Researchers: Solitary confinement damages incarcerated

UNSPLASH

A researcher at the University of Washington found that isolated confinement among bumblebees alters the brain and body, which could have implications for incarcerated humans.

New research confirms the damage from prison solitary confinement extends far beyond psychological trauma.

Michaela Romero, neural systems and behavior researcher at the University of Washington, is studying the effects using an unexpected subject: bumblebees. Her work revealed how solitary confinement biologically alters the brain and body, with important implications for states including North Carolina where extreme isolation remains standard policy. Romero’s research, conducted in the ZYWang Lab, replicates prison-like solitary conditions with bumblebee colonies.

She called the findings alarming.

“Twice as many bees died in isolated housing as opposed to group housings,” Romero said. “I had two treatments, one set of bees were completely alone in their cells and then the other ones were in groups of four, under all of the same conditions. The ones in isolated housing died twice as much as the group housing.”

Romero’s research adds to growing evidence prolonged isolation may cause genetic and neurological harm, potentially increasing risks of aggression, depression, and premature death. In North Carolina, an average of 3,000 people live in solitary every day, according to Disability Rights North Carolina.

Romero’s study exposed contradictions in confinement standards for people which would violate ethical guidelines for lab animals.

“I have to provide day and night lighting to octopuses,” Romero said. “If I did not, they would take them away immediately, yet they are not having a problem with the fact that humans in solitary confinement in our state are exposed to 24-hour light and have for decades.”

Romero argued her findings show solitary confinement is not just punishment but systemic harm which can have lasting consequences.

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