Neuroscience has long worshiped the neocortex—the brain’s hub for sophisticated thought. But consciousness may originate ...

In this blog series, we’ve been discussing consciousness and how it relates to various cognitive functions, such as attention, emotions, and self-regulation. While “consciousness” can be defined in ...

Ever since we published our very first issue 123 years ago—yes, we’re old—Popular Mechanics has endeavored to help you understand all kinds of technological marvels, from the tools in your shed, to ...

As AI—and the ethical debate surrounding it—accelerates, scientists argue that understanding consciousness is now more urgent ...

Can sea slugs form abstract thoughts? Do we dare to see any "purpose" in evolution? Is the subjective just a complicated form ...

More than half a billion people around the world have downloaded artificial-intelligence chatbot companion apps such as Xiaoice and Replika. These virtual confidantes can provide empathy, support and, ...

“Find your purpose“ has become such common advice that few question it. But rather than inspirational, it can feel like a burden. How do I go about finding this, and what if I never do? This is ...