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5-HT2A

·September 21, 2024·5 min read

Serotonin Receptor Dampens Visual Input to Enhance Internal Processes

The 5-HT2A receptor in the brain reduces incoming visual information, allowing more space for internal thought processes. Researchers found that this receptor, when overactivated, suppresses sensory input, potentially explaining the effects of hallucinations from drugs like LSD.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 27, 2022·3 min read

The Role of Genetic Variants on Psychedelics’ Therapeutic Effects

Genetic variants of the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor may explain why some respond to psychedelic therapies for the treatment of mental health disorders while others don't.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·March 16, 2022·3 min read

Largest Ever Psychedelics Study Maps Changes of Conscious Awareness to Neurotransmitter Systems

Study reveals how psychedelic drug-induced changes in subjective awareness are rooted in specific neurotransmitter systems.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 26, 2021·5 min read

LSD May Offer Viable Treatment for Certain Mental Disorders

LSD increases social behaviors by activating 5-HTPA serotonin receptors and AMPA receptors in the prefrontal cortex, and the mTORC1 protein. Activating all three factors promoted social interactions. The findings suggest supervised LSD microdosing may help alleviate some of the social problems associated with ASD and other mental health disorders that impact social behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 17, 2020·6 min read

How Psychedelics Bind to Key Serotonin Receptor

Researchers have uncovered the structure of psychedelic compounds when they actively bind to the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor on the surface of brain cells. The discovery could lead to the exploration of more precise compounds that offer the therapeutic effects of psychedelics for mental health disorders, but without the hallucinations.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 1, 2019·4 min read

Hyperactive Neurons May Be to Blame When Antidepressants Don’t Work

Researchers shed new light on why some people may not respond to antidepressants for major depressive disorder. The study reports, neurons in the brains of some with MDD may become hyperactive in the presence of SSRIs.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 26, 2018·4 min read

How LSD Changes Perception

Researchers report LSD triggers a reduction in functional connection between areas of the brain that govern cognitive processes, while increasing connectivity in brain networks associated with sensory functions.

image shows neurons under psychedelics and ketamine

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 12, 2018·4 min read

Ketamine and Psychedelic Drugs Change Structure of Neurons

A new study reveals psychedelics increase dendrites, dendritic spines and synapses, while ketamine may promote neuroplasticity. The findings could help develop new treatments for anxiety, depression and other related disorders.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 30, 2017·5 min read

Faster Acting Antidepressants May Finally Be Within Reach

Researchers explain how SSRI antidepressants initiate action by targeting a specific type of nerve cells. Findings may lead to the development of faster acting antidepressants.

Image shows a psychedelic pattern and chemical structure of LSD.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 27, 2017·5 min read

Structure of LSD and Its Receptor Explains Its Potency

Researchers report the key why LSD hallucinations last so long is due to how it fits into serotonin receptors.

Image shows a woman sitting at a table and two transparent men.

Featured Psychology

·February 3, 2016·4 min read

An Alternative Treatment Target For Schizophrenia

A new study suggests that dysregulation in the way two G protein-coupled receptors talk to each other may be responsible for some symptoms of schizophrenia.