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SUMMARY:Visceral inputs\, brain dynamics and subjectivity - Professor Cath
 arine Tallon-Baudry\, Ecole Normale Supérieure\, Paris
DTSTART:20161125T163000Z
DTEND:20161125T180000Z
UID:TALK67112@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Louise White
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nThe human brain at rest is not a closed system: it
  receives inputs from visceral organs\, in particular the heart and the st
 omach. Those two organs contain pacemaker cells generating rhythmic electr
 ical activity\, and constantly send information that is potentially relaye
 d up to the neocortex. In this talk\, I propose that such visceral inputs 
 constrain spontaneous brain dynamics\, and will present evidence showing t
 he impact of the gastric basal rhythm on resting-state brain dynamics in b
 oth fMRI and MEG data. I also propose that the monitoring of visceral sign
 als in the central nervous system creates a self-centered referential from
  which subjectivity\, defined as the first-person perspective intrinsic to
  any conscious experience\, can develop. I will present experimental evide
 nce compatible with this hypothesis: neural responses to heartbeats in the
  default-mode network predict conscious vision and carry information about
  the self during spontaneous thoughts. 
LOCATION:Ground Floor Lecture Theatre\, Department of Psychology
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