Experts believe that these microscopic hollow tube structures-called "microtubules"-perform incredible operations in the quantum realm. Citing the work of earlier researchers, the researchers behind this new study infer that the same kind of quantum operations are likely happening in human brains to create consciousness.
During their rat-brain experiments, scientists at Wellesley College in Massachusetts gave the rodents isoflurane-a type of inhaled general anesthetic used to induce and maintain unconsciousness for medical procedures. One group of drugged rats also received microtubule-stabilizing drugs, while the other did not.
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