Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Gul Dolen's research suggests that psychedelics have the potential to reopen critical periods in the brain, allowing for enhanced learning and adaptation. Experiments with octopuses and mice have shown that psychedelics like MDMA, LSD, and ketamine can reopen critical periods, leading to behavioral changes and improved learning abilities. Dolen is now exploring the use of psychedelics to help stroke patients regain movement and is seeking funding for a phase one safety trial. If successful, this research could have significant implications for treating a variety of health conditions.
Perfect pitch, also known as absolute pitch, is the rare ability to identify or produce specific musical notes without a reference note. While only 1 in 10,000 people have this ability, scientists are still unsure of its exact cause. Some theories suggest a genetic component, as the skill can run in families, but identifying a specific genetic cause has proven difficult. Another theory is the "critical period" theory, which suggests that exposure to certain environmental influences during a specific developmental stage may increase the likelihood of cultivating absolute pitch. Research has also shown that speakers of tonal languages, such as Mandarin, are more likely to have absolute pitch. While some believe that anyone can acquire absolute pitch with enough training, attempts to prove this have had limited success. Additionally, studies have found that individuals with absolute pitch have a larger auditory cortex and a wider range of sound frequency processing in the brain.
A study in mice suggests that psychedelic drugs, including MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin, reset the brain to a youthful state in which it can easily absorb new information and form crucial connections between neurons. The drugs could allow long-term changes in many types of behavioral, learning, and sensory systems that are disrupted in mental-health conditions. The researchers found that the drugs confer a state called metaplasticity on the neurons, making the cells more responsive to a stimulus such as oxytocin. The end result depends on the context in which the drugs were taken.
