Summary: Researchers 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…
Category: Featured
Expert suggests driver’s test for autonomous vehicles in US
A Mcity driverless shuttle makes a stop on June 4, 2018 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. Credit: AP Photo/Paul Sancya At a time of growing concern…
New apps aid blind people in navigating indoor spaces
A blind person navigates indoors with the help of the new app and a blind dog. Credit: Roberto Manduchi Two new apps are set to assist blind individuals in navigating…
Texting while walking puts pedestrians in danger, finds study
An image of one of the sites used for the study, at the Granville and Smithe intersection in Vancouver, BC. Credit: UBC Applied Science New UBC research analyzing actual pedestrian…
How Conscious Thought Fades Under Anesthesia
Summary: A new study has shown that conscious thought relies on synchronized brain rhythms to maintain communication between sensory and cognitive brain regions. Under general anesthesia, this rhythm-based communication breaks…
Gas isn’t a good alternative to coal. South Africa should focus on solar, wind and green hydrogen
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain South Africa is immersed in a “just energy transition” from a fossil fuel-based energy system to a cleaner, low-carbon energy system. This new system will be…
First Gut Microbiome Map for Personalized Food Responses
Summary: A recent study has mapped how molecules in food interact with gut bacteria, revealing why people respond differently to the same diets. By examining 150 dietary compounds, researchers found…
Gene Activity in Depression Linked to Immune System and Inflammation
Summary: A new study reveals that inflammation and immune system activation are closely linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly in those resistant to standard antidepressants. Researchers analyzed gene expression…
