Articles
Psychedelic Use and Behavioral Addictions.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – March 15, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic users in a large community survey reported higher well-being and lower symptoms of behavioral addiction, such as gambling and compulsive buying. This naturalistic study found that while traditional substances like alcohol and stimulants increased addiction scores, psychedelics were linked to decreased symptoms, suggesting their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Recent clinical trials on classic psychedelics for depression and anxiety have raised questions about their potential to treat other psychiatric co...
The therapeutic effects of psychedelics for opioid use disorder: A systematic review of clinical studies.
Psychiatry research – March 15, 2025
Summary
With opioid overdose deaths at alarming rates, exploring new treatments is crucial. Recent findings suggest psychedelics like ibogaine and ketamine may offer promise for opioid use disorder. While studies show potential benefits, many lack rigorous design. Future research could refine these therapies, including psilocybin and LSD, for better outcomes.
Abstract
Opioid-related overdose deaths have reached record high levels, and novel treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) are needed. The three United Sta...
Transgenic expression of mAChR-C dsRNA in maize confers efficient locust control.
Plant communications – March 15, 2025
Summary
Innovative transgenic maize expressing locust mAChR-C dsRNA effectively targets locusts, disrupting their chitin metabolism and causing developmental issues. This RNA interference approach selectively impacts these pests without harming beneficial insects, showcasing a promising eco-friendly strategy for insect pest control.
Abstract
Plant-meditated RNA interference (RNAi), by which double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeting insect genes are expressed in plants for insect ingestion...
Impact of insomnia: Cultural and societal aspects from a European survey.
L'Encephale – March 15, 2025
Summary
Chronic insomnia significantly disrupts daily life, affecting work and relationships across Europe. A survey of 755 patients revealed cultural differences in coping strategies; while breathing exercises and meditation were common, perceptions varied. Awareness is crucial for improving management and enhancing quality of life amidst these challenges.
Abstract
This European study explored the cultural and societal aspects of chronic insomnia by means of a survey undertaken in France, Germany, Italy, Spain...
Psychedelics and the Autonomic Nervous System: A Perspective on Their Interplay and Therapeutic Potential.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – March 14, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics may enhance therapeutic outcomes by influencing the autonomic nervous system, which regulates vital body functions. This perspective explores how these substances affect both sympathetic and parasympathetic responses, suggesting their potential to improve cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
Abstract
Psychedelics, known for their therapeutic potential in psychiatric disorders, interact with the autonomic nervous system in ways that are not well ...
Psychedelics and Pro-Social Behaviors: A Perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – March 14, 2025
Summary
Research suggests that psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin may enhance social behaviors in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. By promoting empathy and emotional connection, these substances could offer new avenues for improving social interactions and communication, potentially transforming lives positively.
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and repet...
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Exploring End-of-Life Experiences and Consciousness through the Lens of Psychedelics.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – March 14, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics may transform our understanding of dying by alleviating existential distress and enhancing the quality of life for those approaching death. This study highlights their potential in palliative care and therapy, suggesting these substances could enrich end-of-life experiences and foster deeper spiritual insights.
Abstract
Exploring dying through the lens of psychedelic experiences offers transformative perspectives on the end-of-life process, potentially alleviating ...
Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin for Treating Neuropsychiatric Long COVID Symptoms: A Reddit Investigation.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – March 14, 2025
Summary
Long COVID presents a challenge with few effective treatments, yet anecdotal accounts suggest that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, may help alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms. Analyzing Reddit posts, researchers found that 78% of users reported symptom improvement after using psilocybin, with effects lasting beyond the experience.
Abstract
Long COVID lacks effective pharmaceutical treatment options. Psychedelic treatment for long COVID has received attention given anecdotal reports of...
Māori healthcare professionals' perceptions of psychedelic-assisted therapy: a qualitative study.
