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·September 20, 2018·5 min read

Octopuses Given Ecstasy Reveal Genetic Link to Evolution of Social Behaviors in Humans

Testing the behavioral reaction to MDMA in octopuses, researchers report they have discovered evidence of an evolutionary link between the sea creatures and humans.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 10, 2017·5 min read

On-Site Ecstasy Pill Testing Service May Reduce User Risks at Concerts and Raves

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have found that free ecstasy pill testing at raves and concerts could have a positive impact in preventing some people from using adulterated drugs. The study, researchers say, adds to critical evidence that on site pill testing is a valuable tool for public health and safety.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 12, 2023·7 min read

Psychedelic Breakthrough: MDMA Revolutionizes PTSD Treatment

Psychedelic therapies, including the use of MDMA, are set to revolutionize psychiatric treatments, especially for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The anticipation builds for the FDA's approval of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, which will mark a first for a psychedelic drug in mainstream medicine.

This shows a brain overlayed on a person's head with a swirly, psychedelic background

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 4, 2019·5 min read

Psychedelic drug MDMA may reawaken ‘critical period’ in brain to help treat PTSD

MDMA, a psychedelic drug, has successfully been used to reopen the 'critical period' of learning the reward values of social behaviors. Researchers report, in mature mice given MDMA, oxytocin triggers signaling in synapses that help encode social learning and memory, a process that does not usually occur in older animals. The findings could help in the development of treatments for PTSD and other disorders.

This shows psychedelic swirls around a person's head

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 17, 2020·2 min read

Psychedelic drugs could help treat PTSD

Backing up previous research, a new study reveals psychedelics can have beneficial effects for treating PTSD when combined with traditional trauma-focused psychotherapy. Findings suggest MDMA assisted therapy is significantly more effective at treating patients with persistent PTSD than psychotherapy alone.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 1, 2019·5 min read

Psychedelic drugs: would you accept a prescription? It depends if you’ve tried them before

Numerous studies have linked controlled psychedelics to improvements in mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD. In March, the FDA approved Esketamine as a treatment for depression. However, with much stigma surrounding psychedelics, researchers question how many patients would take psychedelic medications if prescribed to them. According to a new study, 40% of people with no experience of psychedelics would be unlikely to take the prescription due to fears of 'brain damage' or a 'bad trip'.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 2, 2022·6 min read

Psychedelic Drugs’ Therapeutic Potential for a Range of Psychiatric Disorders

Researchers discuss how psychedelics can affect the brain and provide therapeutic benefits for those suffering from a range of psychiatric disorders.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 4, 2026·8 min read

Psychedelics Remodel Myelin to Heal PTSD

New research reveals that psychedelics don't just rewire the brain—they physically repair the "neural insulation" needed to sustain long-term PTSD recovery.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 11, 2019·7 min read

Rave new world: Scientists pry apart party drug’s therapeutic, addictive qualities

Researchers have distinguished two different molecular pathways responsible for addiction and the prosocial feelings generated by MDMA. The findings could lead to novel treatments for psychiatric disorders marked by withdrawal and social awkwardness.