Research Topic: fMRI

Meditation, psychedelics, and brain connectivity: A randomized controlled resting-state fMRI study of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmine in a meditation retreat

Researchers studied how meditation combined with a psychedelic compound called DMT affects the brain. They scanned 40 experienced meditators before and after a 3-day retreat, with some receiving the psychedelic and others a placebo. While meditation alone reduced connections between different brain networks, the psychedelic enhanced certain connections, suggesting the two practices may complement each other in promoting mental health.

Read More »

Biological markers of treatment response to serotonergic psychedelic therapies: a systematic review

This review examines how scientists can predict which patients will benefit most from psychedelic-assisted therapy for depression by measuring biological markers in the brain and blood. Researchers found that certain brain changes and protein levels—particularly involving the amygdala, specific brain regions, and inflammation markers—appear linked to treatment success. While the current studies are small, they suggest that measuring these biological markers could eventually help doctors personalize psychedelic treatments for depression.

Read More »

Transient destabilization of whole brain dynamics induced by N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)

This study used computer models of brain activity to understand how the psychedelic drug DMT rapidly changes how the brain works during an acute experience. Researchers found that DMT pushes brain dynamics into a special state where the brain becomes hypersensitive to small changes or stimuli. This heightened sensitivity is strongest in brain regions rich in serotonin receptors and matches the expected timing of the drug’s effects, suggesting that brief psychedelic experiences may create lasting changes in the brain through this temporary destabilization window.

Read More »
Scroll to Top