Articles
Trauma Under Psychedelics: How Psychoactive Substances Impact Trauma Processing
bioRxiv – March 28, 2024
Summary
Survivors of a recent traumatic event showed that those who used MDMA reported feeling less overwhelmed and experienced better sleep and social interactions compared to those not using substances. In contrast, Cannabis and Alcohol worsened psychological distress. These findings highlight MDMA's potential in aiding trauma recovery.
Abstract
Traumatic events play a causal role in the etiology of stress-related psychopathologies such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)...
Respiratory pauses highlight sleep architecture in mice
bioRxiv – March 27, 2024
Summary
Breathing patterns play a crucial role in understanding sleep stages. Researchers found that specific pauses in respiration can effectively distinguish between wakefulness, REM, and NREM sleep in mice. These insights reveal how breathing influences brain activity, highlighting the intricate connection between respiratory features and sleep architecture.
Abstract
Brain activity and breathing rate influence each other but it remains unclear how fine respiratory features vary across vigilance states. Using sim...
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Medicinal cannabis for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid depression: real-world evidence
BJPsych Open – March 12, 2024
Summary
A striking 77% of individuals using cannabis-based medicinal products for PTSD also experience depression, which worsens their symptoms and quality of life. However, those with depression showed greater improvement in PTSD symptoms after three months of treatment, highlighting the potential effectiveness of these products for this dual challenge.
Abstract
Background Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) are increasingly being used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), despite limited e...
American Psychiatrists' Opinions About Classic Hallucinogens and Their Potential Therapeutic Applications: A 7-Year Follow-Up Survey.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2024
Summary
A significant shift in attitudes is emerging among American psychiatrists regarding the use of hallucinogens. A recent survey revealed that 81% believe these psychedelics hold promise for treating psychiatric conditions, with many planning to incorporate psychedelic-assisted therapy into their practice, pending regulatory approval.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a classic hallucinogen, may eventually be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for treatment-resistant depression...
Getting in Touch with Touch: The Importance of Studying Touch in MDMA-Assisted Therapy and the Development of a New Self-Report Measure.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2024
Summary
Touch plays a vital role in MDMA-assisted therapy, enhancing emotional connection and healing. This study introduces the Touch Outcomes Measurement Inventory (TOMI), a new tool designed to assess clients' experiences with touch during therapy. By addressing this gap, TOMI supports ethical practices in psychedelic-assisted therapy, ensuring positive client outcomes.
Abstract
MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) is an emerging treatment modality, with recent phase 3 trials indicating its potential for regulatory approval. Cen...
Preadministration of Lorazepam Reduces Efficacy and Longevity of Antidepressant-Like Effect from a Psychedelic.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin show promise in treating depression, but their effectiveness can be influenced by other medications. In a study with rats, preadministration of lorazepam diminished the long-lasting antidepressant efficacy of psilocin. While psilocin boosted activity initially, lorazepam reduced its benefits over time.
Abstract
Psychedelics such as psilocybin have been shown to have persistent antidepressant effects, but with considerable individual variability in optimal ...
The Mystical Experience Questionnaire 4-Item and Challenging Experience Questionnaire 7-Item.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2024
Summary
Shorter questionnaires can enhance the study of psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin. This research introduced brief versions of established measures for mystical and challenging experiences, showing they align well with longer forms. Higher mystical experience scores correlated with improved mental health, making these tools valuable for therapy and research.
Abstract
The Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) and Challenging Effects Questionnaire (CEQ) are two of the most widely used, validated instruments t...
A Systematic Review of Study Design and Placebo Controls in Psychedelic Research.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics have shown promise in mental health treatment, yet effective blinding in research is challenging due to their consciousness-altering effects. This review analyzed 50 randomized control trials on classic psychedelics, highlighting study designs that enhance placebo controls and minimize bias. Active placebos may improve outcomes, paving the way for more reliable findings.
Abstract
Effective blinding is especially challenging in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving psychedelics due to the inherent alterations in consc...
