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The Brain Has a 'Low-Power Mode' That Blunts Our Senses

The Quanta Podcast

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The Effects of a Higher Spike Rate on Visual Cortical Nerves

Mice deprived of food could not distinguish between bars at different angles. This was because their neurons couldn't be as selective about the line orientations that made them fire, so their responses became less precise. The results suggest that brains prioritize functions that are most critical to survival.

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