University of New Orleans psychology professor Debra Karhson has earned a $50,000 award from the National Academy of Medicine to research social connection in aging adults. Karhson is one of 16 project leaders around the world to receive a 2024 Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award, which are focused on stimulating research and entrepreneurism to support potential breakthroughs in healthy longevity. 

The project led by Karhson, who is an assistant professor of psychology, is called “The Neurological Mechanisms of Social Connection in Aging Adults.” According to researchers, social connection is vital for well-being. A lack of connection can significantly reduce quality of life, increase stress, disrupt sleep and increase morbidity. The impact of social disconnection, such as loneliness and isolation, is as severe as smoking 15 cigarettes or consuming six alcoholic drinks a day. Increasing social interactions alone is not enough to alleviate these issues.

According to Karhson, current solutions focus mainly on modifying behavior, but research on the biology of social connections is limited, particularly the role of anandamide, which is also known as the bliss molecule. Understanding the neurobiology of social connection and the role of anandamide could lead to new treatments for enhancing social connectedness and improving longevity.

Karhson, who holds a doctorate in neuroscience from Tulane University, heads the Brains in Learning and Social Synchrony (BLISS) Lab at UNO. The long-term goal of the lab and Karhson’s research agenda are to understand the brain mechanisms that transition social interactions into social connections. To do this, the lab combines non-invasive brain imaging and the molecular analysis of cannabinoids produced by the human body.

The Catalyst Awards received 1,100 applications from innovators around the world in the 2024 cycle, and 16 submissions received awards from the National Academy of Medicine. Individuals and teams from an array of backgrounds, such as science, medicine, technology and finance, submitted ideas aimed at extending the human health span. Winners are chosen based on novelty and innovation. The National Academy of Medicine founded the competition in 2021 and coordinates among a network of global collaborators.