Expedition Neuron: Neuroscience in the Brazilian and Peruvian Amazon

Exploring the effects of psychoactive substances on brain and mental states

With an expert team of neuroscientists, we set off in April 2019 for an expedition into the Amazonian rainforest to run a pilot study into the effect of ceremonial Ayahuasca use with the Huni Kui tribe, who call the brew Nixi Pae. Travelling there by bus, boat and in small airplanes, we ultimately succeeded in getting a unique and first neuroscientific look into this fascinating ancient tribal tradition. This pilot expedition and mobile EEG study allowed us to pursue a larger trial for understanding the fundamental effect of Ayahuasca during ritual use, with great implications for the scientific understanding of indigenous knowledge and healing practices.

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