Giulio Tononi, director of the Wisconsin Institute for Sleep and Consciousness, lectured at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program on the topic of consciousness. He discussed how consciousness is not just about the environment, citing examples such as dreaming and brain activity in vegetative states. Tononi proposed five axioms to better understand consciousness: intrinsic existence, composition, information, integration, and exclusion. Why it matters: The lecture highlights KAUST's engagement with fundamental questions in neuroscience and cognitive science, showcasing the university's interdisciplinary approach to research.
This article discusses conscious investing and its potential in the Middle East, particularly in light of unprecedented market conditions. It argues that investments should align with values and aim for positive global impact, moving beyond solely maximizing shareholder value. Conscious investing can be as profitable as traditional investing while addressing social and environmental challenges. Why it matters: The piece advocates for integrating ethical considerations into investment strategies within the region, which could lead to more sustainable and socially responsible economic development.
Dr. Yves Agid from the ICM Paris Institute of Translational Neuroscience lectured at KAUST's 2018 Winter Enrichment Program about the role of glial cells in brain function and behavior. He highlighted that glial cells, often overlooked in research, are crucial for neural synchronization and overall intelligence. Dysfunction of glial cells can induce pathologies like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Why it matters: The lecture underscored the importance of studying glial cells in addition to neurons for understanding and treating neurodegenerative disorders, which could influence future research directions at KAUST and in the region.
KAUST and EPFL Blue Brain Project researchers propose a new theory about a 'secret language' used by cells for internal communication regarding the external world. Using a computational model, they suggest that metabolic pathways can code details about neuromodulators that stimulate energy consumption. The model focuses on astrocytes and their cooperation with neurons in fueling the brain. Why it matters: This suggests a new avenue for understanding information processing in the brain and how cells contribute to the energy efficiency of brains compared to computers.
Margaret Livingstone, a neurobiology professor at Harvard Medical School, lectured at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program 2018 on how art can reveal insights into the human brain. She discussed how artists have long understood the independent roles of color and luminance in visual perception. Livingstone highlighted examples from Picasso, Monet, and Warhol to illustrate how artists manipulate visual cues. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary approach can potentially lead to new understandings of how the brain processes visual information and inform advances in both neuroscience and art.