scienceillustrated.com.au | 23SPECIAL EFFECTS
Acetylcholine is a neuro-
transmitter, which sends
messages between brain
neurons by binding to
synapsis receptors.Toxins such as scopolamine
bind to the same receptors,
blocking the signal. The brain
becomes dull, and the person
more likely to tell secrets.CLAUS LUNAU / WARNER BROS.
Poison makes you
drop your guard
The atropine and scopolamine
toxins function as truth
drugs by blocking out
neurotransmitters to
make the brain dull.In the world of films, characters are
given truth drugs, which make them
tell secrets. But does the drug exist in
the real world?Truth drugs exist – at least in the shape of
substances with a similar effect. The term
includes drugs, which make people dull
and calm. The drug could be made of
atropine and scopolamine, which are
toxins from nightshade plants. The toxins
block out a substance in the brain, which
transmits signals between nerve cells.
The drugs have been used to make
suspects less on their guard duringinterrogation, talking about events which
they would otherwise try to hide. In the
treatment of mental patients, truth drugs
have also been used to curb individuals'
personal restraints with the aim of making
them share information, which the
individuals would otherwise try to hide.
The real benefit of truth drugs is
however doubtful, as the drugs also
function by stimulating imagination and
causing severe hallucinations.
Consequently, truth drugs could have the
direct opposite effect: the brain makes up
convincing lies instead of making the
individual share his inner-most secrets.Do truth drugs
really exist?
ACETYLCHOLINENEURONSRECEPTORSCOPOLAMINEIn the Harry Potter films, several characters are
given truth drugs. In the real world,
the effect of the drugs is doubtful.