For centuries, the question of what consciousness is—where it comes from, and what it does—was left to philosophers and mystics. But now, scientists across biology, neuroscience, and physics are ...

An unprecedented brain study has delivered fresh clues about consciousness—suggesting it's more about perception than planning. Two leading theories went head-to-head, but neither emerged victorious.

What gives rise to human consciousness? Are some parts of the brain more important than others? Scientists began tackling these questions in more depth about 35 years ago. Researchers have made ...