Summary: A 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,…
Category: brain research
Brain Area Linked to Mood Swings in Bipolar Disorder
Summary: A new study identifies brain areas linked to mood swings and pleasure response in bipolar disorder. Researchers found that people with bipolar disorder show heightened activity in the ventral…
Surge in Microdosing Interest Linked to Relaxed Drug Policies
Summary: A new study reveals a 1250% increase in Google searches for micro dosing from 2015 to 2023, driven by relaxed regulations on cannabis and psychedelics. The research shows policy…
Depression Linked to Amygdala Activity
Summary: A new study reveals how depression affects brain activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of rats. Using a microelectrode array, researchers found increased theta frequency activity in the BLA…
Brain Control of Escape Behavior May Unlock Anxiety Treatments
Summary: Researchers discovered how the brain controls sensitivity to threats, influencing escape behavior in mice. The study found that inhibitory neurons in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) regulate both the initiation…
MDMA Variants Show Promise for Safer Psychotherapy
Summary: Researchers 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…
Unlocking Flow: The Neuroscience of Creative Bliss
Summary: A new study involving Philadelphia-area jazz guitarists, has explored the brain processes that enable creative flow. The research reveals that achieving flow requires a solid foundation of expertise, after…
“Supernatural” Experiences Comfort Grieving Pet Owners
Summary: A new study explores the phenomenon of supernatural visits from deceased pets. Analyzing 544 accounts from dog owners on social media, researchers found that about half of these experiences…
How Sex and Gender Shape Our Cognition
Summary: Researchers released a new study examining how sex and gender influence cognitive abilities. The study analyzed eight cognitive tasks and found that while spatial cognition correlates more with biological…
