Inca sacrifices were given ayahuasca in their final hours.
IFL Science (among other outlets) is reporting on studies published in Nature and the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports that looked at the mummified remains […]
pharmacology
Cannabis chemicals block covid virus (in the lab, at least).
Researchers publishing in the Journal of Natural Products have basically opened the door to pot being the next ivermectin with a finding that orally active […]
Cannabis use in pregnancy affects the fetus’ immune system… leading to anxiety and hyperactivity.
Scientific American reports on a PNAS study that linked increased anxiety, hyperactivity and aggression in children to cannabis use by their parents during pregnancy. It’s […]
SciAm considers ways to make magic mushrooms, if not legal, at least less illegal.
Scientific American commentator Mason Marks, a law professor, examines three roads to making psilocybin easier for researchers – and people who need clinical help – […]
Bees on java.
Scientific American marvels at caffeinated bumblebees, and the researchers who give busy bees caffeine and sugar to make them more focused and efficient: [University of […]
Psych study: Microdosing really works. But so do placebos.
Science shares a study that found microdoses of psychedelic mushrooms really do work to boost creativity and create feelings of well-being… but so did inert […]
New coffee-based technique promises to rebuild nerves damaged by MS, injuries.
HealthEuropa reveals new research into myelin sheaths, the “insulation” around nerve cells that gets damaged by multiple sclerosis and some kinds of traumatic injuries. Swiss […]
LSD use is rising among older folks – and it’s probably because people are looking for a way out. Even if it’s way out.
Scientific American analyzes the rise in LSD use and finds that it’s probably an attempt to lighten up – or at least get a new […]
The jury remains out on ketamine-based antidepressants. They work… for *some* people.
Science News covers the ups and downs of Spravato, a ketamine-related antidepressant nasal spray that works for some folks, sometimes: Many existing antidepressants target serotonin, […]
In states where marijuana is legalized, underage use is *dropping*.
CNN reports on a JAMA Pediatrics study that found an interesting correlation between decriminalizing cannabis and teenagers’ use of the plant. Recreational use among teens […]
Ancient stoners used wooden bowls. (Not the kind on pipes, either.)
Science News traces the history of highs to a Chinese site where 2,500-year-old tombside remains indicate that smoldering cannabis was stacked in wooden bowls for […]
Anesthetic kills the pain … of traumatic memories.
New Scientist reports on a novel possible treatment for PTSD – a common anesthetic that helps take the sting out of painful memories: Bryan Strange […]
Mushrooms could save the bees. Maybe.
Wired shares the latest unexpected benefit from mushroom fundi Paul Stamets, who may have found a weapon to beat back CCD, the syndrome that’s devastating […]
Johns Hopkins researchers recommend taking magic mushrooms off Schedule I.
The Johns Hopkins Hub shares the news that their medical school researchers are advocating, in the October issue of Neuropharmacology, that psilocybin mushrooms be taken […]
We’ve figured out why marijuana helps inflammation.
Popular Science looks at Mary Jane, gut problems and the mechanism behind cannabis helping make IBS better: A new study from University of Massachusetts and […]