book review: The Mind's Past

Michael Gazzaniga’s book "The Mind's Past" attempts to elucidate how the brain functions as a unified whole. He proposes a left-brain interpreter, which transforms the plethora of systems and networks active in the brain, into a single narrative. Gazzaniga emphasizes the importance of automatic, unconscious processes distributed throughout the brain that require meaning to be attributed by another cognitive model. The interpreter seeks patterns and understanding from these discrete systems, and makes sense of subconscious mechanisms comprising what we would consider as the self. Located in the same region as language functions, the interpreter may be viewed as an evolutionary adaptation to construct our conscious reality based on reflexive, automatic processes that are constantly occurring in the brain. Gazzaniga is the product of Nobel laureate Roger Sperry’s laboratory, and the two worked extensively with split brain patients to examine the lateralization of the two hemispheres in the brain. The idea that an interpreter generates conscious feelings and awareness was spawned from a number of cases where patients did not seemingly experience sensations, yet were able to communicate an unconscious understanding of the stimuli. This illustrates the trickiness of the brain, where the ability for information to be perceived by the senses does not depend on the conscious awareness. So why are we conscious beings at all? The interpreter theory paints a nice explanation for stuff that we have yet to understand, but its kinda like saying that God is responsible for creating the earth and people and that neat ark.

(Editors note: I did not actually read this book)

what colour is my tongue?

When presented with unoccupied events in space/time that do not require ones immediate attention, it is easy to drift off into a world where the only thoughts are your own and moments of clarity and thoughtful introspection are offered. I have been wrestling with Steve's "A Brief History of Time", causing me to fall asleep most nights consumed with more questions than answers, but ultimately, a solid sleep ensues. Last night however, I awoke following a bad dream and was wide awake. I usually write meaningful or at least entertaining passages in my journal when sleep is the last thing on the menu, but last night was different. All I could manage to think about was how stupid going to the gym is. I can (almost) see why people engage in physical activity, but why not save a few bucks and RUN AROUND THE BLOCK? Or lift a fucking phone book? I was starting to get really annoyed when I remembered something even more tragic. They discontinued Sparks. And I can't even remember what drinking sparks at 4am looks like anymore. And so it continues. No sleep, the world is beyond depressing and I may never taste the sweet nectar of kool-aid, energy drink and cheap beer in a single can again. Cest la vie.
PS I do not feel guilty about the dumbness of this post bc sparks are the epitome of science.
PPS Why would they put his picture on the damn cover if they weren't intending to induce nightmares?

According to James T. Kirk, captain of the USS Enterprise in the 23rd century, Space is the final frontier. According to some scientists in the 21st century, the final frontier of science is the inner space of the human mind itself. While this may be the case, it is likely a reflection of the advent of technology that has been made available in recent years. Neuropsychology undoubtably is challenging this frontier of science, but I believe it is more indicative of a fundamental basis for the human mind. One cannot infer behaviour without an understanding of where it comes from. While a swirl of exciting and novel techniques have steadily been consuming the focus of neuroscientific research, one must not lose sight that this is science in its most basic form, we are just now being allowed to see it.

jurassic start (wish i thought of this title myself)

Tyrannosaurus rex and its relatives were North America's dominant predators in the late Cretaceous period, about 99 million to 65 million years ago, but a new analysis of a toothy fossil skull suggests that the early history of this group includes smaller meat-eating ancestors that date as far back as 170 million years ago. Proceratosaurus now represents the oldest known relative of T. rex and its cousins, extending the evolutionary history of tyrannosaurs back to the middle of the Jurassic period. Proceratosaurus was bipedal and weighed between 28 and 36 kilograms—making it small compared with T. rex (which weighed about 8,000 kilograms) and most other Cretaceous tyrannosaurs. It probably measured about three meters long (only the skull is preserved, so the length is an estimate). Like other theropod dinosaurs, Proceratosaurus had four ferocious-looking and serrated snout teeth, D-shaped in cross-section. It also sported a nose horn.

Philip Glass has a new piece of work on the life of Joannes Kepler running now at the MET. I have heard from a close friend that it was "less visually interesting" (read: WHACK) than the last Glass opera we saw, Satyagraha (on Ghandi) so I will not be pining over tickets. I say last one like I am a fucking opera connoisseur, but it was my first and only. And I kinda know why, OPERA IS WAY BORING. Although, I really like reading and learning about those old timey astronomers, I have considered getting a male B and naming him Copernicus (copper for short). Maybe a trip to NYC is in order? Nah - i think i am too pragmatic for the whole opera scene.

