this post was submitted on 30 Sep 2024
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[–] sunyata@mander.xyz 8 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

The authors show that stabilizing the microtubules network with epothilone B delays the onset of unconsciousness in rats under isoflurane anesthesia by one minute.

This suggests that a normal microtubules network is required for normal neuronal function. This is expected, considering the microtubules network is essential for cell shape and intercellular transport, among other things.

Taking this as evidence or even concluding that quantum microtubules vibrations are responsible for consciousness is a very big stretch.

I'm also unclear why this would be specific to neurons or higher animals for that matter. Virtually every eukaryotic cells has microtubules.

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