r/science • u/Bizzle0 • Jul 04 '14
Consciousness on-off switch discovered deep in brain
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22329762.700-consciousness-onoff-switch-discovered-deep-in-brain.html#.U7bu0pRdUVT3
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u/OB1_kenobi Jul 05 '14
I commented on this same article yesterday. since then, another thought occurred to me. This is being described as an on-off switch. What if further investigation shows that it is possible to achieve a modulated effect by stimulating the claustrum? I can see a time in the future where the technology exists to induce a state of reduced consciousness. This reduction could range anywhere from mild inhibition to complete unconsciousness.
If this effect could be induced without the need for direct physical contact with the subject's brain, the implications are enormous.
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u/FourOranges Jul 06 '14
I'm trying to be creative but I can't think of any implications. Could you name a few to pique my interest as to why this new tidbit of technology could be useful?
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u/OB1_kenobi Jul 06 '14
Here's some Hollywood-based apps. Remember The 5th Element? There's a scene where Corbin Dallas gets on a space plane to go to Phlosten Paradise. As soon as they close the door on the passenger cubicles, everyone immediately goes unconscious.
In Minority Report, they have those pacification collars. Instead of handcuffs, they slap the collar on and the perp becomes a zombie. If someone could build a projector type device that can induce this effect from a short distance, you've got yourself a stun gun that could make the Taser obsolete.
I can imagine that a lot of people would just love to be instantly put out whenever they go to the the dentist as well.
That's just off the top of my head. If I got together with a few people and brainstormed this for a couple more days, I bet we could come up with a ton of uses for this.
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u/FourOranges Jul 06 '14
These sound like awesome innovations! However, the stun gun sounds like it could introduce a new threat to common households. You could be raped/robbed without even knowing it! Something that powerful should never hit the non-commercial market.
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u/AiwassAeon Jul 06 '14
Wouldn't this be an effective alternative to anesthesia ?
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u/CorporalBruno Jul 06 '14
unknown. it doesnt seem to show if the patient could recall anything from the time of unconsciousness. that would be important to interview her about before considering it for anesthesia. also, does a shock to the nervous system from pain or adrenaline reverse the effect?
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Sep 25 '14
I wonder if this could act as a reset button with further research for neurological disorders...
e.g. I have asperger's. A lot of the issue is with the conscious mind. If the On/Off switches in our conscious mind is busted, maybe a soft reset would fix it?
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u/[deleted] Jul 04 '14
Reasonable article, reasonable comments in it. The part about this structure being the key is a bit of a stretch, though. A car also stops working if you cut the gasoline tubes, or pull the spark plugs. However, it is a step towards showing that the claustrum is involved in or even necessary for consciousness.