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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NC-SAJournal of Neuroscience

Analog Cognition and Consciousness

  • Earl K. Miller1
  • Scott L. Brincat2
  • Jefferson E. Roy2
  1. 1The Picower Institute for Learning & Memory and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 [email protected]
  2. 2The Picower Institute for Learning & Memory and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
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Abstract

Cognition and consciousness may arise from bidirectional interactions between neuronal spiking and rhythmic electric field activity (brain waves). Goal-directed behavior relies on top-down control to coordinate large neural populations into low-dimensional, task-oriented dynamics. Brain waves are well suited for this role, exerting mesoscale influence over neural excitability. They can also support analog computation, shaping activity patterns according to underlying computational principles. Brain waves can flexibly route and organize neural signals, enabling multifunctional neurons to assume context-dependent roles, a hallmark of cognition. In this view, goal-directed thought, action, and unified consciousness emerge from cortex-wide wave dynamics that both reflect and transform spiking into coherent brain states.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{miller2026analog,
  title = {{Analog Cognition and Consciousness}},
  author = {Earl K. Miller and Scott L. Brincat and Jefferson E. Roy},
  journal = {Journal of Neuroscience},
  year = {2026},
  month = aug,
  doi = {10.1523/jneurosci.0711-26.2026},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.0711-26.2026},
  note = {CC BY-NC-SA},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Analog Cognition and Consciousness
AU  - Earl K. Miller
AU  - Scott L. Brincat
AU  - Jefferson E. Roy
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/08/19
JO  - Journal of Neuroscience
DO  - 10.1523/jneurosci.0711-26.2026
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.0711-26.2026
AB  - Cognition and consciousness may arise from bidirectional interactions between neuronal spiking and rhythmic electric field activity (brain waves). Goal-directed behavior relies on top-down control to coordinate large neural populations into low-dimensional, task-oriented dynamics. Brain waves are well suited for this role, exerting mesoscale influence over neural excitability. They can also support analog computation, shaping activity patterns according to underlying computational principles. Brain waves can flexibly route and organize neural signals, enabling multifunctional neurons to assume context-dependent roles, a hallmark of cognition. In this view, goal-directed thought, action, and unified consciousness emerge from cortex-wide wave dynamics that both reflect and transform spiking into coherent brain states.
SN  - 0270-6474
SN  - 1529-2401
ER  -