Consciousness: unraveling its secrets could transform humanity

By Dick Pelletier

      

    In his latest book, "Self Comes to Mind," Dr. Antonio Damasio, director of the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC, defines consciousness as, "the ability that we have to look out on the world and grasp it. It is a way evolution found to increase our effectiveness in dealing with life and its struggles."
 
    "Imagine, for example birds." Damasio says, "When they look out at the world, they have a sense that they are alive. If they are in pain, they can do something about it. If they have hunger or thirst, they can satisfy that. It's this basic feeling that there is life ticking away inside you."

    Others explain this elusive quality more subjectively. Descartes identifies mind with consciousness or self-awareness of itself, and some yogic science followers consider the mind to be pure energy.

    With the human genome sequenced and stem cell and genetic therapies advancing at rapid speeds, scientists believe it's time to begin research on exactly what it means to be human.

    This is the conclusion of experts at the NIH as they launch the Human Connectome Project, an aggressive effort to map all the brain's connections. (http://www.humanconnectomeproject.org)

    A growing number of neuroscientists believe that the noise of billions of brain cells trying to connect with one another holds crucial clues to understanding consciousness; and that we may one day explain this mysterious trait by learning how these connections initiate thoughts, emotions and physical actions.

    However, before scientists can tackle this monumental undertaking, other technologies must advance. Systems that store millions of petabytes of memory, which experts predict could be available by early 2020s, will be necessary to process the vast data from this research. And a better understanding of how the mind directs thoughts and actions, which could require future artificial intelligence, will be critical.
 
    Although the keys to consciousness may lie in the 100 trillion connections our neurons make as they communicate with each other, how a mind can emerge from this neuronal noise remains a mystery; and as some say, could take decades to solve. However, scientist Henry Markram, director of the Swiss Human Brain Project predicts his research could soon provide a clear definition of this elusive trait.

    Markram, in discussions with the EU for a £1billion grant, believes that within 12 years, his project will be able to produce a machine replication of humanity's most vital organ, the brain. Experts see enormous benefits that could be derived from a fully-functioning computer copy of the human brain.

    Aside from providing insights into many diseases, this innovative research will shorten the time for drug testing by bypassing lengthy human trials in developing new medications. New treatments would get FDA approval much quicker than today, saving thousands of lives and lowering the cost of prescription drugs.

    Perhaps an even more important use of artificial brains would be to program consciousness into robots and computers. Can you imagine quarrelling with your driverless car when it tries to express compassion and feelings as it scurries you about town. "Do you really want to buy that outfit; don't you think it makes you look too old?" "Shut up car; just drive! When I want your opinion, I'll ask."

    New York research psychologist Gary Marcus predicts that as the secrets of consciousness become unraveled, which many believe could happen over the next two decades, other related technology advances will lead to cognitive prosthetics, implanted devices that work like an onboard iPhone.

    Forward thinkers see these high-tech implants as ways to enhance memories, allow brain-computer interfaces, and one day, enable 'thought-talking' – communicating with each other by just using thoughts.

    Finally, unraveling the mysteries of consciousness offers the potential to learn how memories are written, how brain miswirings can cause negative behavior in the minds of criminals, and how scientists might one day alter personal thoughts that drive people to commit violent crimes and other harmful acts.

    Although interfering with human nature in this manner may require major changes in our ethical views, this mind-altering science could transform today's quarreling nations into a peaceful global village focused more on improving health and solving energy issues than arguing over borders and cultural differences.

    Will unraveling the secrets of consciousness transform humanity? Stay tuned.

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.