WEEKENDS

"What we usually consider are impossible are simply engineering problems... there's no law of physics preventing them."
Michio Kaku

Transitory Objects, the latest exhibit at Vienna’s influential Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary gallery, features some of the most innovative and unconventional forms coming out of the architectural world today. Matthew Ritchie’s two pieces in the exhibit are based on cosmologists Paul Steinhardt and Neil Turok’s cyclic universe theory. Speaking about his modular architecture, Ritchie states, “I want to make a physicalized model of everything in the universe. It will be a superposed structure in the sense that it has multiple options contained within it at any given time and that it can be rebuilt.” The resulting black-aluminum modules are assembled using the logic of language and form a web-like tangle that can be reassembled in an infinite number of ways.


Also included in the exhibit are two elegant models from Alisa Andrasek of BIOTHING, that are part of a design project called “Mesonic Emission,” a reference to mesons, subatomic particles composed of quarks. These designs are made from an algorithm that is based on behaviors of electro-magnetic fields and is sophisticated enough to respond to the shape of the environment and to grow around obstructing objects. Founded in 2001, Biothing’s research focuses on the generative potential of physical and artificial computational systems for design. Biothing attempts to engage with complexity through an algorithmic articulation of the relation between the corporeal and incorporeal. In their work, design is understood as genetic inscription.

The National Institute of Health Blueprint for Neuroscience Research launched the 30 million dollar Human Connectome Project, which is aimed at devising a comprehensive map of the neural networks and pathways in the brain by 2015. I was not aware that the NIH operated on a different calendar than the rest of us that has considerably longer years and doesn't exist, but that's really great for them. The human brain is a composite organ divided into several hundred small areas with highly specialized functions. Viewed under a microscope, most of these centimeter-wide areas have highly distinguishable cell patterns. Most importantly for the HCP, each of these areas is connected by millions of thread like neuronal projections (axons) that run together in parallel, winding to form long, bundled structures. The rationale behind the HCP's focus on these fiber bundles is that the different brain areas are believed to acquire their functional characteristics based on their connections to one another. Like so much of biology (hey, remember when they mapped the human genome?), structure directly defines function. With the advent of functional imaging techniques, 3-D modeling can allow a clearer picture of these connection pathways, but "mapping" a complete picture of the human brain is not that simple. Good luck to these guys (it sounds like a lot of fun), but get real. While this may be the final frontier of neuroscientific research, the concept appears to oversimplify the discipline itself.

“A public awareness of science and design is a necessary tool to empower the positive collective feedback that we trust will help set the right substrate for creativity and innovation.”
Paola Antonelli

OMG LHC

They fixed it! 

I hate when people who have NO IDEA about anything try to say that this was a waste of money and will ultimately lead to the demise of humankind. Only experimental data using higher energies reached by the Large Hadron Collider can push our understanding of the universe forward, challenging those who seek confirmation of established knowledge, and those who dare to dream beyond the paradigm. 

Current developments in autonomous, biological, and evolutionary robotics will have a profound impact on the future of interactive and dynamic architectural space. Spaces and structures that adapt to the environment and human interaction require modules with three fundamental features: the ability to sense external input, integrate and process those inputs, and create movements and reactions. Modular geometries use small scale robotic prototypes to test the connections of these systems in the field. Miles Kemp's project,  Meta-morphic Architecture, offers a new type of interactive environment made from millions of these modules, where entirely new types of real time states can be created within spatial environments. Similar to the groundbreaking evolutionary logic of the starfish robot, these modular systems can literally adapt to changing environments in real time. 

In Interactive Architecture, written by Kemp and Michael Fox, a brave new world is introduced that facilitates participation with the individual and their environment. Spaces with the ability to reconfigure themselves will literally change our world by addressing our ever-evolving individual, social and environmental needs. 

holy fuck

"Inspired by the biology of the bee and the insects hive behaviour, we aim to push advances in miniature robotics and the design of compact high-energy power sources; spur innovations in ultra-low-power computing and electronic "smart" sensors; and refine coordination algorithms to manage multiple, independent machines". Ten million in funding for a colony of robobees?  AMAZING. 

