Brain stimulation, potentials and limitations

Human brain By NIDA

Electrodes placed on the cortical surface can measure the brain's electric activity. An EEG or electroencephalogram picks up voltage fluctuations resulting from an ionic current of the cortical neurons located close to the brain's surface. Recently, it has been noted that the process can be reversed. Electrical, magnetic, radio waves or focally targeted sources can modulate the brain's electric activity. Brain stimulation can be used in the treatment of disease and for mental manipulation of healthy subjects. 

In disease:

The number of brain areas that can be manipulated with electric impulses toward physiological and physical changes is growing. Brain stimulation uses electrodes implanted deep in the brain to influence activity there. It can be an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, depression, chronic pain, and other movement disorders, but the results have been inconsistent so far. For example, individual differences in the position of brain structures can influence the procedure's effectiveness. Potentially dangerous side effects can occur due to the incision. Deep brain stimulation without incision is a brainwave "mirroring" of neural oscillations between the two hemispheres. The new technique is a promising treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. It improves insomnia, depressive mood, and anxiety, and the results seem to be durable through 6 months after the treatment. 

In healthy subjects:

In healthy subjects, brain stimulation can enhance creativity. Stimulation of the frontal brain has increased performance and endurance in tasks requiring sustained attention and focus. Magnetic stimulation improved spatial-precision memory. Transcranial direct current stimulation with slow oscillations during slow-wave sleep almost doubles overnight memory retention. It improves the piloting skills of novice pilots. Studies in rodents have shown motivation and behavior modification by manipulating the VTA  (small area at the base of the brain, marked on the human brain image), potentially treating addiction and other mental problems. However, the treatments are based exclusively on empirical studies because the theoretical background for brain stimulation still needs to be included.

A new, physics-based hypothesis of consciousness is urgently needed to give brain stimulation a strong predictive power. The book 'The Science of Consciousness considers brain frequencies and emotions as the brain's energy states. For example, enhanced brain frequencies are essential in focused activities and during physical or emotional pain. In contrast, decreasing frequencies correspond to joy and creative states. However, in the brain's complex operation, the relative change of the frequencies and their rhythm is essential, not their absolute value. Changing the energy balance through manipulating brain frequencies has a powerful physiological influence, making it an efficient modulator of thinking, emotional states, and behavior. Long-term stimulation can modify the strength or even induce the formation of new synaptic paths, leading to learning and some possible long-term consequences. 

Infrared light (IR) has recently become popular as a high spatial resolution and safe method to regulate neural function. Although the underlying mechanism remains unclear, infrared neuromodulation methods have been used to treat neural activation, central nervous system disorders, and cognitive enhancement. IR neural modulation (INM) can increase cerebral blood flow and improve emotional and mental functions. Behavioral modifications can stabilize brain stimulation's effects. 

Brain stimulation is intriguing and has enormous promise, meaning it is here to stay. Currently, it is easier to justify balancing the potential benefits and side effects in the clinic than in education, in a classroom, or at home.

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The book Emotional Reasoning: Insight into the Conscious Experience is published on August 30, 2024. 

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Copyright © 2017 by Eva Deli

Belief and emotional gravity; the opposing poles of the mental universe

Gravity curving the fabric of space

Gravity is a constant force that influences material interactions, which in turn affect gravity itself. It governs the movement of objects and influences the posture of living beings, including plants and animals. However, we often take gravity for granted, becoming aware of it only when we lose our balance or accelerate. 

Gravity underlies material existence, while temporal gravity provides a stable foundation for our mental world and shapes our temporal or emotional gravity. Like gravity, which is pressure formed inside massive objects, beyond a supportive social net, temporal gravity is the stress of expectations and restrictions (temporal pressure). Emotional gravity is influenced by the social environment. Although the constant change of low temporal gravity can undermine security and may even lead to madness, massive temporal gravity is constricting. As density and mass characterize material structures, emotional gravity forms a hierarchical society, and people rise or fall in social position based on their emotional gravity.

Characteristics of high temporal gravity: 

• Critical of change 
• Lack the patience to finish projects
• Use highly repetitious language 
• Insecure and vulnerable to cheating 
• Prone to emotional swings (aggravation followed by regret)

Emotional gravity varies based on individual characteristics and evolves with age. Young people's lighter emotional gravity provides flexibility and resilience, enabling them to adapt quickly to changes, including fashion trends. Temporal gravity increases with age, softening the intensity of emotions, i.e., the gap between joy and pain. Due to the stability of temporal gravity over time, it supplies the energy to cling to and preserve old habits, relationships, and possessions. 