The DREAM implant: A Lightweight, Modular and Cost-Effective Implant System for Chronic Electrophysiology in Head-fixed and Freely Behaving Mice
bioRxiv – February 26, 2024
Summary
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking implant system that enhances chronic electrophysiology in mice, allowing for more effective study of brain activity during behavior. This innovative, lightweight design is modular and cost-effective, improving usability while maintaining stability. It offers a promising leap forward in neuroscience research.
Abstract
Chronic electrophysiological recordings in rodents have significantly improved our understanding of neuronal dynamics and their behavioral relevanc...
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Psychedelics as a treatment for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Journal of Education, Health and Sport – February 23, 2024
Summary
Recent findings suggest that psychedelics may effectively alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This approach shows promise in enhancing not just PTSD severity, but also related issues like depression and pain. By integrating these substances with psychotherapy, a multidimensional treatment could emerge, offering new hope for patients.
Abstract
Introduction and purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric condition following an extreme event that causes a near death of an invo...
Breathwork-Induced Psychedelic Experiences Modulate Neural Dynamics
bioRxiv – February 19, 2024
Summary
Breathwork can induce profound altered states of consciousness, akin to psychedelic experiences. In a study with 14 participants over 28 sessions, researchers used portable EEG to explore how breathwork affects the brain. They discovered that these experiences correlated with increased neural complexity, suggesting a rich tapestry of positive emotional states and insights during practice.
Abstract
Breathwork is an understudied school of practices involving intentional respiratory modulation to induce an altered state of consciousness (ASC). W...
Dynamic medial parietal and hippocampal deactivations under DMT relate to sympathetic output and altered sense of time, space, and the self
bioRxiv – February 14, 2024
Summary
DMT, a powerful psychedelic, profoundly alters consciousness, leading to unique experiences of time, space, and self. In a study involving 14 volunteers, brain imaging revealed that DMT deactivates the hippocampus and medial parietal areas while enhancing sensory processing. This shift correlates with increased heart rate and suggests potential mental health benefits related to self-awareness.
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a serotonergic psychedelic, known to rapidly induce short-lasting alterations in conscious experience, characterize...
Mindfulness meditation styles differently modulate source-level MEG microstate dynamics and complexity
Frontiers in Neuroscience – February 02, 2024
Summary
Meditation can transform brain activity in remarkable ways. This study reveals that different meditation styles—focused attention and open monitoring—affect brain microstates uniquely. Using advanced imaging, researchers found that both styles enhance brain complexity and dynamic transitions, suggesting meditation boosts cognitive performance by altering mental states.
Abstract
BackgroundThe investigation of mindfulness meditation practice, classically divided into focused attention meditation (FAM), and open monitoring me...
LSD Modulates Proteins Involved in Cell Proteostasis, Energy Metabolism and Neuroplasticity in Human Cerebral Organoids
bioRxiv – January 30, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD may influence brain health by altering how our cells manage proteins and energy. In a study using human brain organoids, researchers found that LSD changed protein dynamics related to cell function, boosting energy metabolism and enhancing neuroplasticity. This suggests potential therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions.
Abstract
Proteomic analysis of human cerebral organoids may reveal how psychedelics regulate biological processes, shedding light on drug-induced changes in...
Exploring the embodied mind: functional connectome fingerprinting of meditation expertise
bioRxiv – December 06, 2023
Summary
Meditation can reshape the brain, enhancing well-being and cognitive function. Researchers examined the brain connectivity of experienced meditators, uncovering distinct patterns linked to their expertise. These findings suggest that meditation fosters lasting mental changes, highlighting its potential for profound personal transformation.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short mindfulness-based interventions have gained traction in research due to their positive impact on well-being, cognition, and clinic...
