Neural basis of non-conscious visual working memory.
Recent research indicates that human observers can perform high-level cognitive tasks typically associated with working memory processes (e.g. learning of complex item sequences, reading, arithmetic or delayed visual discrimination) independently of conscious awareness of the relevant information. However, the neural basis of this phenomenon is not known. Here we show neuroimaging and neurostimulation evidence that the dorsolateral and anterior prefrontal cortex can operate on non-conscious information in a manner that goes beyond automatic forms of sensorimotor priming and which may support implicit working memory processes and higher-level cognitive function.
Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Division of Brain Sciences, London, UK.
Agneish
A
Dutta
Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Division of Brain Sciences, London, UK.
Kushal
K
Shah
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Westminster, 309 Regent Street, London W1B 2HW, UK.
Juha
J
Silvanto
Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Division of Brain Sciences, London, UK. Electronic address: d.soto@imperial.ac.uk.
David
D
Soto
D003463:Cues; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D059906:Neuroimaging; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D011932:Reading; D017603:Signal Detection, Psychological; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
D010100:Oxygen
Consciousness; Prefrontal; Vision; Working memory