The entire universe may have an internal mind—or the whole idea of consciousness could be a sham. Here’s why scientists still can’t agree.

The biofield, mediated by light known as biophotons, could be the missing piece of the consciousness puzzle.

Ever since we published our very first issue 123 years ago—yes, we’re old—Popular Mechanics has endeavored to help you understand all kinds of technological marvels, from the tools in your shed, to ...

An unprecedented experiment seven years in the making has shaken the field of neuroscience. Researchers set out to answer one of science’s most puzzling questions: Where does consciousness come from?

Researchers propose that the key to identifying consciousness in animals and AI lies in understanding how their information processing systems work.

Under the influence of psychedelics, many report that plants seem to be alive. Is it wrong to assume we’re the only sentient beings?

Why does consciousness exist? This question lies at the heart of my book, A Philosophy for the Science of Animal Consciousness, in which I argue that consciousness evolved to help animals navigate ...

The original version ofthis storyappeared in Quanta Magazine. Science routinely puts forward theories, then batters them with data till only one is left standing. In the fledgling science of ...

The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. Science routinely puts forward theories, then batters them with data till only one is left standing. In the fledgling science of ...

While many of my readers are philosophers, or have at least studied philosophy for a while at university, many are not. So I was reluctant to get into metaphysical debates within philosophy, fearing ...

We can account for the evolution of consciousness only if we crack the philosophy, as well as the physics, of the brain. Your consciousness is what it's like to be you. It's your experiences of color ...