"Study Identifies Brain Network Crucial to Human Consciousness"

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital have identified a brain network, termed the "default ascending arousal network" (DAAN), crucial for human consciousness using ultrahigh-resolution MRI technology. This discovery, published in Science Translational Medicine, could significantly advance the understanding of consciousness and aid in treating neurological disorders. The DAAN integrates arousal and awareness, with the ventral tegmental area (VTA) playing a central role. Further research and clinical trials are underway to confirm these findings and explore their potential in restoring consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries.