Artistic Modulation of Consciousness by Bioelectromagnetic Stimulation

The thesis demonstrates why the application of bioelectromagnetic stimulation as a medium of artistic expression allows for the production of new and unprecedented realisations of integrative art. Furthermore, the modulation of consciousness in human beings relating with such realisations is argued to be the core of a new practice of research resulting from the technological confluence of Philosophy, Art and Science. The Brunelleschi Experiment is examined in order to establish the assumption that one of the fundamental characteristics of Art is to impact consciousness of those interacting with its forms. The aspects of disembodiment of the previously referred experiment, instrumental in provoking such impact, are argued to be consistent with those found in the philosophy and practice of Fernando Pessoa. The practice of the Portuguese philosopher is presented as proto-foundational grounds of the new research practice proposed. The recent findings of Olaf Blanke, specially the ones regarding the induction of out-of-body experiences by bioelectromagnetic stimulation are reassessed as previous technological foundations of the new artistic realisations proposed. The practice of art was an instrumental part of the research and is therefore described as a methodology to access consciousness and generate knowledge, a thinking process. Research was undertaken in the context of two projects: Sensitive Spheres and Collectron. Both projects are representations of the social implications of perceiving human beings as electromagnetic manifestations. In the context of these projects, Bioelectromagnetism is understood as the study of the intersections between biological entities and the electromagnetic spectrum. Each project represents a culture of interactions between biological beings, including their spiritual dimension, in which art plays a fundamental role in creating alternative forms of communication as well as in congregating and mediating consciousnesses at a collective level. In conclusion, Homo Conscientis, an audiovisual integrative experience applying bioelectromagnetics, is presented as the first manifestation of the new practice proposed. Both its technical aspects and the observations resulting from its application have been thoroughly described.Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia, Portuga

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field