正因为如此，研究者提出了一个颠覆直觉的结论：在大脑中，算法就是载体。物理结构并不是计算 的"外壳"，而是计算本身。意识，正是从这种特殊的计算物质中涌现出来的，而不是从某段抽象代码 中"跳"出来的。 这一观点也为理解人工智能设定了新的边界。当前的AI系统，无论多么强大，本质上仍是在传统硬件 上模拟功能。它们可以逼近某些行为结果，但计算与物理实现是分离的，时间是分步更新的，能量几乎 不构成内在约束。相比之下，大脑的计算发生在真实的物理时间中，由连续场和离散事件共同驱动，这 些正是支撑意识整合性和连续体验的关键机制。 研究者也特别强调，这并不意味着"只有生物才能有意识"。他们并未宣称意识必须依赖碳基生命，而是 指出，如果意识真的依赖这种生物式计算，那么未来的人工意识，可能需要全新的物理系统，而不仅仅 是更复杂的代码。关键不在于材料是不是生物，而在于是否具备混合连续与离散、跨尺度紧密耦合、并 受到能量约束的计算结构。从这个角度看，追问"机器运行什么算法才能有意识"也许问错了方向。真正 重要的问题可能是：什么样的物理系统，才能让计算与自身动态不可分离？只有当计算不再是附着在硬 件之上的抽象描述，而成为系统自身的一种存在 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the significant advancements in consciousness research in 2025, highlighting the failure of two dominant theories and the unexpected support for quantum consciousness theory [4][6][15]. - A landmark study published in *Nature* involved a large-scale adversarial collaboration that tested two competing theories of consciousness, leading to the conclusion that neither theory emerged victorious, marking a shift towards empirical science in the field [7][15]. - New findings suggest that consciousness may not be solely a cortical phenomenon, with evidence pointing to the thalamus and brainstem playing crucial roles in conscious perception [16][19][20]. Adversarial Collaboration in Consciousness Research - The COGITATE alliance, comprising 41 researchers from 12 labs, conducted the largest adversarial study in consciousness science, establishing a new paradigm for research [7][8]. - The two theories tested were the Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and the Global Neuronal Workspace Theory (GNWT), each representing different metaphors for understanding consciousness [9][12]. - The results indicated that while IIT had some tactical victories, it failed to confirm its core mechanisms, and GNWT faced significant challenges, leading to the conclusion that both theories had limitations [13][14][15]. Thalamic Role in Consciousness - A study from a Chinese team revealed that when individuals become aware of stimuli, signals first activate in the thalamus before reaching the prefrontal cortex, suggesting a critical gating role for the thalamus [19][20]. - The findings indicate that the coupling strength between thalamic nuclei and the lateral prefrontal cortex is significantly higher than with other brain regions, emphasizing the thalamus's importance in conscious perception [20][22]. Quantum Consciousness Theory - The article discusses a revival of quantum consciousness theory, which posits that consciousness arises from quantum processes within neuronal microtubules, a concept previously dismissed by mainstream neuroscience [28][34]. - Recent studies have provided experimental support for this theory, linking anesthetic mechanisms to quantum effects in the brain [30][32][33]. Cognitive Motor Dissociation - A significant study found that 25% of patients diagnosed as being in a vegetative state actually exhibit cognitive motor dissociation, indicating they can understand and respond to commands internally, despite being unable to physically react [36][38][39]. - This discovery has profound ethical implications, as it challenges the assumptions about the consciousness of patients in critical care settings [38][39]. AI Consciousness and Ethical Considerations - A commentary by Turing Award winner Yoshua Bengio raised alarms about the potential misattribution of consciousness to AI systems, warning against giving AI self-preservation goals [41][43]. - Contrasting views suggest that advanced AI models may possess some form of conscious experience, with estimates of 15% to 20% probability of such experiences occurring in interactions with cutting-edge AI [44][46]. New Infrastructure in Consciousness Research - The article highlights advancements in consciousness research infrastructure, including digital twins for virtual clinical trials and new brain-computer interface technologies that enhance the ability to study and interact with consciousness [75][80]. - These innovations are paving the way for more precise medical interventions and a deeper understanding of consciousness disorders [78][83].