What evidence is there that single neurons are involved in consciousness? 34:20 - 41:25 minutes
Professor Kristoff Kahr(spelling?) was able to conduct tests using sound reproductions of neuron activity to indicate response to visual stimuli. They are able to conduct surgeries that harness or amplify electronic signals of neurons. In one experiment, a subject's neurons responded to images of Halle Barry whereas a different subject's neurons responded to images of Jennifer Aniston. Results depended on the individual, and the specific stimuli. This does not mean that consciousness is the single neurons themselves, but that the processes that neurons go through interacting with each other play a vital role in consciousness.
It would be interesting to test how familiarity with any content influences this kind of activity. In fact, as Sautoy was talking to people dressed in costume on the street, they seemed to have no idea what he was talking about when he mentioned about neurons. Nor did they even know who he was. Perhaps they did not have much neuron activity going on in response to Sautoy. While most of us have an idea of what a neuron is, there was no context for Sautoy to talk to the actors about neurons. The doctors and professors he visited, on the other hand, had a lot to say.
