Neural networks and the anti-inflammatory effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in depression

Written By Lollygig

Liu, Chun-Hong, et al. “Neural Networks and the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Depression.” Journal of Neuroinflammation, vol. 17, no. 1, 2020, doi:10.1186/s12974-020-01732-5.

The Vagus Nerve runs from the stomach to the brain, but also has branches within the ears. By stimulating the vagus nerve through the ears, six studies have shown increased activity in various areas of the brain. This study posits that vagus nerve stimulation might be useful in treating some occurrences of Major Depressive Disorder, especially if that disorder is worsened by inflammation, which stimulating the vagus nerve appears to lessen.

Lollygig

Laate runs Lollygig – a full-service experience design agency with a full range of clients – including The Smithsonian, the NextFab Foundation, Amway, Seaberry Design, and ThoughtFull Design.

Laate Olukotun has designed products, services, and experiences within a range of unique settings – from innovation labs within large corporations to new startups in new industries. His work has spanned all aspects of the design thinking process, from developing an initial business hypothesis to prototyping to launching new experiences, services, and products. Over his career, Laate has taken on many different roles — as an intrapreneur, as an entrepreneur developing apps and physical products, and as an experience designer. More than anything, Laate enjoys working with creative teams who are exploring uncharted waters.

He holds a bachelors in Economics from Yale University and a Master of Design from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology.

When not working, Laate tends to enjoy the sweeter things in life: raising his toddler with his wife, paddleboarding, hiking, traveling, and enjoying long periods of laughter with friends and family.


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Safety and Tolerability of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Humans; a Systematic Review
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Current Directions in the Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation I – A Physiological Perspective