People with high emotional gravity often resort to criticism in an inherent search to test the environment's temporal limitation. Deterministic brain frequencies form a highly uncertain mental landscape that demands constant reassurance. The need to increase control can lead to abusive tendencies, such as gaslighting. Gaslighting, named after a film with the same title, is the intentional creation of insecurity by falsifying reality. 

Opposite to gravity, belief and trust are sources of emotional strength and prerequisites of intellect, permitting positive emotional states. Even suffering and pain have a meaning for them. Belief is inner confidence of trust, which gives courage and inspires selflessness and altruism. Even in difficult, adverse consequences, it permits adherence to moral principles. Belief is the stable intellectual ground on which to formulate a system of thought in the mind. Does your worldview support your goals with trust and confidence or undermine your future by filling you with hesitation and fear?

Learn more about the physical foundation of consciousness on my YouTube channel. 

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Copyright © 2017 by Eva Deli

How to prepare for major life changes

Summitting Island Peak By Mountaineer

Mountain climbing is a sport that requires not only physical preparation but careful forethought and resilience as well. Getting appropriate gear is essential. Once on the mountain, every step needs to be negotiated carefully and crossing big boulders, hiatuses must occur in one jump, in the first try, because an unsuccessful attempt can be fatal. In addition, unsuccessful attempts tire the climber physically and mentally, dramatically increasing the chances of failure in subsequent attempts. This rule and pattern are also true for life, where big changes are difficult to execute and can be excruciating to adjust. Even positive events, such as carrier opportunities can throw an unprepared person off guard. Attempting to execute major transformations without proper preparation can force a person to fall back to where they have started, often saddled with remorse, skeptical environment, and emotional turmoil, leading to an eventual resignation. Careful preparation and forethought increase the chances of success and encourages a patience to wait for the right time to carry them out. Preparation includes, but not limited to, saving up money, mental or physical training or learning about the details of the planned change. Diligent preparation is the key to manage changes.

What are the steps of careful preparation? In the physical world movement in a straight line is rarely possible, for example, it is necessary to slow down when changing direction or taking a U-turn. Although in the abstract mental world there are no signposts, the challenges are fairly similar in the physical world. When there are blocks in the road, it might be necessary to slow down and change direction. Pushing forcefully toward one objective is tiring and rarely leads to a productive outcome. The best way to progress is to take advantage of the openings offered by life's events. The shortcut to success lies in taking suitable opportunities with courage, which requires the confidence coming from diligent preparation. There might be blind alleys or dead ends, but a well-prepared traveler is patient to wait for the best weather conditions and chooses safe paths. When opportunity knocks, he charges ahead without hesitation. 

Copyright © 2017 by Eva Deli

After primordial oscillations a Foam: the secondary structure of the universe

Sloan Digital Sky Survey, The accumulation of gravity-bound structures, are shown in yellow. 

The Big Bang, the hundred years old idea that is meant to explain the even distribution of the cosmos, is in trouble. The microwave background radiation, which is the only tell-tale sign of the formation of the universe, is in apparent contradiction with a central origin of space. As my earlier blog demonstrate, large spatial fluctuations could gradually slow down due to friction, which might have given rise to compact dimensions. The existence of compact dimensions means that any change in field curvature requires energy. The energy requirement slows and inhibits changes and stabilizes the spatial structure. Current data well support such a process. Analysis of the universe material distribution at the largest scales shows a filamentary, wavy organization, utterly congruent with mixing and spreading of three-dimensional waves within a perfect fluid. Indeed, gargantuan spring oscillations in an ideal vacuum would lead to highly fluid oscillations. Also, such frictionless oscillations must have ended as space transitioned toward a harder state.

A more detailed analysis of the universe reveals a foamy structure embedded within the immense filaments. The above image is a time-lapse photo of the cosmos; large-scale foam structure evolves toward the more recent, lower portion of the picture. In physical processes, such structure arises, due to whipping or expanding material within a flexible medium, which can retain its inner structure through hardening. The secondary organization of the universe consists of various sized empty bubbles surrounded by galaxies and other gravity bound structures. These secondary formations resulted as expanding space formed huge bubbles and pushed positive curvature regions outward. The above data suggests that the universe, which has started out as a highly flexible system, was subjected to whipping or expansion before gradual hardening.