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The Immediate Impact of App-Based Psychotherapeutic Exercises on Anxiety: An RCT
medRxiv – November 27, 2023
Summary
A recent study found that app-based psychotherapeutic exercises can significantly reduce anxiety in just a short time. By comparing various techniques, researchers discovered that these digital tools not only engage users but also empower them to break negative cycles. This innovative approach offers immediate relief, showcasing the potential of technology in mental health care.
Abstract
Background Despite the growing integrative trend in psychotherapy, few studies have examined the potential for immediate anxiety relief of many dif...
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Timbre and the "Zone of Entanglement" in Electronic Dance Music
Dancecult: Journal of Electronic Dance Music Culture – November 24, 2023
Summary
Electronic dance music's unique sounds can create profound connections among listeners, akin to the interwoven networks of fungi. This study explores how timbre in EDM fosters shared experiences and social consciousness. By integrating personal and cultural dimensions, it reveals how these sonic textures encourage a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness.
Abstract
This article weaves together relational tendencies in recent scholarship spanning philosophy, mycology, psychopharmacology and timbre studies in or...
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Possible Therapeutics Effects of Ayahuasca, a Psychedelic Compound
European Psychiatry – November 17, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, shows promise in treating depression and addiction. A review of various studies revealed significant antidepressant effects and positive brain changes without worsening mental health. Users experienced rare adverse reactions, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic tool for mental well-being.
Abstract
Introduction Ayahuasca is an hallucinogenic tea prepared from the Amazonian vine Banisteriopsis caapi and the leaves of the plant Psychotria Virid...
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Aperiodic activity as a central neural feature of hypnotic susceptibility outside of hypnosis
bioRxiv – November 16, 2023
Summary
Hypnotic susceptibility varies widely among individuals, and this study uncovers its neural basis. By analyzing EEG data, researchers discovered that specific brain activity patterns, particularly the 1/f slope at rest, predict how responsive someone is to hypnosis. This insight highlights the role of brain balance in susceptibility, paving the way for innovative clinical applications.
Abstract
How well a person responds to hypnosis is a stable trait, which exhibits considerable inter-individual diversity across the general population. Yet...
TRAFICA: An Open Chromatin Language Model to Improve Transcription Factor Binding Affinity Prediction
bioRxiv – November 02, 2023
Summary
By focusing on open chromatin regions, a new model enhances our ability to predict how transcription factors bind to DNA. This innovative approach outperformed existing tools by integrating data from in vivo experiments, showcasing the importance of real biological contexts in understanding gene regulation.
Abstract
In silico transcription factor and DNA (TF-DNA) binding affinity prediction plays a vital role in examining TF binding preferences and understandin...
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Synergistic, Multi-level Understanding of Psychedelics: Three Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Their Pharmacology, Neuroimaging and Phenomenology
bioRxiv – October 06, 2023
Summary
Serotonergic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin can significantly alter consciousness and offer promise for treating depression and addiction. By examining subjective experiences, brain imaging, and molecular effects, researchers found that LSD enhances visionary experiences more than psilocybin and alters brain connectivity patterns. These insights deepen our understanding of how these substances impact the mind and brain.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics induce altered states of consciousness and have shown potential for treating a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, inc...
Psychedelic 5-HT2A receptor agonism: neuronal signatures and altered neurovascular coupling
bioRxiv – September 23, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin show promise for treating mood disorders, with significant impacts on brain function. This study reveals that the psychedelic DOI alters neurovascular coupling (NVC) in mice, particularly during rest, while also highlighting differences between neuronal and blood flow signals. Understanding these effects is crucial for interpreting brain imaging data.
Abstract
Psychedelics hold therapeutic promise for mood disorders due to rapid, sustained results. Human neuroimaging studies have reported dramatic seroton...
Rapid, biochemical tagging of cellular activity history in vivo
bioRxiv – September 06, 2023
Summary
Cells use calcium signals to communicate, essential for many biological processes. A new method quickly tags active cells with elevated calcium levels in living animals without invasive procedures. This innovative approach allows for immediate tracking of cellular activity, revealing insights into brain responses, such as those triggered by psilocybin.
