Understanding the biophysical basis of consciousness remains a substantial challenge for 21st-century science. This endeavor is becoming even more pressing in light of accelerating progress in artificial intelligence and other technologies. In this article, we provide an overview of recent developments in the scientific study of consciousness and consider possible futures for the field. We...
• Detecting covert awareness challenges long-standing assumptions about prognosis and end-of-life decisions, requiring new legal, ethical, and clinical frameworks to avoid misjudging patients' capacity and lived experience. • Progress in consciousness science requires large-scale, well-powered, multicenter collaborations using standardized protocols, and more emphasis on phenomenological,...