How to measure consciousness | New Scientist Weekly podcast 206

A major theory of consciousness is being put to the test with brain scans. Integrated information theory proposes a value called "phi" to represent consciousness and in a new experiment, it seems to work. Does the discovery bring us any closer to solving the elusive “hard problem” of neuroscience?

Plus: Graphene has been hailed as a super material since its synthesis in 2004. But, unbeknownst to us, nature has long-been producing graphene, right under our noses. Understanding natural graphene production could revolutionise the way we create this remarkable material.

A roarsome discovery of two previously unknown sabre-toothed cat species in South Africa provides insights into their cheetah-like and leopard-like lifestyles. Could chargrilled mushrooms be the key to fireproofing our homes? A team in Melbourne, Australia, unveiled a fire-resistant material created from the mycelium of edible mushrooms this week.

And finally, some intriguing space discoveries, including the Janus star, with its unique hydrogen-helium split surface, a giant exoplanet called PDS 70b, which reveals a potential sibling forming in its orbit, marking the first time two planets have been found to share an orbit.

On the pod are Timothy Revell, Christie Taylor, Clare Wilkins, Corryn Wetzel and Alex Wilkins.

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[AllenJohn]

Which 10 grade Social Science student wrote the script for you guys?

[BavonWW]

This giggety goop was OK'ed by the New Scientist? 🤔

[jackwt]

Some people evolved from cats, some people evolved from dogs, some people evolved from pigs, some people evolved from foxes, some people evolved from rabbits....
To be a human, you first need to be a baby animal to practice.🐖🐕🦊🐇🐬

[richard_d_bird]

i thought maybe you would start with a simpler overall system, like say a rock. i bet a rock would work.