Laniakea Supercluster of Galaxies  Curved paths indicate material (galactic) movement (Tully, 2014)

The reason for this solidifying can be found in the smallest structure of space in string theory. The birth of the compact dimensions of string theory (called the Calabi-Yau space) must have been a universal break on the oscillations. Interactions of the compact dimensions produce gravity, which hardens spatial structure. Indeed, gravitational regions, accompanied by immense field strength, form rigid structures. The gravity-bound areas retain a solid and stable large-scale structure, whereas smaller-curvature parts are highly flexible. The stiff structures of galaxies can only form outside and around the cosmic voids. The above image clearly shows the opening of the empty void enclosed by gravitational areas. Light converges due to the gravitational pull of large objects and diverges due to the negative-curving field. Thus light follows the: on the grandest scale, the cosmos is like a house of mirrors. More details, such as the role of gravity in the large-scale structure of the universe, can be found in my book, 'The Science of Consciousness.' On the above figure, Laniakea Super-cluster contains the Milky-way galaxy, the home of our own solar system.


THE GROWING CASE AGAINST THE BIG BANG

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Copyright © 2017 by Eva Deli

Primordial oscillations, an alternative mechanism to the Big Bang

Microwave anisotropy map of the universe

Big Bang is the scientifically accepted theory for the initial formation of the universe. The model accounts for the gargantuan size of the universe and its apparently perfectly even distribution. To solve the presumably extremely high initial density with the resulting uniform structure all over space, an immense and sudden increase in size, explosion, has been put forward. A faster bang, called inflation, was suggested to accommodate observations that showed an extremely smooth distribution of the large-scale structure in the cosmos. However, the driving force of inflation is missing, and the mechanism conflicts on many points with the microwave background radiation. Below I introduce an alternative possibility that can generate a uniform matter distribution throughout the visible cosmos, and it is also coherent with the microwave background radiation.

The book ‘The science of consciousness’ shows that the universe's primordial energy is formed by one-dimensional string vibrations. Therefore string theory replaces Big Bang as the originator of the cosmos. Because primordial string vibrations preceded stable spatial structure, temperature, or pressure, they could occur with abundance and fluidity. The kinetic energy of string fluctuations would generate compactification and insulation by a smooth, symmetric, and information blocking the horizon. The energy needs that formed compact dimensions calibrated the constant energy level of space. The compact dimension formation would give rise to the first interactions, time zero of the universe. Interaction, an energy-requiring volume exchange between space and the compact dimensions, stabilized the spatial structure. This is the birth of interacting fermions and the beginning of time.

The time progression from left to right shows the gradual formation of foam (credit: NSF)

The latest cosmological data show a filament structure on the largest scales of the universe, congruent with string oscillations. The above mechanism also fits well with the cosmic background radiation measurements, which shows that the curvature of space is nearly flat, and the fluctuations show almost Gaussian (even) distribution. The series of pictures above indicate how the parallel evolution of gravity-bound structures with the expansion of space. Without a stable spatial field, lissome string fluctuations could not have given rise to gravitational waves. Consequently, Big Bang gravitational waves cannot be detected with even our current, sophisticated technology. (The recently discovered gravitational waves are the result of a black hole collision.) The decreasing amplitude oscillations could very well calibrate the constant energy level of space and, at the moment of creation, spike the temperature, allowing recombination and nucleosynthesis. The high temperature would drive spatial expansion. Secondary interactions would give rise to a foamy structure. This simple mechanism can eliminate many problems that plague the theory of Big Bang and inflation.

Problems with the standard model of Cosmology are listed in a recent publication...

Want to learn more? More information can be found in my book, The science of consciousness.

Copyright © 2017 by Eva Deli

The holographic principle, a possible explanation for particle mass

Natural logarithm of three generations of fermion masses. The natural logarithm of fermion masses increases linearly within each particle type (quarks, electrons, and neutrinos). The only deviation is for down quarks. 

