Christof Koch, a famous neuroscientist, spoke at the 15th Behind and Beyond the Brain Symposium in Lisbon. He asked if the brain really creates consciousness, which means being aware of ourselves and the world. Scientists have studied the brain for many years, but they still do not know why brain activity makes us feel conscious.

Koch says this mystery is very important. He explained that science can show which brain parts are active when we see something or have a memory, but it cannot show why we have the feeling of being aware. This problem is known as the "hard problem of consciousness."

Because of this mystery, Koch wants to look at special experiences such as near-death experiences and terminal lucidity, when some very ill people suddenly become clear-minded. He believes studying these events may help scientists understand consciousness better.