An unprecedented, seven-year, large-scale brain study has delivered fresh clues about the nature of human consciousness, challenging two leading competing scientific theories. The research, which tested the Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and Global Neuronal Workspace Theory (GNWT), ultimately found that neither theory could fully account for the findings. The key discovery suggests that consciousness may be more centered in sensory processing and perceptionrather than complex reasoning and planning. Researchers found functional connections between early visual areas (at the back of the brain) and the frontal areas, which helps explain how our perceptions are linked to our thoughts. This finding de-emphasizes the role of the prefrontal cortex in consciousness itself, implying that while the frontal brain is crucial for planning and reasoning, consciousness is linked with being, while intelligence is linked with doing. The discoveries have profound implications for treating disorders of consciousness, such as comas, as pinpointing the “footprints” of consciousness could help detect “covert consciousness” in unresponsive patients with severe brain injuries.
Source: Allen Institute / ScienceDaily
Link: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142233.htm
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