Study highlights what connects human senses and thoughts | News

The neocortex of the human brain is responsible for our ability to think, determine, remember recent experiences, and so on. Neuroscientists have now discovered important parts of the mechanisms underlying these functions. Their discoveries may eventually help treat some neuropsychiatric diseases and brain damage. Scientists have long known that the neocortex integrates information flows known as feedforward and feedback. The sensory systems of the brain transfer data from the periphery (our senses) to the higher-order parts of the neocortex. These high-level brain regions then transmit feedback data to alter and adjust sensory processing. This two-way communication allows the brain to pay attention, retain short-term memories, and make judgments.