The New Zealand medical journal – March 14, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapies show promise for mental health and addiction treatment, yet cultural acceptability remains a concern. Interviews with Māori healthcare professionals revealed that increased awareness fosters openness to these therapies. They emphasized the need for education and equitable access, aligning treatments with Māori values.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapies are gaining interest as an innovative treatment for problems with mental health and addictions, and there are severa...
Validation of the Spanish Version of the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) and an Exploration of Its Relationship to Meditation and Embodiment Variables.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) – March 14, 2025
Summary
A newly validated Spanish version of the Body Awareness Questionnaire reveals strong reliability and positive links to self-compassion and body appreciation. With statistical factor analysis confirming its two-factor structure, this tool can effectively explore interoception in diverse populations, including meditators, enhancing mindfulness research.
Abstract
Purposes: The Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) has been considered the best available measure of body awareness, but it is not currently availabl...
Machine learning inference of natural product chemistry across biosynthetic gene cluster types
bioRxiv – March 13, 2025
Summary
With the surge of genomic data, understanding how genes produce valuable natural compounds is more important than ever. A new machine learning tool, CHAMOIS, successfully predicts chemical properties of metabolites from biosynthetic gene clusters. It identifies links between genes and chemical traits, offering insights into unexplored biochemical functions. Notably, it can accurately locate gene clusters responsible for specific metabolites, enhancing the discovery of new natural products.
Abstract
With ever-increasing volumes of sequencing data for biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), computational methods to accurately predict which secondary ...
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Transcriptomic Alterations Induced by Tetrahydrocannabinol in SIV/HIV Infection: A Systematic Review.
International journal of molecular sciences – March 13, 2025
Summary
Cannabis use is common among people with HIV, and THC, its active compound, shows promise in modulating immune responses. This review highlights how THC influences gene expression and regulation in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected macaques and human cells, potentially reducing inflammation. Findings suggest THC might help manage chronic immune activation in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, pointing to its role as a beneficial immunomodulator.
Abstract
Given the high prevalence of cannabis use among people with HIV (PWH) and its potential to modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation, this ...
Liver-derived Neuregulin1α stimulates compensatory pancreatic β cell hyperplasia in insulin resistance.
Nature communications – March 13, 2025
Summary
A liver protein called Neuregulin1α plays a vital role in enhancing pancreatic β cell growth, especially during insulin resistance. In studies with mice, higher levels of this protein helped maintain insulin production, while its absence led to impaired glucose management. This discovery highlights Neuregulin1α's potential in addressing type 2 diabetes.
Abstract
Compensatory pancreatic islet hyperplasia is an adaptive response to increased systemic insulin demand, although factors meditating this response r...
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The Gateway Experience Facilitates Psychological Well-Being.
Integrative psychological & behavioral science – March 13, 2025
Summary
Engaging with the Gateway Experience, a program developed decades ago, can significantly enhance psychological well-being. In a study with twelve novices, participants showed marked improvement in areas like autonomy and personal growth after four weeks of meditation techniques. This suggests the Gateway programme is a promising tool for mental health.
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of the Gateway Experience (GE) on psychological well-being. The GE has been developed several decades ago for t...
Meaningful Psychedelic Experiences Predict Increased Moral Expansiveness.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – March 12, 2025
Summary
Meaningful psychedelic experiences can lead to a remarkable increase in moral expansiveness, enhancing our capacity for empathy and compassion. This study found that such experiences, marked by feelings of awe and ego dissolution, significantly shift how individuals perceive morality, fostering positive emotions and deeper connections with others.
Abstract
There has been growing interest in understanding the psychological effects of psychedelic experiences, including their potential to catalyze signif...
Expectancy Effects, Failure of Blinding Integrity, and Placebo Response in Trials of Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders: A Narrative Review.
JAMA psychiatry – March 12, 2025
Summary
Expectancy effects can significantly skew results in psychiatric clinical trials, influencing how treatments are perceived and their effectiveness. This review highlights how compromised blinding and treatment expectations can introduce bias. It suggests strategies to improve reliability, emphasizing the need for objective measures to better assess treatment outcomes.
