Psychedelics and The Brain: From Neurons to Networks with Ben Clayden
How do psychedelics alter our perception, sense of self and outlook on life? In order to understand the complex aetiology of the psychedelic experience, we must know how psychedelics act at the level of proteins, cells and brain systems. Recent advances in electrophysiology and neuroimaging have begun to elucidate the mechanisms behind the effects of these mysterious molecules. Join us for a journey into how psychedelic modulation at the cellular level changes how regions and networks of the brain communicate and work, leading to profound changes in perception, sense of self and mental health.
Ben Clayden is an Msci student studying Natural Sciences specialising in Neuroscience at the University of York. He has been the president of the University of York Drug Science Society for 3 years, and is the co-chair for the Drug Science Student Society Network, the largest community of students interested in drug science, drug policy and harm reduction in the UK. He is also the creator of the Psychedelic Frontiers podcast, where he produces episodes on the neuroscience, pharmacology and medical applications of psychedelic and psychoactive compounds with leading academics.
This is a recording of a talk by Ben Clayden given on at the University of York on behalf of the York Drug Science Society in March of 2024