Research Projects

The Unconscious Watershed
A neuroimaging study carried out with Oxford University to pinpoint the where and the when of conscious, as opposed to unconscious, processing in the brain.

The Neurobiology of Meditative States
A neuroimaging study carried out with Aston University, Birmingham, using fMRI, MEG and MRS imaging techniques to look at changes in brain activity and blood flow experienced during meditation.

Brain Blood Flow and Metabolic Changes Induced by Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Magnetic resonance imaging is used to map the brain blood flow and chemical changes induced by two different doses of orally administered THC in healthy male volunteers.

Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow Associated with Altered States of Consciousness
This study will look at the effects of chemical agents on global and regional cerebral blood flow, and how changes in blood flow correlate with neurophysiological changes and subjective aspects of non-ordinary consciousness.

Neural Responses in Depressed Individuals
A study employing fMRI and MEG to examine neural responses to emotive stimuli in healthy and psychiatric populations, carried out with the Institute of Psychiatry.

Individual Differences in Anandamide Metabolism
The proposed studies will clarify the relationship between anandamide and essential fatty acids in relation to trait-measures of depression, anxiety and stress, as well as the possible benefits of anandamide metabolism manipulation, and/or the use of THC as a therapeutic agent.

Motivational Assessment of Why People Use Drugs
A questionnaire study looking into reasons for drug use among young people, carried out with the Institute of Psychiatry.

Nutrition and Addiction Research
A controlled trial of the efficacy of nutritional supplements in the rehabilitation of problem drug users, to test the effectiveness of nutritional treatments as an aid to recovery from drug addiction.