 

Nanotechnology is cool because it encompasses breathtaking feats of innovative technology, and Honey I Shrunk the Kids. In their most recent collaboration, Felice Frankel and George Whitesides explore this tiny world in No Small Matter, meandering from molecules to quantum dots to microscopic symbiotic relationships between species.  The book combines colourful imagery from multiple disciplines with thoughtful essays to capture the bizarre world below the level of the visible, and to introduce readers to the strange principles driving science on the nanoscale. (Check out the the lab of Rob Wood)

see you in hell, dinner plate.

My mom is really cute. Ever since I finished my undergrad she will periodically ask me during phone conversations, "what is it that you study again?". Neuroscience, mom. It has taken her a while but now she likes to examine my science magazines, and drawing from memory will mutter, "neuroscience. cognitive neuroscience". I can hear her say the words over the phone to her friends. Sometimes she asks me what I like to study, just so she can shoot the words out of her mouth, before I even take a breath. It has got me thinking however, as to why this realm of science is so fascinating. It cannot be merely that science requires an understanding of everything in the universe. It resonates with the fact that our brain is the mechanism by which we acquire these understandings.  What may be habitually overlooked is that the incredible immensity of the world is mirrored inside our own physical bodies, which houses relationships that are no less intricate and complex. Slowly elucidating the functions of the human brain will bring us closer to the ultimate goal. A concrete view of the neural pathways involved in consciousness. Why? Determining the arrangement of conscious thought is the necessary precursor to creating true AI. And what could be better than being intelligent enough to create something even more intelligent that has the ability to do things we could have never even imagined. An infinite amount of time spent on developing new technology could be accomplished in an instant. Answers to questions we haven't even thought of yet. That, or they may choose to kill us all. At least then I would be spared of listening to all of this global warming bullshit.

weekends.

This school year commenced with everyone freaking out about swineflu, and people gave me really dirty looks when I had sneezing fits in the middle of the lab (what, I have allergies). New protocol were put into place, like don't see the school doctors for a regular flu, only swine and you don't even need a doctors note if you miss an exam. Oh yeah, and wash your hands. Well, thats all well and good, but now that we're all distracted by this fluaids stuff, we have left ourselves completely vulnerable to zombies. Luckily, the University of Florida has a legit gameplan. 

The document details response plans, the appropriate Human Resources response of terminating the employee's salary upon zombification, and what action items need to take place:

• Equip all staff offices with "blackout curtains" to prevent identifying worker locations to zombies;
• Equip all offices with easily barricaded doors able to withstand prolonged zombie incursion attempts;
• Equip staff with laptops and ensure IPCC software is installed, tested, and working for staff who may find commuting to work to be difficult;
• Equip all staff with long range (e.g. rifles) and short range (e.g. hand guns) firearms or other weaponry (e.g. chain saws, baseball bats, LPs) for defense against the infected and to dispatch possibly infected co-workers.

But the best parts come at the end. There's page five, which is a form to fill out concerning whom you killed, with what, and why you thought they were a zombie. (This is funnier in light of an actual Florida law that was passed a few years ago that allows you to kill someone simply because "you feel threatened".)

Thanks Ethan.

FINE

 A seemingly natural  execution and implementation of beautifully constructed garments is a true gift, one that I am especially reminded of being back on the east coast. Seeing a matching velour sweatsuit and ed hardy bag today in the lab, devastated me to my core. I almost feel like alerting her to her mistake is on par with telling your best friend she has spinach in her teeth - it is your duty as a human being. Halifax is like a never ending vortex of bad fashion. And not the kind of art-student poor attempts, like thanks for trying shit - just inexcusable poor taste. I suppose one could argue that people are more concerned with more important matters (politics! dinner! babies! barack winning the peace prize?!) but the truth is that these are actual attempts at looking good. Being aware of not trying is completely different to being clueless. 

Tastes like purple!

A girl in my neuropsych class revealed that she is a synesthete. Basically, synesthesia occurs with an involuntary "mix-up" of the senses. Her visual representation of different numbers are assigned a certain colour (two is yellow, three is blue etc.). It can occur in many forms, and is truly a remarkable example of the complexities of the human brain. She mentioned that she has a spatial representation of her mental calendar, which I have as well. It is somewhat commonplace to visualize the 12 months of the year in one way or another with most people picturing - well, a calendar. Twelve months from left to right, or up and down. When I think of a particular date or the year in general, I see it as a loop around me. September to my right, Christmas in front, spring to the left and summer behind. Apparently thats weird, and I did not know until now. Who says you don't learn anything useful in school? I just found this guy who explains it in his own experience, and really fucking coo-ly.

