StarTalk Radio The Science of MDMA with Ben Rein
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May 10, 2024 Neuroscientist Ben Rein discusses the neuroscience of empathy, psychopathy, and MDMA in the brain with Neil deGrasse Tyson. Topics include MDMA's impact on empathy, personal experiences post-9/11, transformative experiences, firefighters' empathy levels, MDMA in psychotherapy for PTSD, and the impact of social media on empathy.
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How MDMA Alters Brain Chemistry
- MDMA causes large releases of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine across existing brain terminals.
- This combined flood produces both euphoria and stimulant effects that shape its empathogenic profile.
Serotonin Drives Social Effects
- Serotonin and dopamine effects of MDMA can be separated: serotonin drives pro-social empathy while dopamine drives reinforcement.
- Mouse experiments deleting serotonin transporters removed social effects but left reward-related effects intact.
Neil's Lasting Shift After 9/11
- Neil described his lasting heightened empathy after witnessing 9/11 events near the towers.
- He said the acute increase faded but settled at a permanently higher baseline of empathetic attention.