Brain scans reveal how laughing gas blunts pain and memory
NCT ID NCT06702631
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study uses brain scans to understand how low doses of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) change the way the brain processes pain and forms memories. Sixty healthy volunteers will receive mild electric shocks while breathing nitrous oxide or normal air, and their brain activity will be compared. The goal is to map which brain regions are involved, not to test a treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
nitrous oxide
What this could lead to
If successful, this study could reveal how nitrous oxide changes pain perception and memory formation in the brain, guiding future pain treatments.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small study in healthy volunteers, not patients. It measures brain activity, not real-world pain relief, so results may not apply to clinical settings.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States