exploring critical periods, psychedelics, and the social brain


WHO WE ARE


Since the first description of ‘critical periods’ in the 1930’s, neuroscientists have sought methods to manipulate them for therapeutic benefit. The Dölen lab has made a series of discoveries, which indicate that psychedelics may be the long sought 'master key' for unlocking critical periods; furthermore, this property may explain the wide diversity of psychiatric applications for which psychedelics show therapeutic promise. Building on these insights, we seek to further delineate the mechanisms underlying the shared ability of psychedelics to reopen critical periods and expand the repertoire of clinical conditions they can be used to treat (PHATHOM Project). In a parallel, we have made significant progress towards developing Octopus chierchiae for use in laboratory research (Octopus project). By comparing solutions across human, mouse, and octopus nervous systems, we hope to better understand why critical periods exist, why they close, and why they can be reopened


Read More

UC BERKELEY


We have enjoyed 10 wonderful years at the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, where Dr. Dölen will maintain adjunct affiliations in the Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology.

But now, the Dölen lab is moving to the University of California,  Berkeley ... Read more 


Find Us

OUR MISSION

The Dölen lab seeks to create a collegial and stimulating environment for carrying out the very best cutting edge research. While we strive to let curiosity drive our research questions, we are of course  gratified when answering these questions leads us to therapeutic solutions for patients in need, We invite you to keep up to date with our progress. 

Read More
Share by: