Anesthesia blocks consciousness via quantum microtubule effects, Stuart Hameroff argues ahead of Tucson conference
JosephJacks_ · x · 2026-10-12
Consciousness researcher Stuart Hameroff argues that anesthesia selectively blocks consciousness through quantum effects on microtubules, sparing nonconscious brain activity. He contends propofol and ketamine bind microtubules as well as GABAA/NMDA receptors, and that genomics, proteomics, optogenetics and pharmacodynamics all point to microtubules — criticizing mainstream neuroscience's 1950s-era 'cartoon neuron' membrane-receptor theories. The discussion ties into The Science of Consciousness 2026 conference in San Diego (Oct 11–16, 2026), covering panpsychism, illusionism, integrated information and the boundaries of sentience.
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