Survey asked neuroscientists if memories can be extracted from the deceased. Here's their response

Neuroscientists debate the 40% probability of memory extraction from preserved brains.

: A survey among 312 neuroscientists, led by Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston from Monash University, explored the feasibility of extracting memories from deceased brains. Participants suggested a 40% probability for this capability, though consensus on the exact neural basis of memories remains elusive. The survey also examined the possibility of brain emulation through techniques like aldehyde-stabilized cryopreservation, revealing differing opinions on the required resolution. Researchers believe memory has a molecular record but are unclear which neurophysiological features are crucial for preservation.

A recent survey of 312 neuroscientists explored the possibility of extracting memories from deceased individuals, assuming their brains were preserved in ideal conditions. Most respondents—around 70%—agreed that long-term memories have a physical basis in the brain, likely through structural changes in synapses and neural circuits. However, they acknowledged major uncertainty about the specific biological features responsible for encoding those memories.

When asked to estimate the probability of recovering at least some memories from a well-preserved brain, the median response was about 40%. This suggests that while scientists believe memory retrieval is theoretically possible, they remain cautious due to current technological and conceptual limitations. The responses also reflected similar probabilities regarding whole-brain emulation, indicating consistent skepticism about recreating minds from brain tissue alone.

The survey further examined expectations for when such brain emulation might become feasible. For simple organisms like the roundworm C. elegans, scientists predicted the year 2045; for mice, 2065; and for humans, around 2125. These timelines reflect optimism tempered by realism about the complexity of the human brain and the challenges in mapping it at the molecular or synaptic level.

Importantly, neuroscientists emphasized that even with perfect structural preservation, context is key. Memories may depend not just on physical arrangements but also on dynamic activity, chemical states, and life experiences. Therefore, static brain scans might not be sufficient to reconstruct meaningful memories, especially those tied to emotions or time-based events.

In conclusion, while the majority of neuroscientists surveyed support the idea that memories could be physically stored in the brain and might be extractable, they stress that the path toward practical recovery—especially in humans—is still highly theoretical and distant. Future breakthroughs in neuroscience, imaging, and computational modeling will be essential for turning this speculative vision into reality.

Sources: Gizmodo, PLOS One, PMC, Yahoo News

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