AI detects dementia types brain scan

AI Tool Detects 9 Dementia Types from a Single Brain Scan: Mayo Clinic Breakthrough

Breakthrough AI Tool from Mayo Clinic Enables Early and Accurate Dignosis

Study Findings and Diagnostic Performance

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have unveiled an AI-driven tool enabling clinicians to detect brain activity signatures associated with nine forms of dementia—including Alzheimer's—via a single, commonly used scan, marking a significant leap forward in early and precise diagnosis.

According to a study published on 27 June 2025 in Neurology. StateViewer correctly identified dementia types in 88% of cases. The AI tool also expedited scan interpretation, achieving nearly double the speed and up to triple the accuracy of traditional diagnostic approaches. The system was trained and evaluated using more than 3,600 brain images, including those from healthy participants.

Addressing Diagnostic Challenges in Dementia Care

This breakthrough tackles a fundamental hurdle in dementia care—achieving early and accurate diagnosis, even in cases involving overlapping conditions. With new therapies on the horizon, prompt identification ensures patients receive the most suitable treatment when it proves most effective. The tool offers advanced diagnostic capabilities to practices without  specialist neurology support.

The Growing Burden of Dementia

Global Impact and Current Diagnostic Limitations

Dementia currently impacts over 55 million individuals worldwide, with almost 10 million new diagnoses annually. Alzheimer's disease, the predominant subtype, now ranks as the fifth most common cause of death. Diagnosis involves memory assessments, blood tests, scans, clinical evaluations and specialist referrals—yet even experts find it difficult to differentiate between Alzheimer's, Lewy body and frontotemporal dementias.

StateViewer: A Vision Realized through AI Collaboration

Leadership Behind the Innovation

StateViewer was created under the leadership of Dr. David Jones a consultant neurologist and head fo the Neurology Artificial Intelligence Programme at the Mayo Clinic.

"Each patient who enters my clinic brings with them a story uniquely influenced by the brain's intricate workings," says Dr. Jones. "That complexity is what attracted me to neurology and still fuels my dedication to clearer diagnoses. StateViewer embodies that passion—progress toward earlier insight, more accurate treatment and ultimately, altering the course of these conditions."

AI Engineering and Patient-Focused Design

To realize that vision, Dr. Jones collaborated with Leland Barnard, Ph.D. the data scientist spearheading the AI engineering of StateViewer.

"Throughout the development of StateViewer, we remained acutely aware that each data point and brain scan represented a person grappling with a challenging diagnosis and pressing concerns," says Dr. Barnard. "Witnessing how this tool can offer clinicians timely, accurate insights underscores the promise of machine learning within clinical practice."

Translating Brain Activity into Clinical Understanding

How the StateViewer Tool Works

The tool interprets an FDG-PET scan—used to assess how the brain metabolizes glucose energy—and cross-references it with a comprehensive database of scan from individuals with confirmed dementia, detecting patterns linked to distinct or overlapping dementia types.

Dementia Subtype Detection

Alzheimer's generally impacts regins associated with memory and cognition, while Lewy body dementia affects area governing attention and motor function. Frontotemporal dementia, meanwhile disrupts language and behavioural centers.

Visual Insights for All Clinicians

StateViewer employs colour-coded brain maps to visually depict these patterns, enabling all clinicians—even those without neurology backgrounds—to comprehend the AI's diagnostic rationale.

Future Prospects and Clinical Integration

Researchers at the Mayo clinic intend to broaden the tool's application and will carry on assessing it effectiveness across diverse clinical environemtns.

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infrared contact lenses human night vision

Revolutionary Lenses Allow Humans to See in the Dark Without Opening Eyes

A Breakthrough in Noninvasive Vision Enhancement

A team of neuroscientists and materials scientists has developed contact lenses that grant infrared sight in humans and mice by transmuting infrared into visible light. Unlike traditional night-vision googles, these lenses—reported in Cell—need no external power and allow perception of several infrared bands. Their transparency permits simultaneous viewing of infrared and visible light, with superior IR vision when the eyes are closed.

