New Research Suggests Brain May Harness Zero-Point Field for Consciousness
Recent research published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience suggests that consciousness may arise from the brain's ability to resonate with the zero-point field (ZPF), a concept from quantum electrodynamics. The study, led by Joachim Keppler, proposes that macroscopic quantum effects within the brain are responsible for conscious states. The research indicates that cortical microcolumns in the brain, which are fundamental functional units, may couple directly with the ZPF. This coupling is believed to ignite complex dynamics characteristic of conscious processes. The study highlights that synchronized brain activity, often linked to conscious states, exhibits features of self-organized criticality, a state where the brain operates near a critical point of phase transition. The research suggests that the resonant interaction between the ZPF and glutamate, a neurotransmitter, is crucial for maintaining this critical state, which is disrupted during unconsciousness. 
