Connectome Projects and Mentality

The various Connectome Projects were undertaken to clarify how the brain works by detailing neural ultrastructures in the brains of c. elgans, mouse and humans. The stated aims of the Connectome projects are: a. To unravel the synaptic-scale organization of the brain. b. To chart the circuits that coordinate the brain's many functions. c. To understand fundamental cognitive operations A review by Eisenstein of these Connectomic Collaborations discussed the results. But this review was somewhat lacking in critical perspective, as will be elaborated below. The Connectome groups as well as Eisenstein review failed to point to the overlooked aspects of neural structure, namely, the neural extracellular matrix hydrogel (nECM/PNN) surrounding all neurons. The presence of nECM/PNN was confirmed by alternate staining techniques, by electron microscopy (TEM, SEM) and mass spectrometry. Thus, there are no " naked " neurons. However, few neuroscientists incorporated these findings into their evaluation of neural connectivity or mental talent. We have previously proposed a tripartite mechanism of neural memory based on a biochemical mechanism, where cognitive unit of information (cuinfo) are realized as metal-centered complexes in the nECM/PNN. The cuinfo code permits the encoding of emotive states by complexing neurotransmitters (NTs) released by neurons/glial cells. Thus, we summarize the facts and hypothesize an operative process. The myopia of the Connectome group and the reviewer blinded them to the totality of neural ultrastructure which includes nECM/PNN and rendered them incapable of formulating a credible mechanism of brain mentality, though they did admit that "the more we know (about structure), the harder it is to turn this into an easy-to-understand model".