2021 has been a year filled with growth, especially for the psychology field. Researchers and psychologists are working harder than ever to make new discoveries and technologies despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this has made it harder to complete thorough research, these new revelations are anything but weak! This blog highlights a few of the latest findings that are both unique and intriguing.
Laughing Gas to Fight Depression
About 17 million Americans with depression have trouble finding effective antidepressants. However, a new study by Peter Nagele has found inhaling laughing gas may be an alternative. Nagele explained that a low dose of laughing gas has long-term positive effects and less side effects than a stronger dose. Scientists believe the nitrous oxide of the gas blocks a specific receptor in the brain that is essential in treatment. This remedy is unexpected, but there are definitely many trials and a promising future ahead for laughing gas!
Brain Stimulation Improves Robotic Arms
Sometimes, it can be challenging to avoid spilling a cup of hot coffee. For people with prosthetic arms, it is ten times more difficult. A team from the University of Pittsburgh has developed a new form of brain stimulation that imitates a touching sensation, making robotic arms easier to use and twice as fast. By implanting small electrodes into the brains of various study participants, the researchers created a new link between the participants’ prosthetic arm and sense of touch. Although the scientists were hopeful, they never expected just how successful the results would be.
Advanced Brain Imaging Systems
MRI machines may seem advanced, but they are always evolving. Scientists have developed new technology that uses PET scans and a motion tracker to take detailed brain scans. The scans, which utilize normally unwanted brain motion, allow for much higher quality images. The quality of this technique could have a huge impact, allowing researchers to diagnose Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders as early as possible.
The researchers are focusing on different problems, but all of them share one thing in common: They use creative solutions for challenging issues. As psychology continues to develop in 2021 and beyond, we will definitely continue to learn more about our brains and how we can improve the world around us! For more psychology news, check out https://www.apa.org/.
Written By: Emma Schlosser
August 25, 2021
