Study Maps Brain-Wide Activity Patterns That Trigger Emotional Responses

Researchers published a study in the journal Science mapping brain-wide activity patterns showing that emotional responses outlast the sensory triggers that spark them.

Scientists at Stanford University led by Karl Deisseroth subjected participants to eye puff assays using a tonometer to examine neural and behavioral responses to unpleasant stimuli.

Administering ketamine during the experiment caused the secondary slower brain response to dissipate faster, demonstrating that the drug separates initial reflexes from subjective emotional experiences.