Science News

Eagleman has referred to the brain as the body's "mission control center," arguing that the vast majority of our behavior is actually unconscious. If so much of our behavior is unconscious, we ask him, then why do we even have consciousness? What is the evolutionary purpose? "The brain is made up of many different subparts and systems always competing for control," he answered. Consciousness is an arbiter of these mechanisms.

Articles about NEUROSCIENCE: http://www.scoop.it/t/science-news?tag=neuroscience

fascinating hypothesis in the field of artificial intelligence is that the human brain implements a "general-purpose" learning algorithm. This may explain why humans can learn to do so many different things--ranging from tying shoelaces; to driving cars; to solving algebra problems.

In this project, neuroscientists are testing the hypothesis, "Is there a general-purpose learning algorithm?" Currently, the programmed computer already exhibits behavior very similar to what's observed in the biological brain when processing sight, sound or touch, suggesting that the researchers are on the right track toward a general-purpose learning algorithm.

A provocative new paper suggests people can take advantage of the brain’s neuroplasticity to train it to be more empathetic, appreciative and compassionate.