Core Concept - The article explores the significance of the concept of "zero" in both mathematics and neuroscience, emphasizing its role in understanding absence and perception of nothingness [1][2][3]. Group 1: Historical Context of Zero - The Sumerians invented a placeholder system around 5000 years ago, leading to the creation of the concept of zero to represent empty positions in numbers [6][10]. - The acceptance of zero faced challenges in ancient Greece, where the concept of "nothing" was philosophically rejected, contrasting with Indian culture that embraced the idea of void [12][14]. - Fibonacci's introduction of zero to Europe in the 13th century faced skepticism, but its practical applications in commerce eventually led to its acceptance [14][16]. Group 2: Psychological and Developmental Aspects - Children take longer to grasp the concept of zero compared to other natural numbers, reflecting a cognitive shift from tangible to abstract thinking [21][24]. - Research indicates that infants can detect numerical discrepancies but struggle with the concept of zero, highlighting the complexity of understanding absence [21][24]. Group 3: Neuroscientific Insights - Recent studies have identified "zero neurons" in the brains of primates, which respond specifically to the absence of stimuli, suggesting a neural basis for understanding zero [26][29]. - The brain's representation of zero may share characteristics with the perception of absence, indicating a deeper connection between the two concepts [32][59]. - Emerging theories in consciousness, such as Perceptual Reality Monitoring (PRM) and Higher-Order State Space Theory (HOSS), propose that the brain has specialized mechanisms for processing the absence of stimuli [45][57]. Group 4: Philosophical Implications - The exploration of zero and absence raises philosophical questions about existence and perception, suggesting that understanding zero could unlock insights into consciousness itself [50][54]. - The relationship between zero and the concept of nothingness is posited as a potential key to understanding human awareness and cognitive processes [54][57].