Abstract: What do we really know about ourselves and our brain? What makes your mind different to that of the person next to you? Understanding the mind has consumed many scientists and philosophers over the ages without concrete findings to show for it. Even with advanced and powerful modern medical approaches, we do not have an absolute understanding of many integral processes of the brain.
KEYWORDS: brain, modern medicine, memory, consciousness, neurons, nervous system
Why did today seem like it went on forever? Was I really awake the whole time or was my mind wondering? How do I remember anything that actually happened? And how do I know what will happen tomorrow?
Many of life’s more significant questions seem quite puzzling, even to modern scientists. Much research on the brain comes from animal models as research involving humans is often limited to behavioural studies and non-invasive imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These procedures are limited due to the brain’s fragility and intricate support system. As the brain is infinitely complex and difficult to investigate, and without invasive procedures that would also damage the brain, much knowledge of the precise mechanisms that underlie and cause altered brain function evades even the most sophisticated modern science.
Lost Connections
Modern science has been able to label particular areas of the brain that are thought to represent a particular function, but it lacks detail. For example, the precise location or pathways in the brain associated with memory is still not fully understood. We know from studying patients with memory deficit disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, that a discrete area of the brain called the hippocampus is damaged, causing memory failure. The neurons from the hippocampus communicate with a range of other areas throughout the brain, though many of these pathways remain a mystery. Consolidating memory occurs when those neurons corresponding to a particular piece of information are reactivated, strengthening the connection.
Predicting the Future
If our brain processes and stores information from our external environment, then how are some people able to predict the future? It has been suggested that the brain not only perceives visual information via our retina communicating with the visual cortex, but we also formulate many abstract thoughts based on possible expectations. This enables us to predict situations based on prior information or knowledge we already possess. Many people also argue that external stimuli may be perceived differently, depending on our prior experiences, resulting from a collaborative effect of the new information and our expectations.
Neuronal Time
How do we perceive time? If we were to start a 100m race with a gunshot or a flash of light, which stimuli would result in a quicker response? The answer is the bang, because auditory information is perceived faster than visual information. This highlights the ongoing task of the brain in matching sights and sounds. Unfortunately, it becomes more complicated when we begin to think about what time means to us and if time passes quicker for some people than others. Time as we know it, is constructed based on our experiences.
Are you awake? Really?
If our brain was to capture every piece of information (sight, smell, touch, sound, taste) all the time, the sheer volume of impulses would cause the brain to melt down. Luckily for us, we are able to consciously and subconsciously block signals which seem unnecessary. How this process occurs remains a mystery. Consciousness is a very abstract concept, which has interested scientists and doctors all over the world. There have been many studies and reports about interventions that can alter the level of consciousness in the brain, such as psychoactive drugs, yet the underlying mechanisms for altered consciousness is not well understood.
Forever, Uniquely Human
There are many intricate and complex processes that our brain is specialised in performing that will always remain a mystery. These are what make us unique as humans. Even with the most sophisticated technology, we are unable to uncover these unknowns. Many of the brain’s secrets will remain hidden for some time yet.