"Our findings pave the way for wearable, noninvasive technologies that could grant humans enhanced vision," remarks Tian Xue, lead researchers and neuroscientist at the University of Science and Technology of China. "The material offers immediate possibilities—flickering infrared light, for instance, may serve to relay data in contexts such as security, rescue operations, encryption or anti-counterfeiting."

How the Infrared Contact Lenses Work

Nano-particles Convert Infrared to Visible Light

The contact lens employs nano-particles capable of absorbing infrared radiation and converting it into light within the visible spectrum (approximately 400 to 700 nanometers), perceivable by mammalian eyes. These particles are designed to detect near-infrared wavelengths, ranging from 800 to 1600 nanometers—just beyond the natural limits of human vision.

Earlier Research and Motivation

The researchers had earlier demonstrated that injecting these nano-particles into the retina could grant mice infrared vision, though their aim was to develop a less intrusive alternative.

Design and Testing of the Contact Lenses

Safe Integration with Soft Lens Polymers

The researchers fashioned the contact lenses by integrating the nano-particles with pliable, non-toxic polymers commonly found in conventional soft lenses. Upon confirming their safety, the lenses were tested on both humans and mice.

Mice Behavioral Evidence of Infrared Vision

The researchers observed that mice fitted with contact lenses exhibited behaviors indicative of infrared vision. When offered a choice between a dark enclosure and one lit with infrared light, lens-wearing mice opted for the dark, unlike their untreated counterparts.

Physiological and Brain Activation Indicators

The mice exhibited physical indicators of infrared vision, with their pupils narrowing in response to infrared light. Imaging also showed activation in the brain's visual processing centers when exposed to such wavelengths.

Human Trials and Performance

Recognition of Infrared Signals

Human participants wearing the infrared contact lenses were able to correctly identify flickering Morse code-style signals and determine the source direction of the infrared light.

"It's perfectly straightforward-without the contact lenses, the subjects sees nothing. With them on, they can plainly observe the flickering of the infrared light," remarked Xue.

Closed-Eye Detection Advantage

"We discovered that subjects were better at detecting the flickering when their eyes were closed, as near-infrared light passes through the eyelids more efficiently than visible light, reducing interference."

Multiband and Colour-Coded Infrared Vision

Assigning Colours to Infrared Wavelengths

A further modification to the lenses enables wearers to distinguish among various bands of infrared light, with nanoparticles designed to assign distinct colours to each wavelength—such as blue for 980 nm, green for 808 nm and red for 1,532 nm.

Aid for Colour-Blind Users

Beyond enhancing perception of infrared details, the colour-coded nanoparticles may also be adapted to assist those with colour blindness in detecting wavelengths they typically cannot see.

"Through converting red wavelengths into green ones, this innovation could help blind users perceive previously invisible elements," says Xue.

Improving Visual Clarity and Signal Detection

Wearable Glasses for Sharper Infrared Imaging

Due to the contact lenses' limited capacity for fine detail—owing to their closeness to the retina causing scattered light—the researchers devised a wearable glass system using the same nanoparticles, offering sharper infrared perception.

Future Developments in Sensitivity

At present, the contact lenses can solely detect infrared light emitted by LED sources, though scientists are striving to enhance the nanoparticles' sensitivity to pick up weaker infrared signals.

"In time, through collaboration with materials scientists and optics specialists, we aim to develop a contact lens boasting finer resolution and improved sensitivity," said Xue.

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safe sweeteners that fight bacteria

Scientists Discover Artificial Sweetener That Can Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

The artificial sweetener saccharin, typically used in products like sugar-free drinks and diet yogurts, has demonstrated effectiveness in eliminating multidrug-resistant bacteria, including highly dangerous pathogens.

The Growing Threat of Antibiotic Resistance

"Antibiotic resistance poses a significant challenge to contemporary medicine," notes Professor Ronan McCarthy, lead researcher at Brunel University's Antimicrobial Innovations Center.

"Antibiotics are essential in preventing infections during procedures like tooth extractions and cancer therapies, yet their effectiveness is diminishing as resistance grows."

Global Impact of AMR

In 2019, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths and associated with nearly 5 million fatalities worldwide.

