The neuronal bases of consciousness and attention

The neuronal basis of attention and consciousness is one of the most fundamental mysteries in the current science. We propose a concerted attack on the problem of attention and consciousness employing psychophysical behavioral testing and various neuroimaging tools, especially with electro corticogram (ECoG), which records neuronal activity directly from inside the skull of drug-resistant epilepsy patients and animals. Using visual illusions, we will study the neural activity associated with conscious and non-conscious processing as well as communications between distant brain areas that support attention and consciousness. The result will promote better understanding of normal and abnormal functioning of attention and consciousness.