Material fermions come in three families. The exponentially increasing masses of particles within one particle family has been a puzzle. 'The science of consciousness,' introduces in a cohesive, coherent physical view that examines particle operation, and cosmology from the same perspective, which shed light to the puzzling differences between masses of fermion generations. Particles are not static objects but can transform into each other within one family by controlling energetic changes of the environment. Landauer’s principle recognizes the thermodynamic connection between energy and information. For the first time ever, converting information into free energy has been demonstrated (Toyabe et al., 2010) and the exact amount of heat released when one bit of information was erased has been measured by Bérut and colleagues (2012). As a consequence, information-saturated regions will heat up, whereas energy-rich areas will be cold. The holographic principle in string theory recognizes that the information of a volume of space is contained on the boundary (Susskind, 1994) and black holes are information-saturated. The regions of black holes, which are known to be information-saturated therefore should display extreme (hot) temperatures. Taken together, the holographic principle and Landauer’s principle mean that information accumulation of particles by the incessant standing-wave tick-tock of the universe eventually uses up energy and turns those particles into black holes. This is an important realization because it means that within one family, particles only differ in their energy-information content and energy information change would exponentially increase mass. If this is true, then the natural logarithm of particle mass within one family would formulate a straight line. The above figure clearly shows this to be the case. The vastly different mass members of the three-particle families are stable only within the corresponding field strength of vastly divergent gravity environments. For example, within Earth’s mild gravity, only the lowest mass of each particle type is stable. However, greater gravity environments, such as neutron stars would favor the second or third generations of fermions.

Want to learn more? More information can be found in my book, The science of consciousness

Copyright © 2017 by Eva Deli

Negative emotions: an opportunity in disguise

      

A large part of human history has been steeped in blood, terror, suffering, and intimidation. Fear is a useful emotion when escaping wild animals or surviving wars, but negative emotions create walls and separation in a peaceful society. Thus some of our behavior can trigger the darkest emotions, aggravation and even hate in the people closest to us. Yet throughout history, people had no time, no knowledge and no opportunity to comprehend, let alone change what they felt. Because people adapt to the mental, emotional patterns of their predecessors, terror had a long shadow. Faulty emotional regulation wreaks havoc on psychological and physical health.


Negative emotions eat away our happiness and poison our relationship with people closest to us. They handicap and enslave the mind. This occurs because negative emotions correspond to chronic high brain frequencies, which produce an overwhelming information flow of distorted, fractured mental pictures; this, in turn, induces a perceived shortage of time (appropriately called stress). Also, the self-centered, insecure view of negative emotions remains part of the mind for an extended amount of time. The resulting mental weakness, insecurity, and fear can either be a trigger for aggression or cause paralyzing anxiety. Research shows that negative emotions predispose lower social status and lead to a perceived difficulty of life, both of which handicaps professional and personal success. Over the long term, the insidious presence of negative emotions can give rise to mental problems and affect the hormonal system and immune function. Chronic inflammation has been associated with a host of health problems and even early death. Some of the diseases implicated are cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer disease, digestive, as well as skin problems, cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and others.

Yet, negative emotions are a natural part of life! They keep us safe by warning us of danger, conflict and help us manage hazardous circumstances. They also have immense the potential to push us toward success as no positive encouragement can! Many high achievers come from difficult situations or overcome serious handicaps. An adverse reaction to the negative experience is automatic and innate. When we are pushed, we push back, we inherently fight challenges, but when we are pushed hard when faced with overwhelming difficulties, we surrender. This is the reason, we get bogged down by small problems, but overwhelming challenges can propel us toward wisdom. The power of acceptance transforms the energy of negative emotions, difficulties into inspiration, a force toward success! You can use prayer, mantra, exercise, memorization and even memorization of meaningful information. You have to go through a mental curve, which is confusing and chaotic, but if you are persistent, it will lead to liberation, the feeling of expansion, and joy. (Negative emotions form temporal or emotional gravity that inhibits, and slow progress.)

Our emotions determine our thoughts and behavior. Inversely, changing our actions gradually reprograms our emotional life as well. Genuine and systematic life changes can rejuvenate our mental world. But even small positive steps can have a profound influence on how we feel. Work on improving your acceptance quotient by regular spiritual housecleaning. Physical activity, mindfulness-based therapy, and emotion-focused therapy have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise releases feel-good hormones, and improves mental and physical performance, being the only proven fountain of youth to date. Having meaningful goals reduces the importance of negative experiences. Historically some people considered geniuses today, often had to overcome difficult circumstances in their lives. For example, Schrodinger calculated the hard mathematics of Einstein's field equations when fighting in the front lines of the First World War. Beethoven went deaf. Mozart had money and health trouble while writing his most beautiful pieces of music and Einstein had marital problems while working on his theory. Their practice of art, music or science might have been an escape of peaceful oasis, where they felt happy and emotionally balanced. But the mental state of geniuses is not reserved for Einstein and Mozart. It only requires humble work, with full attention toward a big goal.

Picture credit: Anxiety by Maxwell GS

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