An ambitious $88k crowdfunded study just launched – participate!

Psychedelic brain imaging (fMRI) studies are small – like around 20 participants small.

The research group UNITy – Understanding Neuroplasticity Induced by Tryptamines – wants to change that. The crowdfunded study – using DMT – will be the most extensive fMRI study with psychedelics to date.

The team will answer: What brain changes predict improved wellbeing?

Here’s what they are doing & how you can contribute.

Changing guesswork into hard data

A plastic brain is more malleable – more flexible, less rigid. Think of it like a lively ecosystem that is constantly adapting. Not like a stale and barren landscape.

The hypothesis – partially supported by data – is that psychedelics help the brain go back into a more flexible & lively state.

Current studies can tell a bit about acute changes in brain states under the influence of psychedelics. But 1) the studies are small, 2) fMRI measures are usually of short duration, and 3) almost never before & after the trip. There are signs but not a lot of data.

This is what UNITy wants to change, by crowdfunding a study that will do the following.

Measuring the brain before, during, and after DMT

The first study will scan 40 participants during the DMT trip, a week before and after. During the non-trip scans, participants will watch a movie. After that, they will follow up for a year.

“This data will make it possible for the first time to specify which brain networks in an individual have sufficient neuroplasticity to predict positive changes in wellbeing or reduced drinking behaviour.”

The goal is to see how psychedelics can have lasting positive changes in someone’s life and what factors predict this.

When the first study is completed, a similar one will be done with participants who drink alcohol excessively – can it help them too?

It’s pretty cool to see crowdfunded science happening that can tip the scale towards a happier world.

You can contribute via the Crowd Science website.