Subscribe now

Mind

Psychedelics may increase entropy in the brain's vision centre

Computer simulations of a human brain under the influence of LSD show that entropy increases the most in regions responsible for processing vision and integrating sensory information

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

28 April 2023

Illustration of brain cells in the temporal cortex of the human brain

Shutterstock/Kateryna Kon

Taking psychedelics increases the brain’s overall entropy but the effect is most prominent in regions responsible for visual perception and integration of inputs from all senses, possibly reflecting how the drugs can induce sensations of expanded awareness.

Entropy measures how rich and disordered a system is. As an example, think of your kitchen sink. Entropy is high when the system has many parts that are not ordered – like plates, forks and glasses scattered all around – and …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account