Researchers Gave Autistic Dogs LSD And It Helped Them Connect Better with Humans
Well, this isn’t a story you see every day.
Can dogs and humans truly connect on a neural level? A groundbreaking study suggests they can, and LSD might play a surprising role.
Researchers from China and the UK have uncovered a fascinating phenomenon: brain synchronization between humans and dogs. This study, published in Advanced Science, offers new insights into interspecies connections and potential treatments for autism.
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The experiment involved 10 beagles (who had an autism-associated mutation known as Shank3) and their human partners. Both wore EEG caps to measure brain activity during various interactions. What did they find?
When humans and dogs gazed at each other or engaged in petting, their brain waves synchronized. This “interbrain activity coupling” occurred in regions associated with attention and social behavior.
“The strength, direction, and attention-associated brain regions of the interbrain activity coupling during human-dog interactions are similar to those during human-human interactions,” the researchers noted.
But the study didn’t stop there. It ventured into more controversial territory.
Read the full study here.
The team introduced dogs bred with mutations linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These dogs showed reduced brain synchronization with humans. Here’s where things get interesting.
The researchers administered a single dose of LSD to the dogs.
And the Results were Striking
“A single dose of LSD rescued impaired interbrain coupling and joint attention in…autistic dogs,” the study reported. This suggests LSD could potentially improve social deficits associated with ASD.
Dr. Yong Q. Zhang, a study author, explained the implications. “One is that the disrupted inter-brain synchronization might be used as a biomarker for autism, and the other is LSD or its derivatives might ameliorate the social symptoms of autism.”
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Don’t Expect LSD-assisted Therapy for Dogs Anytime Soon
What does this mean for dog owners? The findings validate the deep bonds many feel with their canine companions. That feeling of connection when you lock eyes with your dog? It’s not just in your head.
The study also highlights the potential of animal models in autism research. Dogs, with their long history of human companionship, offer unique insights into social behavior and neurological conditions.
Critics might question the use of psychedelics in animal research. However, the study’s authors emphasize their careful approach and the potential benefits for both humans and animals.
As we continue to explore the frontiers of neuroscience, studies like this remind us of the complex connections between species. They also challenge our understanding of consciousness and social bonds.
The answers may not be simple. But one thing is clear: the bond between humans and dogs runs deeper than we ever imagined. It’s a connection that spans millennia, cultures, and now, we know, even brainwaves.
