Award details

Search Foundation USA, Studentship: Neural control of the emergence of consciousness

Reference	BBS/E/B/0000F176
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Keith Kendrick
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Babraham Institute
Department	Babraham Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	77,238
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/01/2006
End date	31/12/2009
Duration	48 months

Abstract

We still do not understand how the brain supports conscious as opposed to unconscious perception and action. Human brain imaging studies have suggested key roles for some regions within the neocortex using simple behavioural models for the emergence of consciousness, such as thirst induced by intravenous injection of sodium chloride. However, such studies cannot reveal the detail of how brain networks change when consciousness is generated. We intend to use novel brain recording techniques in sheep which can monitor the activities of many hundreds or different neurones within a network. These will be used in conjunction with behavioural, computational and mathematical approaches to investigate how large scale neural networks change during the emergence of consciousness. Studies will use both simple motivational changes such as thirst induction and manipulation of images, such as faces, so that the animal is either conscious of seeing them or not. Not only will this provide important new insights into how the human brain supports consciousness but will also help reveal the extent to which other animal species are capable of exhibiting consciousness.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	Neuroscience and Behaviour
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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