Summary: 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…
Tag: psychopharmacology
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,…
SSRIs May Speed Up Cognitive Decline
Summary: A new study based on data from 18,740 dementia patients suggests that antidepressants may accelerate cognitive decline. Researchers found that patients taking antidepressants, particularly SSRIs like escitalopram, citalopram, and…
Repurposed Blood Pressure Drug May Treat ADHD
Summary: A new study suggests that amlodipine, a widely used blood pressure medication, could help manage ADHD symptoms. Researchers tested five potential drugs in rats bred for ADHD-like behaviors, and…
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…
Prozac Shows Promise in Fighting Infections & Sepsis
Summary: New research suggests that fluoxetine, commonly used as an antidepressant, may also help protect against infections and sepsis. Scientists found that the drug has antimicrobial properties and helps regulate…
Ketamine Reduces “Giving Up” by Targeting Brain Support Cells
Summary: Researchers have found that ketamine’s antidepressant effects target astroglia, a type of brain support cell, rather than neurons, challenging conventional views. Using zebrafish, scientists observed that ketamine suppressed the…
Can Cannabis Help ADHD? – Neuroscience News
Summary: Researchers are investigating how cannabis affects ADHD symptoms, focusing on its interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Evidence suggests cannabis influences attention, hyperactivity, and anxiety, but the findings are…
Schizophrenia Risks Tied to Psychedelic Use
Summary: A new study links hallucinogen-related emergency department visits to a 21-fold increased risk of schizophrenia compared to the general population. Even after accounting for other mental health disorders and…
Psychedelics Reduce Anxiety Without Hallucinations
Summary: New research has pinpointed the specific brain region and neuron type responsible for reducing anxiety using the psychedelic drug DOI, without triggering hallucinations. The study revealed that DOI targets…