WHO's List of Priority Pathogens

The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed drug-resistant pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannil, known for severe infections in immunocompromised individuals, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, associated with sepsis and chronic lung conditions, as top-priority threats.

Saccharin Emerges as a Novel Antimicrobial Agent

"In groundbreaking research by our team, we've discovered saccharin as a novel antimicrobial agent," said Prof. McCarthy. "It disrupts bacterial cell walls, causing deformation and rupture, ultimately destroying the pathogens. Importantly, this disruption allows antibiotics to penetrate and overcome bacterial defenses."

A Sweetener with Hidden Ability

Saccharin has been staple in the human diet for over a century. Although it has undergone extensive safety testing in humans, its impact on bacteria was not well understood until a recent study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine.

Mechanism of Action

The international research team discovered that saccharin halts bacterial growth, interferes with DNA replication and prevents the formation of biofilms—protective structures that enhance bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

From Lab to Applications: Saccharin-Infused Wound Dressing

The team developed a hydrogel wound dressing infused with saccharin, which demonstrated superior performance to top hospital-grade silver-based antimicrobial dressing in testing.

Transforming Treatment Strategies

"This discovery is incredibly promising," said Prof. McCarthy. "While new antibiotics typically require decades and immense investment, saccharin is already widespread—and it both destroys resistant bacteria and enhances existing antibiotic therapies."

Sweeteners Beyond Taste

"Many diet and sugar-free products contain artificial sweeteners. Our research has shown that these same sweeteners, often used in beverages like coffee or 'sugar-free' drinks, can make some of the most harmful bacteria more treatable."

A Looming Crisis and a Ray of Hope

The World Health Organization cautions that we may soon enter a "Post-Antibiotic era," where routine infection could prove fatal. Excessive antibiotic use in healthcare and agriculture has hastened resistance, while new treatments remain scarce.

Urgency for New Solutions

"This alarming scenario calls for urgent intervention," stated Prof. McCarthy. "Saccharin may offer a novel and promising path forward in combating drug-resistant infections."

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sleep duration blood sugar metabolic health

Sleep's Role in Metabolic Health: How It Impacts Blood Sugar Balance

Introduction

A study conducted by the Westlake Laboratory of Life Science and biomedicine in China reveals that insufficient sleep duration and delayed sleep onset contribute to heightened glycemic variability in adults. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data showed that individuals with chronic sleep deprivation and late bedtimes exhibit greater fluctuations in blood glucose, potentially influencing strategies for diabetes prevention and control.

The Importance of Blood Sugar Regulation in Metabolic Health

Blood sugar regulations is essential for metabolic health, as glucose fluctuations are associated with diabetes-related complications. While prior studies have linked insufficient sleep to impaired glucose metabolism, the long-term effects of sleep patterns on glycemic variability remain insufficiently studied. To bridge this gap, researchers monitored sleep trajectories over several years to evaluate their influence on blood glucose regulation.

Study Overview: Linking Sleep Duration & Onset to Blood Sugar Variability

Research Methodology & Participants

A recent study, titled "Trajectories of Sleep Duration, Sleep Onset Timing, and Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults," published in JAMA Network Open, employed a prospective cohort approach to investigate the long-term effects of sleep duration and onset timing on glycemic variability.

The research examined 1,156 individuals, aged 46 to 83, from the Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study, a long-term community-based cohort in Guangdong, China. Participants completed self-reported sleep assessments at multiple visits and used CGM devices for 14 consecutive days to track real-time blood glucose fluctuations.

