Thermodynamics of consciousness: Non-equilibrium brain dynamics track conscious states.
Cell Rep July 31, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117782 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that consciousness is linked to non-equilibrium brain dynamics, where conscious states maintain far-from-equilibrium thermodynamic activity, whereas unconscious states tend toward equilibrium. Proposes that thermodynamic measures can track and potentially quantify consciousness. |
Abstract
Thermodynamics of consciousness: Non-equilibrium brain dynamics track conscious states.