Artificial-intelligence systems such as large language models (LLMs) can exhibit behaviour that seems strikingly intelligent. This has led many people, including some experts, to wonder whether these systems could have some form of consciousness — the capacity for subjective experience. However, we think that existing AI systems are not conscious, and that, along current trajectories
Screening of mouse hippocampus cells (pictured) identified an enzyme whose production rose with age. Credit: Talley Lambert/Science Photo Library An enzyme found in the brain could help to preserve cognitive resilience with advancing age, according to research in mice, humans and cells1. Researchers found that high levels of the enzyme are linked to low levels
Your eyes really can betray your thoughts, but don’t get too self-conscious about it. Researchers in Japan believe that the subtle signs our eyeballs make are more useful to neuroscientists than the interrogation room. Based on their findings recently published in the journal iScience, examining the difference physiological responses from “inner” versus “overt” speech may
Blood vessels (artificially coloured) snake through a a mouse’s brain.Credit: Simon Walker-Samuel, UCL CABI/Science Photo Library For decades, many scientists have thought that a single type of starter cell gives rise to the entire brain. But experiments now challenge that fundamental picture, providing evidence that it takes not one but two flavours of progenitor cell
Genetically encoded cortical depletion Emx1-cre (JAX, B6.129S2-Emx1tm1(cre)Krj/J), Esco2fl/fl (JAX, B6N.129S-Esco2tm1.1Ge/J) and C57BL SCID (JAX, B6.Cg-Prkdcscid/SzJ) mice were used to generate the breeding scheme: male Esco2fl/flPrkdcscid/scid × female Emx1-cre+/−Esco2fl/+Prkdcscid/scid. Breeder and offspring cages were supplemented with breeder chow (Envigo Teklad 2919) and DietGel 76A (with plant protein) to help to increase pup survival. Some breeders were more prone to
Neurons fire up in two distinct areas of the brain ahead of a tough decision.Credit: Science Picture Co/Alamy Some of the most rewarding decisions we make in life come with risk: do you take that job with a higher salary if it means moving to a new city and starting your life afresh? It’s an
