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psychedelics

·March 20, 2023·5 min read

How DMT Psychedelic Alters Perception of Reality

The psychedelic compound DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) increases connectivity across the brain, allowing for greater communication between different areas and networks. The brain changes are most prominent in brain areas linked to higher functioning, such as imagination.

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·August 22, 2016·3 min read

How LSD Affects Language

A new study looks at how LSD affects the ability to correctly put a name to an object.

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·April 13, 2016·5 min read

How LSD Can Make Us Lose Our Sense of Self

Increases in global connectivity in brain networks of people under the influence of LSD correlate with the degree to which a person reported a sense of ego dissolution.

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·May 14, 2018·3 min read

How Our Ancestors with Autistic Traits Led a Revolution in Ice Age Art

A new study reveals a common autistic trait, the ability to focus on detail, may have allowed realism to flourish in Upper Paleolithic art.

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·April 4, 2025·3 min read

How Psilocybin Lifts Mood Without the Hallucinogenic Trip

Researchers 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.

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·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.

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·October 24, 2022·4 min read

How Psychedelics Light Up Brain’s Neuropathways

Study reveals the basic neurobiology of how psychedelics work at the chemical, molecular, neural, and network levels within the brain.

This shows an illustration of colorful, psychedelic neurons.

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·April 8, 2026·8 min read

How Science Solved the Mystery of the Psychedelic High

A massive international study identifies a universal pattern of brain activity across psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and more. Researchers found that all major psychedelics dissolve brain network boundaries, triggering global "cross-talk."

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·October 9, 2017·3 min read

Human Minibrains Reveal Effects of Psychedelic Substance

A new study reveals psychedelic substances may have a neuroprotective role when it comes to inflammation. Researchers also report psychedelics can alter signaling pathways associated with neuroplasticity.

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·July 15, 2019·4 min read

Improved mood and focus reported by microdosers

Microdosing, a growing trend where people take small doses for psychedelic drugs, is associated with improved mood, focus, and creativity. For some, microdosing may provide a possible alternative to SSRI antidepressants. However, researchers warn of some potential problems with microdosing, including negative side effects, psychological stigma, and exposure to elicit, black market products.

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·July 28, 2023·5 min read

Journeys Beyond: Contrasting Psychedelic Trips and Near-Death Experiences

A research study scrutinizes the parallels and differences between a near-death experience (NDE) during a coma and the experience induced by a potent psychedelic drug, 5-Methoxy-DMT (5MeO-DMT). The researchers found shared themes, such as ego dissolution and space-time transcendence.