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…

Timing of Prozac Treatment Shapes Lasting Mood, Brain Changes

Summary: New research reveals that the developmental timing of fluoxetine (Prozac) treatment profoundly influences long-term mood and brain function. In a rodent model, early postnatal treatment in males led to…

Gut Microbiome May Influence Bipolar Medication Response

Summary: A new review has examined how bipolar disorder medications interact with the gut microbiome, revealing important links between treatment response and gut microbial composition. Researchers analyzed 12 studies comparing…

Hallucinogens Linked to Milder PTSD

Summary: In a unique real-world study, researchers examined the psychological effects of trauma on survivors of the October 7 Nova Festival attack in Israel, focusing on their use of mind-altering…

Boosting Ketamine’s Antidepressant Effects to Last Two Months

Summary: Ketamine is a fast-acting antidepressant that can relieve symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) within hours, even in treatment-resistant cases. However, its effects typically last only a week, and…

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…

Can Brain Scans Tell Which Antidepressant Will Work for You?

Summary: A new study shows that brain connectivity patterns, especially in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, can help predict how patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) will respond to antidepressants.…

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…