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The Thalamus - The Kernel in Your Mind

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the my-brain-starts-with-the-thx-noise dept.

corbettw writes "This article on Yahoo Science News describes a new finding that explains how the thalamus is used by your brain to essentially boot your brain, and provide for central processing and control of all impulses going to and from the cortex. The article describes its function as an operating system, but from the description it actually seems closer to the functions of a kernel." From the article: "The finding, published last week in the journal Neuroscience, changes the way scientists understand nitric oxide's role in the brain, and it also has them rethinking the function of the thalamus, where it is released. The thalamus was thought to be a fairly primitive structure, sort of a gate that could either open and allow sensory information to stream into the cortex, the higher functioning part of the brain, or cut off the flow entirely. Godwin says the new research shows it's more accurate to think of the thalamus not as a gate but as a club bouncer, who doesn't simply allow a huge rush of people to go in or no one at all, but picks and chooses whom to let in and out. "

4 of 217 comments (clear)

  1. I can think it now. by suso · · Score: 5, Funny

    it's more accurate to think of the thalamus not as a gate but as a club bouncer, who doesn't simply allow a huge rush of people to go in or no one at all, but picks and chooses whom to let in and out. "

    Thalamus: Whoa buddy, you can't go in.
    Neuron: But, I'm with her!
    Thalamus: Her? Yeah right!
    Neuron: Cortica! Cortica! Come back! We can be together!

    [meanwhile in the real world]

    John: Hey Bobby, catch... whoa, heads up!
    Bobby: Owwww!

  2. Godwin? by computational+super · · Score: 5, Funny
    Godwin says the new research shows it's more accurate...

    But then they drifted off topic and started arguing about Nazis and Hitler and the discussion had to be ended.

    --
    Proud neuron in the Slashdot hivemind since 2002.
  3. The better question is, what do we call it? by s20451 · · Score: 5, Funny

    From the summary:

    The article describes its function as an operating system, but from the description it actually seems closer to the functions of a kernel.

    Does this mean we should call the brain the Brain/Thalamus? It's unfair to give the entire package precedence over the kernel, as one is useless without the other.

    --
    Toronto-area transit rider? Rate your ride.
  4. Re:From: Andy T. by daveed · · Score: 5, Funny

    -3000 BC. That's like 1000 years in the future man!