There's a study out this week delving into a possible neural substrate of the placebo effect. Brian's quick and dirty summary for neurobiologists: the greatest placebo (analgesic, in this case) response correlates with the greatest anticipated benefit AND greater dopaminergic activity in the left nucleus accumbens. Which is to say, the more you think it will work, the more it probably will, and the NA probably has something to do with it.
It's worth pointing out that in this study, everyone got the placebo.
The paper is in Neuron, for those with interest and access.
(Via Ron Bailey)
2 comments:
It's like the girl who acts so wasted after one wine cooler. Just admit it girl, you want cock!
Everything old is new again. We just used to say "think happy thoughts" for Christ's sake!
Post a Comment