Biology subjects

Goldway, N.

Publications and source records attributed to Goldway, N..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

The Analgesic and Dissociative Properties of Ketamine are Separate and Correspond to Distinct Neural Mechanisms

Ketamine, a psychoactive medication, exerts both analgesic and dissociative effects. However, whether its analgesic effect stems from its dissociative properties is a topic of debate. Our study aimed to determine whether ketamines analgesic and dissociative effects are supported by distinct neural mechanisms. In a within-subject, placebo-controlled study, 37 healthy volunteers were administered ketamine (0.4 mg/kg bolus followed by a continuous drip of 0.4 mg/kg/h) or saline during fMRI sessions where thermal pain was induced. Our results indicate that while ketamine significantly reduced thermal pain ratings and produced robust dissociative effects, these outcomes were not correlated. Neurally, ketamine reduced pain-related brain activations across a network of regions, including the insula and anterior cingulate cortex. Additionally, ketamine significantly diminished functional connectivity between default mode network regions, and this reduction was correlated with the intensity of dissociation. These findings suggest that ketamines analgesic and dissociative effects are independent and mediated by distinct neural pathways.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

Self-reported effects of classic psychedelics on stuttering

Stuttering is a neurodevelopmental communication disorder that can lead to significant social, occupational, and educational challenges. Traditional behavioral interventions for stuttering can be helpful, but effects are often limited. Classic psychedelics hold promise as a complement to traditional interventions, but their impact on stuttering is unknown. We conducted a qualitative content analysis to explore potential benefits and negative effects of psychedelics on stuttering using publicly available Reddit posts. A combined inductive-deductive approach was used whereby meaningful units were extracted and codes were initially assigned inductively. We then deductively applied an established framework to organize the effects (i.e., codes) into five subthemes (Behavioral, Emotional, Cognitive, Belief, and Social Connection), each of which was grouped under an organizing theme (positive, negative, neutral). Results indicated that the effects of psychedelics spanned all subthemes. Nearly 75% of participants reported overall positive effects. Nearly 60% of participants indicated positive behavioral change (e.g., reduced stuttering, increased speech control), 40% reported positive emotional benefit, 15% reported positive cognitive changes, 12% reported positive effects on beliefs, and 7% indicated positive social effects. Approximately 10% of participants reported negative behavioral effects (e.g., increased stuttering, reduced speech control). Psychedelics may help many stutterers improve communication, cultivate a healthier outlook, and promote psychological well-being. These preliminary results indicate that future clinical trials investigating psychedelic-assisted speech therapy for stuttering are warranted.

pathology↗

bioRxiv2019

Electroencephalographic evidence for the involvement of mirror neuron and error monitoring related processes in virtual body ownership

The illusion that an artificial or virtual object becomes part of ones body has been demonstrated and productively investigated in the past two decades. Empirical and theoretical accounts of this phenomenon suggest that the body ownership illusion relies not on a single process, but rather on the alignment of the biological and the alternative bodies across multiple aspects. However, the portrayal of these aspects and the demarcation of their neurophysiological correlates has yet to be established.\n\nOur study examines electroencephalographic (EEG) markers of two extensively studied systems in the context of virtual body ownership illusion: the mirror neuron system (MNS) and the error monitoring system (EMS). We designed an experimental manipulation of brief involuntary virtual hand bounces, which triggers both systems, and examined how the response of EEG markers of these systems to this manipulation is modulated by three aspects of body ownership: agency, visuotactile synchronicity, and semantic congruence between the participants hands and its virtual representation.\n\nWe found evidence for enhanced MNS-related suppression of power at the Mu band in the synchronous and semantic congruence conditions. On the other hand, the EMS-related Pe/P300 wave was reduced by semantic congruence. This Pe/P300 effect was stronger among participants who exhibited higher acceptance of the spatial illusion and increased tendency for affective empathy. Mu power and Pe/P300 were not correlated, suggesting a dissociation between the distinct aspects of body ownership they probe. The findings suggest that synchronicity and semantic congruence induce sensorimotor sensitivity to the alternative body, whereas the latter parameter also buffers minor erroneous virtual motions. These neurophysiological markers may be added to the arsenal of body ownership probes, and integrated in VR rehabilitation protocols.

neuroscience↗