Misc. news stories

Psychedelic drug DMT to be trialled on UK volunteers to tackle alcohol misuse
20th January 2025 | theguardian.com | Humans, Misc.

A powerful psychedelic that is used in healing ceremonies by Indigenous groups in the Amazon is being trialled as a pioneering approach to reduce problematic alcohol consumption.

Experiences of awe may drive ketamine’s antidepressant benefits
13th January 2025 | psypost.org | Humans, Misc.

A recent study examining the effects of ketamine infusion on depression found that the infusion induces psychological experiences of awe. These experiences may mediate the effects of ketamine on the improvement of depression symptoms. The paper was published in Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science.

Willy Myco Just Released the First-Ever Video Demonstrating How to Synthesize LSD
5th January 2025 doubleblindmag.com | Humans, Misc.

The process for synthesizing Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), more commonly known as “acid,” has long been shrouded by complex chemistry jargon, not to mention laws discouraging anybody from posting the process online lest they incur serious legal consequences. As such, learning how to make LSD has long been a process known only to a select few. Until now, anyway.

When will MDMA be approved for therapy? Major trial issues may stand in the way, psychiatrist Dr. Albino Oliveira-Maia says.
18th December 2024 | livescience.com | Humans, Misc.

Psychedelics are being tested as add-ons to psychotherapy, but in trials, there’s little detail about how the therapy is actually conducted, Dr. Albino Oliveira-Maia says.

Largest-ever survey on ayahuasca highlights links to better mental health and wellbeing
13th December 2024 | psypost.org | Humans, Misc.

A new study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs has uncovered significant associations between naturalistic ayahuasca use and improved mental health.

Psilocybin’s mental health benefits may include improved sleep
4th December 2024 | psypost.org | Humans, Misc.

In a new study, researchers found that participants consumed the psychedelic substance in a therapeutic context reported reduced depression and improvements in their sleep quality. The findings were published in Current Psychiatry Reports.

Scientists Think DMT Is Responsible for Life’s Most Mysterious Experiences
25th November 2024 doubleblindmag.com | Humans, Misc.

DMT might be the vehicle behind dreams, spiritual awakenings, and even wild visions during near-death experiences.

The shape of light: “something that hasn’t been seen before in physics”
21st November 2024 cosmosmagazine.com | Humans, Misc.

A new quantum theory explaining how light and matter interact has also provided the first-ever depiction of the shape of a single light particle, a photon. The research is published in the Physical Review Letters.

The VA Is Funding A Study to Determine If MDMA Can Really Treat PTSD
18th November 2024 doubleblindmag.com | Humans, Misc.

The VA is stepping up with its first psychedelic research study in decades, aiming to determine if MDMA-assisted therapy can offer real relief for veterans struggling with PTSD.

BREAKING: Massachusetts Rejects Legalization of Psychedelic Therapy
6th November 2024 doubleblindmag.com | Humans, Misc.

Voters in Massachusetts rejected Question 4, a ballot initiative that would have decriminalized plant-based psychedelics for residents and green-lit a state-regulated psychedelic-assisted therapy system.

Single-dose psilocybin therapy shows promise for veterans with treatment-resistant depression
6th November 2024 | psypost.org | Humans, Misc.

A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that a single dose of psilocybin may offer hope for U.S. military veterans facing severe, treatment-resistant depression.

Majority of Americans support supervised use of psilocybin for mental health and well-being
4th November 2024 | psypost.org | Humans, Misc.

A recent study published in AJOB Neuroscience found that a majority of Americans support psilocybin, a psychedelic compound from certain mushrooms, for supervised medical treatment and well-being enhancement. This strong bipartisan approval highlights public openness to legalized and controlled use of the drug for both medical and personal enhancement purposes, though with caution for future policy.

Fungal ‘Brains’ Can Think Like Human Minds, Scientists Say
27th October 2024 | popularmechanics.com | Earth, Humans, Misc., Weird

According to a new study published in the journal Fungal Ecology, fungi may have their own unique measure of intelligence, making them capable of basic shape recognition and decision-making throughout the networks they build.

Scientists uncover fascinating link between psychedelic experiences and heart activity
24th October 2024 | psypost.org | Humans, Misc.

A new study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology reveals a surprising link between mystical experiences induced by the psychedelic compound DMT and specific patterns of heart activity.

Tripping on Nothing
21st October 2024 | theatlantic.com | Humans, Misc.

New, non-hallucinogenic versions of psychedelics are blurring the boundaries of the drug trip.

Soil’s secret language: Researchers decode plant-to-fungi communication
18th October 2024 phys.org | Earth, Misc.

Researchers at the University of Toronto have cracked the code of plant-to-fungi communication in a new study published in the journal Molecular Cell.

Miscellaneous news stories.