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Related: About this forumBrain Stimulation Results in Altering Macaques ‘Free choice’
Ventral Tegmental Area
Friday, May 30, 2014
We have known for some time now that manipulating the brain results in altering the mind. The latest study, which will be published in Current Biology on June 16, further solidifies this view. Through a process called electrophysiology, researchers discovered the area in macaques brain (ventral tegmental area) that helps regulate reinforcement and motivated learning. This study is the first of its kind to confirm a causal link between the activity occurring in the ventral tegmental area and choice behavior in primates.
This new finding, if it musters peer review, reveals how easily choices can be altered through simple brain stimulation techniques as well as how the reward system works. However, by "simple" I do not mean that it is not invasive. The ventral tegmental area is deep in the brain--it is at the very center of the brain. Currently, stimulating this region of the brain can only be done by surgically placing electrodes. But, there is no reason to think that non-invasive techniques will not be developed considering how much our current technology, such as ultrasound, has improved in recent years. As the researchers pointed out,
http://untemperedintellect.blogspot.com/2014/05/brain-stimulation-results-in-altering.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140529142448.htm
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982214004825 (Subscription or purchase required.)
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)rug
(82,333 posts)That involved the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, magnetism and the ability to lie. This involves the ventral tegmental area, electricity and the ability to choose.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)the outcome of a similar experiment will be the same.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)relatively abstract, function.
That's an ongoing process in the field and leading to some really interesting brain mapping.
The study you cite found a completely different area doing a completely different thing.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)"But, there is no reason to think that non-invasive techniques will not be developed considering how much our current technology, such as ultrasound, has improved in recent years. As the researchers pointed out,"
Granted, the article says 'such as' ultrasound, not 'exclusively'.
The mapping is fascinating. I'm just pointing out a mechanism by which we can already induce involuntary mental alterations in another part of the brain, because the mechanism here is likely the same.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)are significant.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)Knowing how each part of the brain works separately and together, is critical to a whole host of issues.
Good stuff.
Jim__
(14,077 posts)But, they're also altering simple choices. It may not be so easy to modify choices based on complex criteria. In the instance given, they were reinforcing a choice that had been made. Does this lead to any understanding of how to get the brain to make an original choice?
rug
(82,333 posts)struggle4progress
(118,295 posts)So perhaps they're simply engaged in a very high tech version of adversive pavlovian conditioning
cpwm17
(3,829 posts)That is why we are conscious.
If we lost the ability to feel positive and negative feelings we'd enter a coma-like state. Feelings force us to choose and act, without which it would be impossible for us to function.
In this example the Macaques felt like they had free will in the experiment. The Macaques experienced feelings and their brains reacted accordingly. But the source of the feelings is really what determined the Macaques' choices. Their consciousness is required to experience their feeling, and the feelings force the brains to act. They have no conscious free will.
We're all like the Macaques or this rat: