeled by Turing machines. In fact, he believes in a quantum mechanical understanding of human consciousness. However, as with any issue related to human consciousness, many disagree with him. One of his opponents is Daniel Dennett, with whom I recently had the pleasure of talking. Tune in to find out why Dennett thinks Penrose is wrong!
Continue reading “Dan Dennett: Sir Roger Penrose Is WRONG About Human Consciousness!” »
Together with collaborators in Michigan’s Neural Circuits and Memory Lab led by Diba, Rice neuroscientist Caleb Kemere has been studying the process by which specialized neurons produce a representation of the world after a new experience.
Some dreams may, in fact, predict the future: New research has found that during sleep, some neurons not only replay the recent past but also anticipate future experience.
In this new standard set by Precision Neuroscience, the rising brain chip industry is seeing significant growth, especially with Neuralink, also known for its first successful implant in the past.
Precision’s Brain Chip Sets Record With 4.096 Electrodes on Brain
Precision Neuroscience shared its latest milestone on its brain-computer interface (BCI), which it recently placed on a human brain in collaboration with the Mount Sinai Health System, successfully placing 4,096 electrodes on cerebral matter.
Duarte et al. report that common genetic variants linked to psychiatric disorders influence the regulation of ancient retroviruses integrated into the genome. This suggests ancient viruses acquired millions of years ago may have shaped modern human brain function.
It is likely that a theory of everything will ultimately require massive collaboration to be solved. Ironically, this may be a job for the older physicists, despite the warnings of Eddington and others. Francis Crick dedicated his attention to trying to solve the problem of consciousness in his later years, albeit without success.
We need collaboration. But we may be looking at the prospect of a theory of everything only coming from those who have accomplished so much they can afford the potential embarrassment and will be given the benefit of the doubt. This hardly stirs the enthusiasm of the vibrant, young minds that may otherwise tackle the problem.
In trying to solve the ultimate problem, we may have inadvertently created a monster. Our academic framework for research progression is not conducive to it, and history has presented an unkind picture of what happens to those who try.
