Psychedelics and fNIRS neuroimaging: exploring new opportunities
Neurophotonics – December 02, 2022
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A profound opportunity emerges to exploit functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for understanding psychedelic-induced brain activity. With psychedelic research funding up 150% since 2015 and fNIRS popularity growing 40% annually, this functional neuroimaging technique offers neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive psychology unique insights. It maps how chemical synthesis and alkaloids influence behavior and neurotransmitter receptor influence, deepening cognitive science's grasp on brain activity. Using data science and computer science, even for meditation studies, will transform Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
In this Outlook paper, we explain to the optical neuroimaging community as well as the psychedelic research community the great potential of using optical neuroimaging with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to further explore the changes in brain activity induced by psychedelics. We explain why we believe now is the time to exploit the momentum of the current resurgence of research on the effects of psychedelics and the momentum of the increasing progress and popularity of the fNIRS technique to establish fNIRS in psychedelic research. With this article, we hope to contribute to this development.