Sleep Duration & Onset Timing Patterns

The study identified four distinct sleep duration trajectories:

• Severe Inadequate Sleep (4.7 to 4.1 hours per night)
• Moderate Inadequate Sleep (6.0 to 5.5 hours)
• Mild Inadequate Sleep (7.2 to 6.8 hours)
• Adequate Sleep (8.4 to 8.0 hours)

Additionally, two sleep onset timing patterns emerged:

• Persistent early sleep onset
• Persistent late sleep onset

How Sleep Affects Blood Sugar Stability

Impact of Sleep Duration on Glycemic Variability

According to CGM data, participants in the severe inadequate sleep category demonstrated:

• A 2.87% elevation in glycemic variability (CV)
• A 0.06 mmol/L increase in mean amplitude of daily glucose fluctuations (MODD)

Impact of Late Sleep Onset on Blood Sugar Levels

Analysis indicated that individuals with late sleep onset had:

• 1.18% higher glycemic variability
• 0.02 mmol/L increase in MODD

The Cumulative Effect of Poor Sleep Patterns

Notably, participants who exhibited both delayed sleep timing and reduced sleep duration displayed the most pronounced glucose fluctuations, reinforcing the notion of a cumulative metabolic burden.

The Need for Healthy Sleep Patterns

Prolonged insufficient sleep duration and delayed sleep onset were associated with heightened blood glucose variability, indicating their collective role in metabolic disturbances.

Key Takeway

Results highlight the importance of maintaining healthy sleep patterns, particularly adequate duration and early onset, in promoting glycemic stability and mitigating diabetes risks.

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The Future of Molecular Imaging: Insect Vision-Inspired Deep Tissue Mapping

Introduction: A Breakthrough in Molecular Imaging

A recent study published in Advanced Materials unveils a novel technique for tracking molecular processes deep within tissue. Developed at the Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, this breakthrough holds promise for advancing personlized medicine, cancer diagnostics, and early disease detection.

Study Leaders and Collaborators

The study was conducted under the leadership of Prof. Hossam Haick, alongside postdoctoral fellow Dr. Arnab Maity and Ph.D., candidate Vivian Darsa Maidantchik from the Technion's Wolfson Faculty of Chemical engineering. Collaborators included Dr. Dalit Barkan, research assistant Dr. Keren Weidenfeld, and Prof. Sarit Larisch from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Haifa.

Technion's Method: Functional and Molecular Mapping of Organoids

Technion researchers have developed a method for functional and molecular mapping of organoids—3D cellular models that mimic the structural and functional properties of natural tissues. These organoids are instrumental in biomedical research, enabling scientists to:

• Investigate disease mechanisms
• Evaluate therapeutic interventions

Challenges in Organoid Tracking

Despite their promise, organoids encounter significant technological challenges, particularly in tracking internal tissue processes. Current techniques are costly and have notable drawbacks:

• RNA sequencing: Destroy the tissue
• Confocal Microscopy: Cannot probe deep-tissue activity

Technion's Cost-Effective & Non-Invasive Innovation

The Technion's innovation addresses these challenges with a cost-effective, precise, and non-invasive technique, enabling real-time monitoring of structural and molecular changes in organoids.

Chemical Tomography: A New Method in Deep-Tissue Monitoring

The newly developed technique, known as chemical tomography, enables the functional analysis of tissues by detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in breath, saliva, sweat, and other bodily fluids.

VOC-Based Diagnostics in Disease Detection

Prof. Haick, a globally recognized authority in VOC-based diagnostics, has pioneered several breakthrough technologies for early disease detection.

Mapping the Molecular and Functional Landscape of Organoids

This study leveraged VOC monitoring to dynamically map the molecular and functional landscape of a human breast tissue organoid, uncovering critical protein and genomic markers linked to cancerous transformation.

AI-Driven Graphene Sensor System Inspired by Insect Vision

The system utilizes a graphene-based sensor array to detect VOCs, with the data being analyzed by generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Insect Vision as a Model for AI Processing

Drawing inspiration from insect compound eyes, where multiple small eyes provide various images to the brain:

• Graphene sensors act as the 'eyes'
• AI functions as the 'brain' for data processing and interpretation

Advantages of the New System

The innovative system enables real-time, dynamic mapping of organoids at a substantially reduced cost compared to conventional methods, while preserving tissue integrity. This breakthrough allows researchers to:

• Monitor cancer progression across different stages
• Enhance their understanding of cancer biology
• Identify biochemical pathways, metabolic markers, and molecular processes involved in tumor development

Biochemical Pathways & Disease Biomarkers

Leveraging this novel approach, the researchers identified six key biochemical pathways responsible for generating 12 distinct VOCs, which have the potential to serve as biomarkers for various disease states.