Closed blinds

This upcoming home of seriously epic proportions, has been waking me up at 7 am every morning (even my sleep-in/allowed hangover saturdays). It is pretty huge, and I must admit I would be way more nervous if the owners were not from Denmark. I will post more pics as it unfolds. I know the lighting is shite, but so is the camera I am currently working with.

Symbiosis

Bees are basically responsible for sustaining human life, which makes them awesome. They pollinate 1/3 of everything we eat, display complex social behaviours and the hives are ruled by chicks. They also do this crazy jedi-mindtrick thing where they dance around and inform other hive members of the location of beloved nectar. There is only one group of individuals who could rival bees.... 

I'm kidding, no drama. Only pure love. Bees and the Wu-Tang Clan work together to make this world a beautiful place. 

too controversial for religious america?

give me a break. I think even Americans deserve more credit than that (even if they say things like this sometimes). Although the "Creation" trailer looks slightly cheesy, there lies potential for a meaningful and intelligent film.  Watch it here. All this attention is likely garnered to attract hype and stir-up dialogue. I have no idea how many distributers there are in the US but my guess would be lots, so hold onto your bibles. 

OG?

This guy wrote a bio on my boy Paul, check him out if you have not heard of him. Interesting dude to say the least. Makes one think about the precursors for being considered a genius. Males are more likely to be at the low and high ends of intelligence spectrums, while females gravitate towards the middle. Some individuals with developmental disorders have been shown to exhibit well above average abilities in certain capacities, yet lack some of the most basic social behaviours. Although I suppose the overwhelming majority of social interactions today concern no aspect of intelligence or creative thought at all. Just sayin. 

Dreamcatcher

In a recent study Voss and colleagues decided to investigate the electrophysiological correlates of lucid dreaming. They attempted to train 20 undergraduate students in the art of lucid dreaming via pre-sleep autosuggestions over a four month period and were able to successfully train 6. These subjects then spent a few nights at a sleep lab hooked up to an EEG machine, and half were able to experience lucid dreaming during their stay. It was found that during lucid dreaming there was a shift in EEG power, especially in the 40hz range and in the frontal regions of the brain. This may suggest that the change in brain physiology is somehow associated with the lucid dreamer's ability to self-reflect and gain volitional control; activities absent in regular REM dreaming. Basically, lucid dreaming involves features of both REM sleep and waking, categorizing it as a "hybrid state". It is hypothesized that "lucidity arises when wake-like frontal lobe activation is associated with REM-like activity in posterior structures".

Whoa. I had no idea this was such an elusive experience. As you are probably not aware of, I have long suffered from extremely graphic and violent nightmares. I have since been able (about 75% of the time) to wake myself up from these eloquent experiences by commanding consciousness and focusing on escape (fuck leiko, wake the FUCK up!). Personally, I find that sometimes waking up in an abrupt and agitated state can be far worse than sleeping through the dream itself. It may feel like a complete collapse, but at least you wake up knowing it was merely a fabrication. Snapping out of a terrifying situation without having experienced it, can lead to a lingering feeling of despair that may prove to be hard to shake. 

The Singularity

Robots are cool as fuck and since they will be masters of the universe  (hopefully?) in the not too distant future, I figure they deserve some recognition. They exist in a wide variety of materials, and employ an endless number of functions and capabilities.  This guy even made one with a delicious brain. His robot was born after spreading rat neurons onto an array of electrodes, which began to form connections with one another. He continued to feed the brain a magical liquid full of nutrients and minerals (pbr’s prolly), and once the neurons established a network sufficiently capable of responding to electrical inputs from the electrode array, he connected the newly formed brain to a simple robot body consisting of two wheels and a sonar sensor. Initially the robot was way dumb, but with practice it improved the connections between the active neurons and was wheelin’ around in no time. 

Eternal sunshine?

When faced with traumatic events that threaten survival, our brains form memories that linger long after the threat is gone. These unshakable recollections can express themselves as anxiety, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In early March, a team of Canadian researchers announced that they’d made progress on this front.  By first isolating the part of the amygdala in rats’ brains where fearful memories are housed, they were able to inject a diphtheria toxin into fear-storing neurons and effectively delete bad memories. Although the application is not at all safe for use in humans, the promise of erasing a painful past is alluring.

Convenient maybe, but doesn’t this interfere with the normal processes of recovery? What sense of purpose and emotional regulation have we gained? Is ignorance bliss? No big deal – it’s also available through hypnosis  (only $47!) and a morning after pill.