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The brain is not mental! coupling neuronal and immune cellular processing in human organisms
Anna Ciaunica1,2, Evgeniya V Shmeleva3,4, Michael Levin3,4
1Centre for Philosophy of Science, Faculty of Science, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
This study proposes that human cognition involves more than just brain neurons, highlighting the role of immune cells in self-organization and adaptation. It suggests cognition is a body-wide, multi-cellular information processing system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Traditional research focuses on neural mechanisms underlying cognition.
- This perspective often overlooks the broader biological context of cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a broader view of cognition beyond the brain's neural basis.
- To investigate the role of non-neuronal cells, like immune cells, in cognition.
- To challenge the exclusive role of neurons in learning and cognitive functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of theoretical frameworks on basal cognition.
- Analysis of empirical evidence supporting cellular contributions to cognition.
- Integration of concepts from neuroscience, immunology, and systems biology.
Main Results:
- Immune cells play a crucial role in biological self-organization and adaptive behavior.
- Cognition is viewed as a multiscale information processing web distributed throughout the body.
- Evidence for 'basal cognition' exists beyond neuronal cells.
Conclusions:
- Cognition is not solely confined to the neural system in the brain.
- Flexible environmental responses require orchestration across multiple cellular and bodily systems.
- A holistic, multi-cellular approach is essential for understanding human cognition.
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