Troy Broome / Psychology / Faculty Mentor: Yuan B. Peng
Binaural beats is an auditory phenomenon that occurs when two slightly different frequencies are presented to each ear, resulting in the perception of a third frequency. Through frequency-follow response, the perceived frequency synchronizes with brain waves, resulting in neural entrainment. Studies indicate that low-frequency binaural beats may reduce both acute and chronic pain perception. However, these findings rely on subjective self-reports. It is hypothesized that the binaural beats will elicit anti-nociceptive effects. Four electrodes will be implanted to record local field potential (LFP): the inferior colliculus (IC) and the primary auditory cortex (A1) to track the auditory processing of binaural beats. The other two electrodes will be implanted in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the amygdala (AMG) to track the neural activity change in response to nociceptive input. Two different sounds will be presented to each ear (right-950hz and left-960hz). It is expected that the binaural beat stimulation of 10hz will increase the power of alpha frequencies (10hz) in the auditory regions, which will suppress the formalin-induced nociceptive inputs. It is also expected that the binaural beats will induce an increase in the power of alpha frequencies in the ACC and amygdala as compared to the formalin-only control group.
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