FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 4, 2025·3 min readHow Psilocybin Lifts Mood Without the Hallucinogenic TripResearchers have uncovered two key brain mechanisms—specific neurons and a serotonin receptor—that help explain how psilocybin produces long-lasting antidepressant effects. Their study identified pyramidal tract neurons in the medial frontal cortex and the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor as essential to the therapeutic action of psilocybin.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 8, 2024·3 min readOptimism Boosted by Psilocybin, Hinting at Depression ReliefResearchers have discovered that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, increases optimism and motivation in rats, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for treating depression. Using computational modeling, scientists observed that rats given psilocybin were more likely to engage in reward-based tasks, indicating enhanced optimism.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 24, 2024·2 min readPsilocybin Shows Promise in Treating Body Dysmorphic DisorderA new study reveals that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, may help treat body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) by altering brain connectivity. In a pilot trial, patients with BDD showed significant improvements in symptoms after a single dose of psilocybin, with brain scans indicating increased neural flexibility. Though preliminary, the study suggests that psilocybin could offer new hope for BDD sufferers. Larger studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 22, 2024·7 min readPsilocybin Shows Greater Long-Term Benefits Over SSRI for DepressionA study comparing psilocybin to the SSRI escitalopram found both drugs improved depressive symptoms similarly over six months, but psilocybin offered additional psychosocial benefits. Patients taking psilocybin reported a greater sense of meaning, psychological connectedness, and improved social functioning. These results suggest psilocybin could provide a more holistic treatment option for depression, addressing both symptoms and overall well-being. While promising, psilocybin remains experimental and is only administered in controlled environments.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 21, 2024·3 min readHigh-Dose Psilocybin Shows Potential as an Antidepressant TreatmentA meta-analysis suggests that high doses of psilocybin may alleviate depressive symptoms similarly to the SSRI drug escitalopram. While the effect size was small, psilocybin outperformed placebo in clinical trials, though study design flaws could have led to overestimated results. The findings indicate that psilocybin, particularly in high doses, may offer a new avenue for treating depression, comparable to existing antidepressants.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 18, 2024·3 min readBrain-Boosting Gummies May Contain Illegal HallucinogensResearchers warn that mushroom gummies sold to boost brain function may contain illegal hallucinogens and other harmful ingredients, after five people, including a 3-year-old, fell ill. Testing revealed that three out of five brands contained psilocybin or psilocin, Schedule I drugs, which were not listed on the labels. This poses a public health threat, as consumers are unaware of what they are ingesting.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 17, 2024·5 min readMind-Bending: Psilocybin Reshapes Brain Networks for WeeksA new study reveals that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, temporarily disrupts brain networks involved in introspective thinking, like daydreaming and memory. These changes persist for weeks, potentially making the brain more flexible and improving mental health. The findings could pave the way for psilocybin-based therapies for depression and PTSD. The research underscores the importance of using these drugs under medical supervision.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 24, 2024·6 min readPsilocybin Induces Brain Hyperconnectivity, Enhancing Mystical ExperiencesPsilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, initiates a pattern of dynamic hyperconnectivity in the brain. This brain state is linked to the ego-modifying effects and feelings of oceanic boundlessness commonly reported during psychedelic experiences.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 13, 2024·3 min readPsilocybin Shows Promise in Anorexia TreatmentA new study highlights the potential of psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, as a treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder with one of the highest mortality rates. The research demonstrated that psilocybin enhances cognitive flexibility and body weight maintenance in an animal model of AN.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 2, 2024·7 min readPsilocybin Effective as AntidepressantPsilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, is notably more effective at alleviating depression symptoms than conventional controls. Analyzing seven trials with 436 participants, researchers found a substantial improvement in depression scores following psilocybin treatment compared to placebos or other minor psychedelic doses, showcasing a large effect size.Read More
Neuroscience·March 12, 2024·6 min readMushroom Extract Outperforms Synthetic Psilocybin in Psychiatric TherapyA new study reveals that psilocybin-containing mushroom extract exhibits a more potent and enduring effect on synaptic plasticity compared to its synthetic counterpart. This research highlights the potential of natural psychedelic compounds to revolutionize the treatment of psychiatric disorders. With alarming statistics indicating a significant portion of patients unresponsive to existing medications, this study opens new avenues for innovative, nature-based psychiatric treatments.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 3, 2023·5 min readPsilocybin Microdosing Promising for Mental Health DisordersResearchers delve into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin microdosing, exploring its influence on stress resilience and compulsive behaviors in rats. While high-dose psilocybin therapy has been scrutinized for psychiatric treatment applications, this study focuses on low, repeated doses—commonly known as 'microdosing'—and its burgeoning popularity in self-medication narratives online.Read More
