FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 3, 2024·4 min readPsychedelics Reduce Anxiety Without HallucinationsNew research has pinpointed the specific brain region and neuron type responsible for reducing anxiety using the psychedelic drug DOI, without triggering hallucinations. The study revealed that DOI targets serotonin2A receptors on parvalbumin-positive neurons in the ventral hippocampus, decreasing anxiety behaviors in animal models.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 24, 2024·3 min readPsychedelic Drug Reduces Anxiety by Targeting Fast-spiking InterneuronsThe psychedelic DOI, a compound similar to LSD, reduced anxiety in mice by activating specific brain cells called fast-spiking interneurons. These neurons silence nearby cells in the ventral hippocampus, a region linked to emotion and memory. By uncovering this mechanism, the study opens the door to designing new treatments that target anxiety without triggering hallucinations, a hallmark of many psychedelics.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·August 5, 2024·5 min readNew Tool Rapidly Tracks Psychedelic Effects in Brain NeuronsResearchers developed a rapid, noninvasive tool called CaST that tracks neurons and biomolecules activated by psychedelic drugs. This new method allows researchers to observe the cellular processes responsible for the neuroplastic effects of psychedelics, offering insights into treatments for brain disorders like depression and PTSD.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
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·July 15, 2024·6 min readOpenScope Project Unveils Brain’s SecretsThe OpenScope program is investigating neural activity through four new projects, exploring topics like psilocybin's effects, motion perception, visual texture recognition, and subtle changes in appearance. By using advanced imaging techniques in mice, researchers aim to understand how the brain processes these complex functions.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 28, 2024·7 min readSurge in Microdosing Interest Linked to Relaxed Drug PoliciesA new study reveals a 1250% increase in Google searches for microdosing from 2015 to 2023, driven by relaxed regulations on cannabis and psychedelics. The research shows policy changes correlate with growing interest in microdosing, filling gaps in understanding substance use trends.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 25, 2024·4 min readMDMA Variants Show Promise for Safer PsychotherapyResearchers developed three new MDMA variants (ODMA, TDMA, and SeDMA) that retain the therapeutic benefits while reducing side effects. These compounds affect mood-regulating brain structures similarly to MDMA but have fewer toxic breakdown products and lower interaction with serotonin receptors. The study suggests these variants could make psychotherapeutic use of MDMA safer. Further research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 20, 2024·3 min readPrior LSD Use Linked to Lower Psychological ResilienceLifetime LSD use is linked to higher severe psychological distress after job loss, a new study reveals. Analyzing data from 15,854 adults, researchers found those with prior LSD use were 1.6-1.7 times more likely to report severe distress. The study suggests LSD does not confer resilience to stress from job loss. These findings challenge previous claims about the psychological benefits of psychedelic use.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 8, 2024·5 min readPsychedelics Activate Serotonin to Produce Antidepressant EffectA new study advanced our understanding of how psychedelic drugs activate serotonin receptors to offer potential treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. The identifies the interaction of psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin with the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A, which is pivotal in their therapeutic effects.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
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 11, 2023·2 min readUnraveling Psychedelics’ Potential in Mental HealthResearch delves into the potential of psychedelics like psilocybin for treating psychiatric disorders. Studies show varying effects of psilocybin on fear learning in rats and mice, dependent on sex and dosage, and its potential to alleviate nicotine withdrawal in mice.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