Abstract
Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) is ubiquitous to cell signaling across all biology. While existing fluorescent sensors and reporters can detect activa...
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Derek Jarman’s <i>Tempest</i>, William Shakespeare’s <i>Salò</i>
Humanities – August 25, 2023
Summary
Derek Jarman's film adaptation of Shakespeare's play reveals a fascinating connection to Pier Paolo Pasolini's provocative style. By weaving themes of captivity and spectacle, Jarman creates a unique interpretation that resonates with contemporary issues. His work invites a deeper reflection on the emotional power of performance, bridging past and present.
Abstract
This article re-evaluates Derek Jarman’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s <i>The Tempest</i> (1979) based on archival research into the cinemati...
Effects of psychedelics on neurogenesis and brain plasticity: A systematic review
bioRxiv – July 19, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics may boost the brain's ability to generate new neurons, a process crucial for mental health. This review analyzed 68 studies on various psychedelic compounds and their effects on neurogenesis and brain plasticity. Findings show promising links between these substances and enhanced brain function, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for mood disorders.
Abstract
In the mammalian brain, new neurons continue to be generated throughout life in a process known as adult neurogenesis. The role of adult-generated ...
Confronting the figure of the “mad scientist” in psychedelic history: LSD’s use as a correctional tool in the postwar period
Frontiers in Psychology – July 14, 2023
Summary
LSD was once viewed as a promising tool for therapy, even in correctional settings, revealing a complex history behind its use. This exploration highlights how knowledgeable therapists applied psychedelics to vulnerable groups, challenging the “mad scientist” stereotype. Today’s practitioners must reflect on this legacy to ensure ethical practices.
Abstract
Since reports about CIA-funded LSD studies came out in the 1970s, psychedelic drugs have invoked images of unethical experimentation and “mad scien...
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Fractal cycles of sleep: a new aperiodic activity-based definition of sleep cycles
bioRxiv – July 04, 2023
Summary
Sleep is more than just a series of cycles; it reflects complex patterns in our brain activity. This study introduces a fresh perspective by defining sleep cycles based on fractal neural activity, revealing their significance in understanding sleep stages and arousal. The findings enhance our grasp of how sleep functions, offering new insights into its vital role in health.
Abstract
Nocturnal human sleep consists of 4 – 6 ninety-minute cycles defined as episodes of non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep followed by an episode o...
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Navigating the chaos of psychedelic fMRI brain-entropy via multi-metric evaluations of acute psilocybin effects
medRxiv – July 03, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin may enhance brain activity in unique ways. In a study with 28 participants, researchers analyzed fMRI scans before and after psilocybin use, revealing significant links between brain entropy and subjective experiences. This nuanced effect suggests certain metrics could be key in understanding psychedelics' clinical benefits.
Abstract
A prominent theory of psychedelics is that they increase brain entropy. Twelve studies have evaluated psychedelic effects on fMRI brain entropy qua...
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Deep Learning and Transfer Learning for Brain Tumor Detection and Classification
bioRxiv – April 10, 2023
Summary
Deep learning models can significantly enhance brain tumor detection using MRI scans. By employing advanced neural networks, particularly through a novel transfer learning technique inspired by animal camouflage detection, researchers improved classification accuracy. The models not only identified tumors but also considered surrounding tissue changes, mimicking expert radiologists' assessments.
Abstract
Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are powerful tools that can be trained on image classification tasks and share many structural and functional ...
LSD-induced increase of Ising temperature and algorithmic complexity of brain dynamics.
PLoS Computational Biology – February 23, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD may enhance brain complexity by pushing it into a more disordered state. Analyzing fMRI data, researchers found that LSD increases the Ising temperature of brain dynamics, indicating greater disorder and reduced interhemispheric connectivity. This shift suggests a unique brain state that fosters creativity and insight.
Abstract
A topic of growing interest in computational neuroscience is the discovery of fundamental principles underlying global dynamics and the self-organi...