Beyond Cancer: Future Applications in Personalized Medicine

Prof. Haick emphasized that beyond oncology, this system holds promise for diagnosing conditions affecting the kidneys, brain, and liver.

Real-Time Health Monitoring & AI Integration

Additionally, it can wirelessly transmit real-time physiological data to an external monitoring platform, facilitating continuous health tracking and early disease detection—marking a significant advancement in AI-driven personalized medicine.

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Revolutionizing Deep Tissue Imaging with AI!

This breakthrough in molecular imaging is transforming personalized medicine and cancer diagnostics. With a graphene-based sensor array and AI-driven data analysis, researchers can now achieve real-time, non-invasive tissue mapping.

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epigenetic echoes violence genetic impact

Epigenetic Echoes: How Violence Imprints Lasting Genetic Marks on Future Generations

The 1982 Hama Massacre and Its Lasting Impact

In 1982, the Syrian government laid siege to Hama, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands during sectarian violence. Four decades later, the memory of this massacre fueled rebels' efforts to overthrow the Assad regime responsible for the brutal act.

Genetic Imprints of War: A Legacy Passed Down

Another enduring consequence of the attack lies within the genetic makeup of Syrian families. Grandchildren of women who were pregnant during the siege—despite never experiencing the violence firsthand—carry its imprint in their genomes.

Epigenetics and the Transmission of Trauma

Inherited through maternal lineage, this genetic signature provides the first human evidence of a phenomenon previously observed only in animals—the intergenerational transmission of stress at the molecular level.

"Recognizing that trauma and violence can impact future generations should foster greater empathy and encourage policymakers to prioritize addressing violence," said Connie Mulligan, Ph.D., Professor of Anthropology and the Genetics Institute at the University of Florida, and senior author of the study.

"This phenomenon may offer insight into the persistent intergenerational cycles of abuse, poverty, and trauma observed worldwide, including in the United States."

How Trauma Leaves a Molecular Mark

While our DNA remains uncharged by lived experiences, epigenetic processes enable its functional tuning. Stress and environmental stimuli can lead to chemical modifications that adjust gene activity, potentially aiding adaptation, though the extent of these effects remains unclear.

Investigating the Epigenetic Legacy in Syrian Families

The chemical indicators identified by Mulligan and her team were the key targets in their investigation of Syrian family genetics. Although lab-based research has shown that animals can inherit stress-induced epigenetic modifications, demonstrating this humans has remained elusive.

A Groundbreaking Study on Generational Trauma

Mulligan collaborated with:

• Rana Dajani, Ph.D., a molecular biologist at Hashemite University in Jordan
• Catherine Panter-Brick, Ph.D., an anthropologist at Yale University, to carry out this groundbreaking study.

The research focused on tracking three generations of Syrian immigrants in the country.

The study's results were published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Three Generations, Three Unique Experiences

Some families experienced the Hama attack before seeking refuge in Jordan, while others avoided Hama but endured the recent civil war against the Assad regime.

The researchers gathered samples from grandmothers and mothers who were pregnant during the two conflicts, along with their children. This approach allowed for the inclusion of individuals who had encountered violence at distinct developmental stages.

A Control Group for Comparison

A third group consisted of families who had settled in Jordan before 1980, thereby avoiding the prolonged violence in Syria. These early immigrants provided a vital control group for comparison with families affected by the civil war.

The Science Behind the Study

Dajani, herself the daughter of refugees, worked intimately with the refugee community in Jordan to build rapport and encourage study involvement. She eventually obtained cheek swabs from 138 participants across 48 families.

"These families are eager to share their stories and have their voices heard," Mulligan remarked. "I believe we collaborated with every eligible family for this study."

Analyzing DNA for Epigenetic Modifications

In Florida, Mulligan's lab analyzed DNA for epigenetic modifications, investigating potential correlations with the families' exposure to violence.

