Neurons : Beyond Reductionism

Harnessing the Cerebral Networks

Human brain has been an enigma for many decades and its complex circuits poses elusive challenges even today. In this scenario, Brian J. Ford a research biologist based at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge comes out with a totalistic perception of human neurons in a New Scientist article (The secrets of intelligence lies within a cell ) . Though it retains the conventional model of memory as consisting of a network of computers which engage in data processing, it traverses one step further. It says that every single neuron is a microcomputer. If it is so, it unravels many secrets from the capabilities of each of our sensory perceptions to the complexities involved in cognition. 

Many studies in neurosciences have indicated the potentials of neurons to understand the cognitive and psychological aspects of brain mechanisms. But these studies show a tendency to plunge into the forms of reductionism. Many scientists narrow down all ailments and properties of mind at the neural level. This will help only to deviate from the macro level environment of issues and diseases. Neuroscience need to come out of this approach and emerge as a holistic and interdisciplinary science. 

Gokul B. Alex

'clarity is rhythm'