the most complex map of a brain, ever
Honestly, go beyond the news cycle: AI isn't all bad.
In any given moment, countless things are happening around the world. Yet, what dominates our attention—and news cycles—driven by emotional allure and algorithmic priorities—are narratives of chaos, terror, and hate.
“Where attention goes, energy flows,” — Tony Robbins
Welcome to Flourish Feed.
An intentional redirection to refocus our attention towards stories of inspired hope to rekindle optimism. I hope these will be our headlines; those that remind us of humanity’s affinity towards good.
A round-up of self-help, fitness, health, wellness, science, spirituality, creativity, and everything in between—all for the purposes of repopulating our awareness with subjects around human flourishing around four central pillars of brain, mind, body, and soul.
Did we just achieve the first— neuron-by-neuron and synapse-by-synapse— map of a brain?
MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) is better than meds for treating anxiety.
Apparently, scientists are speculating that a soul can exist without a brain or brain activity.
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A team of Princeton-led scientists, called the FlyWire Consortium, (the coolest name of any scientist group I’ve ever come across) rebuilt a brain map of an adult female fruit fly. I know what you’re thinking: uhhm cool, why does this matter? Fruit flies (believe it or not) share 60% of human DNA and 75% of genes associated with human diseases. Mindblowing! I know!
On October 2, 2024, a groundbreaking “connectome” was unveiled (FYI, I am not making these names up), with a map of nearly 140,000 neurons and approximately 50 million synaptic connections. Built as the most complex brain ever fully mapped; signs of promising progress in understanding the neural architecture and function of how brains work. Including potential implications for human brain research too! Yay.
FYI a connectome: “may be defined as the complete, point-to-point spatial connectivity of neural pathways in the brain.” In other words, a connectome can be described as a complete map of the brain, showing how all the nerve cells (neurons) connect in the brain.
Side note: The FlyWire AI is one of the coolest AI use cases I’ve seen to date. It goes to show that it is not all apocalyptic, but AI can be brilliant too.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that allows for direct communication between the brain and computers. This research isn’t new, but where we are is. BCIs aims to serve more targeted and effective treatment for neurological disorders.
Neurolink, (our real life Tony Stark, a.k.a Elon Musk’s startup) in September 2024, received a breakthrough device designation by the FDA for their experimental vision restoration implant called Blindsight. ICYMI, Neurolink has achieved two successful human trials.
Technology by UC Davis Health restores communication in a 45-year-old man who suffered severe amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by implanting electrodes into the brain’s motor cortex allowing the man to communicate with his intended speech within minutes of activating the system.
BrainGate2 team also used recordings of this man’s voice before he had ALS to reconstruct an AI version of his voice. He can now communicate with a voice similar to his own. Technology can be incredible.
University of Cambridge study reveals mindfulness training can spark altered states, even up to a year after the initial intervention. Randomised students, participating in a 8 week mindfulness-based program (MBP) reported feelings of unity with the world and achieved altered states of consciousness.
More practice led to more intense states. Reports of unity: feeling a sense of oneness with the world and disembodiment: feelings of detachment from the physical body, or of blissful states. Shows how focused present-moment awareness with kindness and curiosity, can shifts consciousness in mentally healthy individuals.
Another study, University of Southampton and Bath: 1,247 adults, from 91 countries found 10 minutes of daily mindfulness practice led to significant improvements in well-being and reduction in depression and anxiety. 19.2% reduction in depression, 12.6% decrease in anxiety, and 6.9% improvement in overall well-being compared to the control group.
Breakthrough study, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) proven as effective as a popular antidepressant in treating various anxiety disorders; MBSR showed significantly fewer side effect compared to escitalopram, 15% of participants reporting study-related side effects versus 79% in the escitalopram group.
1,000 genetically diverse mice proven positive effects of dietary restriction on health and lifespan. Caloric restriction and intermittent fasting both extended lifespan in mice, 40% caloric restriction showing the most significant increase. Surprisingly, metabolic changes and weight loss did not fully explain the longevity benefits of dietary restriction.
Immune health, red blood cell function, and genetic resilience to food restriction stress were more strongly associated with increased lifespan.
Mice that lost the weight on calorie-restricted diets tended to have shorter lifespans, than those with more moderate weight loss. Start fasting, stop dieting folks!
Pen State University Department of Kinesiology study reveals: concussions and depression together significantly worsens symptoms of depression while scrambling brain connectivity. EEG measurements showed greater disruption in brain connectivity among individuals with both concussion and depression. Suggesting athletes with existing mental health conditions may require extended recovery times and more specialised care after experiencing concussions.
Research from NYU Grossman School of Medicine shows that death is not an instantaneous event, but rather a gradual process that unfolds over time. After cardiac arrest, brain cells begin a gradual death process that can take days. During this period, consciousness may continue even when there is no detectable brain activity; challenging traditional materialist views that consciousness is solely a product of brain activity.
Some researchers now suggest that consciousness may exist independently of the brain. What do you think? I used to be on the side who believed that consciousness can only exist with an active brain, but perhaps I am wrong.
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