The Lasting Epigenetic Impact of Violence

Genetic Markers Found in Grandchildren of Hama Survivors

Among the grandchildren of Hama survivors, researchers identified 14 genomic regions that had undergone modifications in response to the vilence experienced by their grandmothers. These findings suggest that stress-induced epigenetic changes can be inherited across generations, similar to patterns observed in animals.

Epigenetics Signatures in Directly Affected Individuals

The research identified 21 epigenetic sites in individuals who had directly experienced violence in Syria. Additionally, the study found that those exposed to violence in utero exhibited signs of accelerated epigenetic aging, a biological process potentially linked to increased susceptibility to age-related diseases.

A Shared Epigenetic Response to Stress

The majority of these epigenetic modifications exhibited a consistent pattern following exposure to violence, indicating a shared epigenetic response to stress —one that may impact not only those directly affected but also their descendants.

Broader Implications: Beyond War and Refugees

"Our research is applicable beyond refugee experiences; it extends to various forms of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and gun violence in the U.S.," Mulligan emphasized. "This issue warrants further study and greater attention."

Epigenetics and Human Health Risks

The precise impact of these epigenetic modifications on individuals carrying them remains uncertain. However, some studies have suggested a correlation between stress-induced epigenetic alterations and conditions such as diabetes.

A well-known study on Dutch famine survivors from World War II suggested that their descendants exhibited epigenetic modification associated with a higher likelihood ob obesity. While many such changes may be inconsequential, some could potentially impact human health, Mulligan noted.

Resilience Amid Trauma: A Testament to Human Strength

As Mulligan and her colleagues meticulously investigated the enduring genetic imprint of war and trauma, they were equally moved by the resilience of the families they studied. According to Mulligan, their narrative extended far beyond mere survival.

A Story Beyond Survival

"Despite enduring immense violence, these families extraordinary resilience. They continue to build meaningful lies, raise children, and uphold traditions," Mulligan remarked. "Such perseverance may be a distinctly human trait."

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"How does violence leave a lasting mark on our DNA? Discover groundbreaking research on inherited trauma and epigenetic changes."

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New Research Shows How Hypnosis Modifies Brain Activity and Perception

Introduction to Hypnosis Research

Three studies form the University  of Zurich indicate that hypnosis modulates the functional connectivity of the brain's large networks and impacts the neurochemical environment in specific area.

The Scientific Enigma of Hypnosis

From a scientific standpoint, hypnosis has long remained an enigma. Until now, there has been insufficient data to determine whether it constitutes a a distinct state of human consciousness or is merely a product of imagination. Nevertheless, it continues to captivate researchers and the public alike.

Public and Scientific Interest in Hypnosis

Hypnosis continues to capture public and scientific interest, as evidenced by a recent in-depth feature in a leading women's magazine. Remarkable cases occasionally surface, including a 2018 incident at the Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna in Lucerne, where a 45-year-old patient underwent surgery to remove a metal plate from his lower arm under hypnosis alone. Without anesthesia or pain medication, the patient reported no significant pain, surprising the surgical team. This case was highlighted by the Swiss public broadcaster SRF Puls on September 17 of that year.

Clinical Application of Hypnosis

The integration of hypnosis into routine hospital care has shown promising results. Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) incorporate clinical hypnosis as a complementary approach alongside conventional treatments. To Support this initiative, HUG provides specialized training for its staff, as noted on its website. Additionally, hypnosis has been effectively employed to help alleviate anxiety in children facing upcoming medical procedures.

Impact of Hypnosis on Pain and Anxiety

Hypnosis appears to reduce pain and anxiety, making it a valuable tool in prenatal care, burn treatment and dental procedures.

Investigating the Altered Cognitive State in Hypnosis

The Neuroscientific Approach to Hypnosis

Until now, the precise effects of hypnosis on the human neurobiological system have remained elusive. Can hypnosis induce observable changes in brain activity, and if so, what do they entail? These critical questions motivated neuroscientists Philipp Stämpfli, Nuno Prates de Matos, and Mike Brügger, along with their research team, to investigate the phenomenon through three studies. Two of these studies were conducted at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Imaging at the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich (PUK), under Stämpfli's leadership, while the third was carried out in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zurich (UZH).

