[sentient_machine]

I'm at the beginning of a research project that I believe can be greatly enhanced by evolutionary brain science. I saw Jeff Hawkins' TED talk, and then found this forum - it would be wonderful if the man himself could give some insight.

I'm studying biological vibrations and electromagnetic fields in the realm of chi - an energy that western scientists have supposedly debunked. There is, however, much evidence that such "life force" exists, but of course it is greatly misunderstood. The nervous system as we know it has existed in simpler forms during earlier stages in evolution, and like many other things of evolutionary benefit, it has grown in generations of complexity. The "gut's brain" is one anatomical entity with some congruency in eastern energy "sciences." Other studies have shown that energy practices significantly increase the gray matter of the brain. However, I know of no definitive research that can really make sense of this stuff – or how Hawkins would describe it: "a lack of theory or framework."

As a hardcore scientist, and as a practitioner of such arts - I have been called to make sense of these primarily mysterious phenomena. This so-called energy is undoubtedly a product of an evolutionarily older mind or a part of the brain that is still misunderstood. I am looking for advice and study direction from brain and anatomy experts like Dr. Hawkins. If you could give me links, feedback, and other things you think might enrich my area of study, then I would be greatly appreciative.