Mind & Matter Psychedelics, Functional Neuroimaging & the Human Brain | Joshua Siegel | 188
Nov 13, 2024
Joshua Siegel, a psychiatrist and systems neuroscientist at NYU, explores the fascinating realm of psychedelics and their impact on the brain. He discusses how fMRI technology unveils the intricate relationship between neural activity and blood flow. Siegel delves into the role of the serotonin 2A receptor and its significance in understanding psychedelics. The conversation also highlights the challenges of subjective experiences in clinical trials, revealing how individual expectations can shape treatment outcomes.
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Siegel's Research Journey
- Joshua Siegel was in psychiatry residency and began psilocybin research at WashU.
- COVID-19 pandemic froze research, giving him time to immerse himself in the field.
fMRI Basics
- fMRI measures blood oxygenation changes, indirectly reflecting neural activity.
- Functional connectivity reveals correlated brain activity, showing how different regions communicate.
fMRI and Blood Flow
- Neural activity is energy-intensive, requiring increased blood flow for ATP replenishment.
- fMRI measures this blood flow change, not directly the neural activity itself.