Researchers have discovered that human consciousness is shaped by a continuous rhythmic dialogue between the brain and internal organs, reports infohub.kz.
Scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara, conducted a study published in the journal Neuroscience of Consciousness. The authors examined how interactions between the brain, heart, lungs, and stomach influence perception, emotions, and the sense of self.
According to their findings, breathing, heart rate, and stomach contractions serve as constant cues for groups of neurons. The body coordinates neural activity by tuning their responsiveness to these internal cycles. For example, people remember visual images better during inhalation, and threatening stimuli are processed faster during heart contractions.
The researchers note that maintaining a balance between bodily signals and the brain is crucial for mental health. In anxiety, these signals become overly intrusive, while in depression, their connection to the brain weakens. This discovery challenges the traditional view of consciousness as purely a product of neural activity.