Abstract
Expectancy effects are significant confounding factors in psychiatric randomized clinical trials (RCTs), potentially affecting the interpretation o...
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"Bringin' in the sheaves:" Meditations on gathering the transference.
American journal of psychoanalysis – March 12, 2025
Summary
In a fascinating exploration of language and psychology, the unique phrase "gathering the transference" in Hebrew prompted an analysis of its deep roots. By examining the antithetical meanings in Hebrew and connecting them to Donald Meltzer’s insights and Martin Heidegger's ideas on listening, new dimensions of understanding emerge. This study reveals how gathering can reflect a nurturing, maternal swirl in psycholinguistics, enriching our grasp of emotional connections.
Abstract
The unanticipated appearance during psychoanalytic supervision, conducted in the Hebrew language, of the uncommon expression "gathering the transfe...
Lifetime classic psychedelic use and headaches: A cross-sectional study.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – March 12, 2025
Summary
Individuals who have used classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin may experience fewer frequent headaches, including migraines and cluster headaches. An analysis of over 11,000 participants revealed a 25% reduction in the likelihood of experiencing severe headaches among psychedelic users. This suggests exciting potential for new treatment options.
Abstract
Migraine and cluster headache are two primary headache disorders for which conventional treatments are limited. Classic psychedelic substances such...
Evaluating the Meditation Practices and Barriers to Adopting Mindful Medicine Among Physicians.
American journal of lifestyle medicine – March 12, 2025
Summary
Over 25% of U.S. adults suffer from chronic pain, yet mindfulness meditation remains underused in clinical practice. A survey of physicians revealed that those who meditate regularly are far more likely to recommend it to patients, highlighting its potential to combat burnout. Barriers like time constraints hinder broader adoption, suggesting that education could enhance integration into healthcare.
Abstract
Background: Chronic pain affects over 25% of U.S. adults and is a leading cause of disability. Mindfulness meditation (MM) is a nonpharmacologic ap...
Exploring serotonergic psychedelics as a treatment for personality disorders.
Neuropharmacology – March 11, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin may reshape personality traits, offering new hope for treating personality disorders. This review highlights how psychedelics could enhance self-awareness and interpersonal skills, suggesting they might effectively address the core challenges of these disorders through innovative psychotherapy approaches.
Abstract
Both psychotherapeutic interventions and pharmacological agents have demonstrated limited efficacy in the treatment of personality disorders (PDs)....
Neuronal and therapeutic perspectives on empathic pain: A rational insight.
Neuropharmacology – March 11, 2025
Summary
Empathy enriches our connections but can lead to empathic pain, causing distress. Neuroimaging reveals key brain areas involved in this emotional experience. Understanding these neural networks opens doors for therapeutic techniques like mindfulness and medication, enhancing mental well-being and fostering deeper social bonds.
Abstract
Empathy is the capacity to experience and understand the feelings of others, thereby playing a key role in a person's mental well-being essentially...
Transient destabilization of whole brain dynamics induced by N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
Communications biology – March 11, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics can rapidly alter brain dynamics, creating heightened states of awareness. In a study with 15 participants, researchers simulated brain activity during DMT exposure, revealing a temporary surge in reactivity, especially in areas tied to perception and cognition. This insight enhances our understanding of how brief psychedelic experiences can leave lasting impressions.
Abstract
The transition towards the brain state induced by psychedelic drugs is frequently neglected in favor of a static description of their acute effects...
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How sleeping minds decide: state-specific reconfigurations of lexical decision-making
bioRxiv – March 10, 2025
Summary
Did you know that our decision-making abilities can adapt even while we sleep? This study reveals how our brains reconfigure lexical decision-making across different sleep states. Using advanced techniques, researchers found that while word processing remains strong in light sleep, lucid REM sleep shows a slowdown in efficiency. These findings highlight the brain's remarkable adaptability, maintaining cognitive function even in altered states of consciousness.
