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The light that instructs the brain to support in healing

The light that instructs the brain to support in healing

The light that instructs the brain to support in healing


How 60 Hz flickering light unlocks neural synchrony

For decades, scientists have explored ways to influence the brain’s activity through external stimulation- be it electrical, magnetic, or auditory. But what if something as simple as flickering light could shape the way our neurons fire, potentially paving the way for new treatments for mental health diseases? For the first time, a groundbreaking study by Alamalhoda et al. (2024) has demonstrated that 60 Hz flickering white light induces strong and widespread neural entrainment and synchrony -the synchronization of brainwave activity to an external rhythmic stimulus- across multiple regions of the human brain. This synchronization reduces over time, reflecting an adaptive increase in neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize, form new connections, and adapt to stimuli- a process often disrupted in mental health disorders such as depression.

The search for a higher frequency

Neuroscientists have long known that gamma oscillations (brain waves in the 30-70 Hz range) play a crucial role in cognition, memory, and neuroplasticity. Research into 40 Hz stimulation has already suggested its potential for treating Alzheimer’s disease. But the effects of 60 Hz remained largely unexplored in humans. Until now.

Given the role of high gamma oscillations in cognitive functions, their disruption in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, and the preclinical evidence supporting 60 Hz stimulation’s impact on neuroplasticity, this frequency emerged as a promising target for intervention.

Determined to bridge this gap, the scientific team at Syntropic Medical set out to investigate whether flickering light at 60 Hz could safely and reliably modulate brain activity.

Over a three-week study, fourteen volunteers were exposed to either 60 Hz flickering white light or a constant light (sham) for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings, which measure electrical activity in the brain through non-invasive scalp electrodes, tracked neural responses, while saliva samples were analyzed for biomarkers like cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) to assess stress and immune function.

The brain’s response: entrainment 

The results were striking. From the first session, 60 Hz flickering light induced strong neural entrainment across multiple brain regions: visual, parietal, temporal, and even frontal cortices. Not only did the brain synchronize to the external stimulus, but it did so in a widespread, highly coordinated manner.

By the end of the three-week period, neural entrainment and synchronization had declined: a clear hallmark of neuroplasticity, indicating the brain’s adaptive response to repeated stimulation.

What does this mean for the future?

The implications of this study are profound. By promoting a flexible, adaptive state in the brain, this technology it has the potential to offer rapid, sustained symptom relief with minimal side effects all whilst being delivered from the comfort of one’s home, transforming the treatment landscape for depression and providing an effective, accessible alternative for millions of individuals struggling with this debilitating condition. This approach marks a significantly positive departure from traditional therapies, both in its non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical approach, but also in how it overcomes barriers to access as a convenient and user-friendly at-home treatment option.

Want to get to know more? Dive into the full article here: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.27.634699v1