Hyperscanning with the Photon Cap: The Role of Neural Synchrony During Social Interaction

Loneliness is becoming a serious health issue worldwide, pushing researchers to look for new ways to help people feel more connected. Introduction. In their study, Moffat et al. (2025) raised the question of increasing health risks caused by loneliness. Particularly, the study focused on the efficiency of intergenerational community programs bringing younger and older people together. It helps older adults stay physically, socially, and cognitively healthier, while also reducing younger adults’ negative stereotypes about aging. The study implies that because of these benefits, doctors are increasingly recommending participation in community programs, highlighting the acknowledgement of social connection as part of healthcare. However, the mechanisms behind the benefits were unclear, since most evidence of improvement comes from participants’ self-evaluation and earlier behavioral studies, not physiological data. To shed light on the physiological side of relationship building and explain how these relationships produce positive effects, Moffat et al. (2025) conducted a longitudinal hyperscanning study using two Photon Cap devices provided through the Cortivision Pathfinder program.