Flipping two atoms in LSD turned it into a powerful treatment for damaged brain circuits
A new study introduces JRT, a modified version of LSD that promotes brain cell growth without triggering hallucinations. Researchers say this non-hallucinogenic compound could offer safer treatment options for schizophrenia and related brain disorders where psychedelics are typically contraindicated.
Common sleep aid blocks brain inflammation and tau buildup in Alzheimer’s model
Scientists have found that lemborexant not only increased restorative sleep in male mice but also reduced levels of toxic tau and brain inflammation. The findings suggest that targeting the brain’s orexin system may help slow Alzheimer’s progression.
Psychedelic experiences can both cause and resolve spiritual struggles, study suggests
A new study has found that people frequently described both relief from spiritual tension and the emergence of new spiritual struggles following psychedelic use.
Psilocybin therapy shows similar benefits for patients with and without recent antidepressant use
A new study finds that individuals with treatment-resistant depression experienced similar improvements from psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy whether or not they had recently discontinued antidepressant medications.
Ayahuasca entity encounters linked to lasting religious belief changes, especially in men
A new study suggests that vivid encounters with perceived entities during ayahuasca experiences are associated with reduced atheism and increased spirituality, particularly among men. Before the experience, men were less religious—but gender differences disappeared afterward.
Psychedelics may buffer against PTSD, finds new study of survivors of Nova music festival massacre
A new study of Nova festival massacre survivors suggests that taking classic psychedelics before the attack was linked to lower anxiety and trauma symptoms weeks later, offering rare insights into how psychedelics may influence trauma memory formation in real-world settings.
21-year-old man dies after jabbing pencil into his brain during psilocybin trip
A detailed case report describes how a 21-year-old man died from self-inflicted ocular trauma during a bad psilocybin trip. The tragic event illustrates how rare but extreme reactions to psychedelics can lead to fatal outcomes.
Antidepressant use in pregnancy not linked to child mental health problems after accounting for maternal depression
A study using U.S. medical records finds that antidepressant use during pregnancy does not increase the risk of psychiatric disorders in children when maternal mental health is accounted for, echoing results from a major Danish study.
The ‘entourage effect’ — what we don’t know about how cannabis works
Cannabis products promise custom experiences based on compound profiles, but the science behind these claims remains limited. While ideas like the “entourage effect” are popular, research on how cannabis compounds interact in humans is still in its early stages.
Antidepressant withdrawal may be more persistent than doctors realize
A systematic review finds that some people experience withdrawal symptoms for months or even years after stopping antidepressants. The study highlights the lack of reliable evidence on how common or severe these symptoms are—and how best to treat them.
High caffeine intake linked to greater psychological distress in people with depression
A new study finds that individuals with a history of depression who consume high amounts of caffeine tend to report greater psychological distress. Genetic differences also appear to influence how much caffeine people drink and how sensitive they are.
Only a specific dose of psilocybin induces lasting antidepressant-like effects, study suggests
A recent study found that a single moderate dose of psilocybin produced lasting antidepressant-like effects in rats, while higher doses led to unwanted side effects. The findings highlight the importance of optimal dosing.
New research shows decaf coffee can mimic caffeine’s effects in habitual drinkers
Drinking coffee might wake you up even without the caffeine. Researchers found that habitual coffee drinkers responded similarly to both regular and decaf coffee, pointing to the influence of expectation and ritual on alertness and brain activity.
Cannabidiol shows promise for treating Alzheimer’s in mice by targeting brain hyperactivity
In a study using an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model, researchers found that cannabidiol reduced memory loss and brain abnormalities. The compound worked by enhancing the function of glycine receptors, which help regulate neuronal activity in the brain's memory center.
Psilocybin and escitalopram produce antidepressant effects via distinct brain mechanisms, study suggests
A new study using brain scans found that psilocybin and escitalopram reduce depression symptoms through different neural mechanisms. While escitalopram dampened emotional brain activity, psilocybin preserved or slightly increased it, suggesting distinct pathways to recovery.