Abstract
Decision-making is a core cognitive function that enables adaptive behavior across diverse contexts. While extensively studied in wakefulness, its ...
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Lasting effect of psilocybin on sociability can be blocked by DNA methyltransferase inhibition
bioRxiv – March 10, 2025
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin can significantly enhance social behavior in a mouse model of autism, showcasing its potential therapeutic effects. This improvement is linked to changes in gene expression, as blocking certain enzymes can prevent these benefits, highlighting a fascinating epigenetic mechanism at work.
Abstract
The recent renaissance in research on psychedelics such as psilocybin has highlighted their therapeutic potential including their lasting influence...
Daily mindfulness practice with and without slow breathing has opposing effects on plasma amyloid beta levels
medRxiv – March 10, 2025
Summary
Engaging in daily mindfulness with slow breathing can lower plasma amyloid beta levels, potentially benefiting brain health. In contrast, normal breathing during meditation may increase these levels. This suggests that how we breathe while meditating plays a crucial role in promoting cognitive well-being and reducing Alzheimer's risk.
Abstract
Prior research suggests that meditation may slow brain aging and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, we lack research systematica...
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Maternal dietary DHA and EPA supplementation ameliorates adverse cardiac outcomes in THC-exposed rat offspring.
Scientific reports – March 10, 2025
Summary
Maternal cannabis use during pregnancy can lead to low birthweight and heart issues in offspring. However, supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids significantly improves these outcomes. This study shows that these nutrients help counteract THC's negative effects on fetal growth and cardiac health by influencing the endocannabinoid system positively.
Abstract
Cannabis use in pregnancy is associated with low birthweight outcomes. Recent preclinical data suggests that maternal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...
Restoring vigilance in multi-task scenarios: a comparison of meditation, exposure to nature, music, and action video games.
Ergonomics – March 09, 2025
Summary
Engaging in restorative activities can significantly enhance our vigilance during multitasking. This study found that meditation, nature exposure, music, and action video games all improved sustained attention after initial performance declines. Meditation was the most effective, boosting executive control and reducing emotional stress, while music elevated arousal levels.
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the cognitive mechanisms behind vigilance changes in multi-task scenarios. Moreover, we compared the effects of fou...
Shifting Between Models of Mind: New Insights Into How Human Minds Give Rise to Experiences of Spiritual Presence and Alternative Realities.
Topics in cognitive science – March 09, 2025
Summary
Experiences of spiritual presence, like hearing divine voices, reveal how our minds can shift between different cognitive attitudes. A study of 1,779 U.S. adults shows that when individuals embrace cultural models and exhibit epistemic flexibility, they can access profound spiritual experiences. This interplay of mental models enhances creativity and insight in various domains.
Abstract
Phenomenal experiences of immaterial spiritual beings-hearing the voice of God, seeing the spirit of an ancestor-are a valuable and largely untappe...
Deepening sleep using an EEG wearable featuring modeling-based closed-loop neurostimulation
bioRxiv – March 09, 2025
Summary
Imagine improving your sleep quality with a simple headband. Researchers have developed a user-friendly EEG device that enhances deep sleep through targeted acoustic stimulation. Their study shows this method effectively boosts slow-wave activity, promising a portable solution for better rest at home or in clinical settings.
Abstract
Objective. Closed-loop neurostimulation (CLNS) during slow-wave sleep (SWS) has been shown to enhance slow-wave activity, predominantly using labor...
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Psychedelics Align Brain Activity with Context
bioRxiv – March 09, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics can significantly enhance our perception of reality, aligning brain activity with the context of experiences. In a study with 62 participants, psilocybin was shown to reorganize brain connectivity, blending internal thoughts with external stimuli. This "embeddedness" fosters meaningful insights and therapeutic benefits, revealing the power of psychedelics on mental well-being.
Abstract
Psychedelics can profoundly alter consciousness by reorganising brain connectivity; however, their effects are context-sensitive. To understand how...