Exploring and characterizing various states of human consciousness remains one of the most significant challenges in neurobiology. Itis likely that alterations in states of consciousness manifest within the brain's functional networks. As a result, researchers hypothesized that any effects of hypnosis would be observable in these networks and could be mapped and quantified using advanced imaging techniques.

The Three Studies: Consistent Methodology

Study Design and Imaging Techniques

The neuroscientists carried out three studies with identical designs, employing distinct imaging techniques for each. This enabled them to investigate the effects of hypnosis on the human brain through a multimodal approach. The researchers assert that this was the first study to examine two distinct depths of hypnosis.

The fMRI research was published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, the EEG study in Cortex, and the magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis in Scientific Reports.

Study Participants and Procedures

Each study involved the selection of just over 50 participants, all of whom were healthy, experienced in hypnosis and familiar with both hypnotic states. Once in the MR scanner, the participants were initially brought into a mild state of hypnosis (HS1, somnambulism) using a consistent, standardized induction. They were then guided into a deep, profound hypnotic state (HS2, Esdaile).

As all participants had prior experience with hypnosis, they were able to signal the study leaders from the scanner once they reached the desired depth. They maintained this state for approximately 20 minutes, which was the time required for brain imaging using one of the the three different methods.

The researchers acknowledge that the sample used in the three studies was highly selective. Therefore, they stress that the results should not be generalized. As Mike Brügger explains, "Our aim was to identify fundamental principles, specifically whether there are differences in brain activity when subjects are hypnotized to two distinct depths."

The primary objective of the three hypnosis studies was to gain a fundamental understanding of the processes occurring during hypnosis, rather than to explore its potential as a therapeutic approach.

The three studies provide evidence from various methodological approaches and verifiable data, demonstrating that scientists can differentiate between two levels of hypnosis.

Key Findings: Changes in Brain Activity and Connectivity

Evidence of Hypnosis Impacting Brain Activity

The fMRI study uncovered alterations in activity within the regions of the cerebral cortex associated with attention and body awareness. All participants reported experiencing a profound state of relaxation, which in some cases led to a loss of spatial temporal perception.

Elevated Theta Brainwaves

Theta brainwaves were elevated at both levels of hypnosis. These wave are associated with sleepiness and deep relaxation and also occur during other relaxation states such as meditation or psychedelic experiences. While they are present at various stages of the sleep cycle, they are not predominant during sleep.

In fact, while the subjects reported feeling deeply relaxed, they indicated that they were far from falling asleep. Instead, the researchers observed a high level of focus among the participants.

Physiological Changes Under Hypnosis

Under hypnosis, subjects exhibited a reduction in both breathing and heart rate, further confirming the deep relaxation associated with this state.

Analysis and Future Outlook

Challenges in Data Interpretation

While the three studies have accumulated a vast amount of scientific data, interpreting this data remains a challenging task, as acknowledged by the researchers. Nevertheless, St ämpfli and Brügger assert that the studies have already addressed two key questions.

The Impact of Hypnosis on Brain Activity

The first finding is that hypnosis does indeed alter brain activity, confirming that the hypnotic effect is neither imagined nor fabricated. The second insight is that hypnosis occurs at varying depths, a point that has been hotly debated within professional circles, with limited scientific evidence ot support it until now, according to Stämpfli.

Need for Further Research

While these recent findings mark progress, the researchers emphasize that additional studies are essential to develop a broader understanding of hypnosis. Furthermore, the underlying reasons for hypnosis' therapeutic effects on conditions like pain and anxiety warrant further investigation.

The Three Imaging Approaches

Three separate measurement methods were utilized by the researchers in the three hypnosis studies.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Electroencephalography (EEG) was employed to monitor shifts in brainwave frequencies and spatial patterns within the electrical activity of millions of neurons.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) was used to capture alterations in inter-brain region communication and visually represent these changes.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)

Leveraging fMRI results, the researchers utilized magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to explore specific brain regions at a more detailed, molecular level.

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New research from the University of Zurich reveals how hypnosis alters brain function and perception. Dive into the latest findings on consciousness and neural connectivity.

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