Archived articles

Psychedelics

Mental health

Profound experiences linked to lasting benefits

Published April 26, 2019

Majority of people who have reported encountering 'God'—whether spontaneously or triggered by psychedelics—report lasting positive changes to psychological health

Brain science

Why MDMA may help treat PTSD

Published April 4, 2019

In mouse study, MDMA is shown to reactivate a learning period for social rewards, allowing test subjects to form positive associations where none existed before

IDEA

Making an octopus cuddly

Published Winter 2018

Study finds that humans and octopuses have a molecular mechanism in the brain that binds to MDMA—revealing evolutionary links between the two species / Johns Hopkins Magazine

Drug policy

Scientists recommend reclassifying drug in 'magic' mushrooms

Published Sept 26, 2018

Psilocybin safety and abuse research shows that the drug has low potential for abuse and dependence, researchers say

Brain science

Octopuses on ecstasy just want hugs

Published Sept 21, 2018

Study of brain chemicals suggests evolutionary link between social behaviors of octopuses, humans

Psychedelic-style illustration shows drippy bodies made of different colors in a barren landscape

Behavioral biology

Crash course in the nature of mind

Published Fall 2017

Roland Griffiths' psilocybin experiments have produced striking evidence for therapeutic uses of hallucinogens / Johns Hopkins Magazine

Pure Ecstasy?

Pill testing could reduce risks

Published July 10, 2017

Many at music festivals, raves say they wouldn't take Ecstasy pills shown to be adulterated or fake

Hallucinogens

Bad trips, revisited

Published Jan 4, 2017

Study explores the enduring positive, negative consequences of ingesting 'magic mushrooms'

Hallucinogen eases depression, anxiety in cancer patients

Published Dec 1, 2016

In small study, psilocybin, the active compound in 'magic mushrooms,' increased life satisfaction among patients with life-threatening cancer / Johns Hopkins Medicine