Insight as a toy model for mystical experiences.
Our new paper shows how Aha!, insight, Eureka, and mystical experiences can be modelled as realizations varying in intensity and size of the network affected. A small Aha! might restructure a local problem representation, whereas a mystical experience destabilizes a much larger self/world model.
'Head direction and the evolutionary origins of spatial representation'
by Marcel Sayre, Ajay Narendra, Stanley Heinze & Andrew Barron
https://t.co/lO5IUwuN7Y
The brain’s “default mode” and “action mode” networks are two sides of the same attractor.
Encoding a macro-scale Bayesian prior that biases processing toward internal or external drive.
📢 NEW: "The Multilayer Processing Theory of Human Intelligence" now available online‼️Intelligence as phenomenon arising from neural Interactions at various temporal and spatial scales🧠https://t.co/6NV1IO6Sej
New Annual Review with @nathanieldaw. We argue that the planning machinery of the brain is mostly used for learning from simulated experience, and that thinking prospectively at decision time is just one special case of this more general process.
https://t.co/re4VFURM8S
Our paper in @Nature today 🥳 We tracked 6,438 mice from puberty to death and mapped the genetics of *when* you die, not just whether a gene associates with lifespan.
https://t.co/EoeexqJoHk
59 loci. Two decades of data. Thread 👇
#Longevity#Aging#Genetics#Healthspan
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻?
Almost always we average responses thus equating response variability with noise.
Well, we shouldn't because variability is also signal, not noise to be entirely discarded.
https://t.co/vvSgL07XMJ
OUT NOW in @EJNeuroscience
Foundation Models for Neural Signal Decoding: EEG‐Centered Perspectives Toward Unified Representations Kwon - 2026
From Seoul National University @SeoulNatlUni@FENSorg@WileyBrainPsych
https://t.co/1LfGoRkEbe
Non-invasive brain stimulation is stepping up to be part of the future of neurology. Non-invasive brain stimulation refers to techniques that gently change brain activity from outside the head without surgery. Rektorová and colleagues describe in a new paper in Nature Reviews Neurology how non-invasive brain stimulation is being used today, and where it may be headed.
Key Points:
- Techniques like rTMS and tES can influence brain networks involved in movement, thinking and recovery.
- Results across conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and traumatic brain injury are promising, however inconsistent.
- Future advances point toward personalized, network guided and closed loop stimulation approaches.
My take: This review captures where we are and where we need to go. Non-invasive stimulation is not magic; however it may become far more powerful when we match the right target to the right brain and at the right time. Also, if we can reach deeper into the brain w/ the innovation of newer tools this could be a game-changer. Here are 5 points that resonated w/ me: 1- These tools aim to nudge brain networks, rather than replace damaged circuits. 2- Benefits so far are real for some folks, however results vary widely between individuals. 3- Personalizing stimulation based on brain networks may unlock stronger and more reliable effects. 4- New approaches may reach deeper brain areas without surgery, which is exciting for conditions like Parkinson’s and depression. 5- The future likely blends stimulation w/ biomarkers, imaging and timing and these changes will hopefully better support recovery and function.
https://t.co/Us8k1YedII
@ParkinsonDotOrg@FixelInstitute@SfNtweets@movedisorder@Nature
#JNeurosci: Tarrasó et al. explored how breathing impacts behavioral and neural representations of memory recall in people. They found exhaling shapes two neural signatures for memory recollection to influence the strength of personal memories. https://t.co/sv1ckVB9yo
𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀
New paper I anticipate will become a classic in neuroscience and a must-read for students at all levels.
Understanding brain function beyond brain areas.
https://t.co/OjQPX87cfw