Alcohol and cancer
Nature chats with a few researchers about something that’s been known for more than 30 years but is still not really widely accepted – that there’s a demonstrated link… Read the rest “Alcohol and cancer”
pharmacology
An antibiotic that spares gut bacteria.
Medical News Today has findings that make it that much easier to fight bacterial infections without throwing your whole body out of whack – by using lolamicin, a “smart antibiotic”… Read the rest “An antibiotic that spares gut bacteria.”
Ancient stash of hallucinogenic medicine discovered.
Science magazine reports on the Dutch discovery of, basically, Roman-era drugs hidden inside a hollow bone. The black henbane seeds could have been used to treat ailments (or to bring on… Read the rest “Ancient stash of hallucinogenic medicine discovered.”
Science Art: Don’t Mix ‘Em!, by Robert Lachenman for the Work Projects Administration, 1936.
There’s a killer on the road indeed. The WPA released this poster to discourage drunk driving, or at least running your hotrod on moonshine.
Public health has never been this metal… Read the rest “Science Art: Don’t Mix ‘Em!, by Robert Lachenman for the Work Projects Administration, 1936.”
Fossil antibiotics
Stat covers a medicine-making strategy right out of Jurassic Park, with a UPenn researcher named Cesar de la Fuente, who is looking for protein-chains called peptides in the fossilized… Read the rest “Fossil antibiotics”
MDMA against white supremacy.
BBC reports on a simple pharmaceutical study at the University of Chicago – about the mechanism by which MDMA increased “the pleasantness of social touch” – … Read the rest “MDMA against white supremacy.”
Anesthesiologists issue painful pot warning in new guidelines.
MedPage Today shares a painful finding from the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA Pain Medicine), who have issued guidelines for pre-operative treatment… Read the rest “Anesthesiologists issue painful pot warning in new guidelines.”
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 of children sacrificed… Read the rest “Inca sacrifices were given ayahuasca in their final hours.”
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 extracts of Cannabis sativa… Read the rest “Cannabis chemicals block covid virus (in the lab, at least).”
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 easy… Read the rest “Cannabis use in pregnancy affects the fetus’ immune system… leading to anxiety and hyperactivity.”
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 – to work… Read the rest “SciAm considers ways to make magic mushrooms, if not legal, at least less illegal.”
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:
… Read the rest “Bees on java.”[University of Greenwich ecologist
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 placebo doses:
… Read the rest “Psych study: Microdosing really works. But so do placebos.”Placebo-controlled
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.… Read the rest “New coffee-based technique promises to rebuild nerves damaged by MS, injuries.”
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 perspective – on a reality that’s gotten… Read the rest “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.”