Summary: New research shows that psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, can reduce both chronic pain and pain-related depression by modulating brain circuits rather than acting at the site…
Category: psychopharmacology
Psilocybin Worsens Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Summary: New research shows psilocybin, often studied as a treatment for mental health disorders, may worsen symptoms of postpartum depression in mice. Mothers given the drug showed more anxiety, avoidance…
Cannabis Linked to Reduced Insomnia and Anxiety
Summary: A new study suggests cannabis-based medical products may help people with insomnia sleep better over the long term. Across 124 patients followed for up to 18 months, participants consistently…
More Than Serotonin: How Psychedelics Engage the Whole Brain
Summary: Classical psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline are known for activating the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, but a new study reveals their effects go far beyond. Researchers profiled 41 psychedelics…
Psilocybin Shows Promise as Anti-Aging Therapy
Summary: Psilocybin, the active compound derived from psychedelic mushrooms, significantly delayed cellular aging and extended lifespan in a preclinical study. Researchers observed a 50% increase in the lifespan of human…
Psychedelics May Shift Brain Power to the Right Hemisphere
Summary: A new theory suggests that psychedelics promote empathy, insight, and psychological flexibility by making the brain’s right hemisphere temporarily dominant over the left. Known as HEALS—Hemispheric Annealing and Lateralization…
More People Turning to Psilocybin for Self-Treatment
Summary: Psilocybin use in the U.S. has risen sharply across all age groups since 2019, coinciding with increasing legalization and interest in its therapeutic potential. A new study reveals a…
Psychedelics Linked to Visual Echoes
Summary: As psychedelics gain traction in mental health treatment, questions remain about their long-term effects. A new study followed individuals self-administering psychedelics and found that while some experienced lingering visual…
Psychedelics May Enhance Intimacy, Attraction, and Sexual Expression
Summary: In the first study of its kind, researchers found that psychedelic use can positively affect sexuality, romantic relationships, and gender expression. Surveying nearly 600 users of substances like psilocybin,…
How Ketamine Binds to Brain Receptors to Alter Mood
Summary: New research sheds light on how ketamine affects the brain by targeting a specific NMDA receptor subtype, GluN1-2B-2D. Scientists used electron cryo-microscopy to capture how ketamine binds to this…
