https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/illegal_drugs/ Read the latest scientific research on marijuana, cocaine, and other controlled substances, including the effect on the body, possible medicinal uses and more. en-us Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:42:55 EDT Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:42:55 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/illegal_drugs/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328043558.htm Scientists have developed a new gene therapy that quiets pain at its source in the brain—without the addictive risks of opioids. Using AI to map how pain is processed, they created a targeted “off switch” that mimics morphine’s benefits but skips its dangerous side effects. In early tests, it delivered lasting relief without affecting normal sensations. The discovery could mark a major step toward safer, non-addictive pain treatments. Sat, 28 Mar 2026 20:57:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328043558.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date found it doesn’t effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD—despite millions using it for those reasons. Researchers warn it could even make mental health worse, raising risks like psychosis and addiction while delaying proven treatments. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism, but the evidence is weak. The findings are fueling calls for stricter oversight as cannabis use continues to rise. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:27:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004711.htm THC doesn’t just blur memories—it can create new ones that never happened. In a controlled experiment, cannabis users were much more likely to recall words that were never shown and struggled with tasks like remembering to do something later. Researchers found that THC disrupted many different memory systems at once. Surprisingly, moderate doses caused memory problems similar to higher doses. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:47:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004711.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213232.htm Scientists are exploring a new way to harness the medical promise of psychedelic compounds without the mind-bending side effects. Researchers created modified versions of psilocin — the active form of psilocybin from “magic mushrooms” — that still target key serotonin pathways linked to depression and other brain disorders but appear to cause far fewer psychedelic-like effects. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 06:26:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213232.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306145621.htm Researchers have discovered a new way to increase a key brain protein damaged in Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects thousands of children worldwide. Early studies in mice and patient-derived cells show the approach can restore normal brain cell function, raising hopes for future therapies. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:18:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306145621.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260305223211.htm Cocaine addiction isn’t simply a failure of willpower — it’s the result of lasting biological changes in the brain. Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that repeated cocaine use rewires communication between the brain’s reward system and the hippocampus, the region responsible for memory. A protein called DeltaFosB builds up with continued drug use and acts like a genetic switch, altering how neurons function and strengthening the brain’s drive to seek cocaine. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:45:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260305223211.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260219040820.htm A groundbreaking clinical trial is testing whether specially engineered stem cells can help the brain restore its own dopamine production in people with Parkinson’s disease. Because the condition is driven by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing cells—leading to tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement—researchers are implanting lab-grown cells directly into the brain’s movement center to replace what’s been lost. Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:03:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260219040820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208233832.htm We don’t experience the world through neat, separate senses—everything blends together. Smell, touch, sound, sight, and balance constantly influence one another, shaping how food tastes, objects feel, and even how heavy our bodies seem. Scientists now believe humans may have more than 20 distinct senses working at once. Everyday illusions and experiences reveal just how surprisingly complex perception really is. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 20:57:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208233832.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020852.htm New research using rhesus monkeys suggests that the brain’s relationship with alcohol may begin forming long before a person ever takes a drink. Scientists found that exposure to alcohol before birth reshaped the brain’s dopamine system, a key player in motivation and reward, and those changes were linked to faster drinking later in adulthood. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:26:39 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020852.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012203.htm Scientists at Keck Medicine of USC are testing an experimental stem cell therapy that aims to restore the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, the chemical whose loss drives Parkinson’s disease. The early-stage clinical trial involves implanting lab-grown dopamine-producing cells directly into a key movement-control region of the brain, with the hope of slowing disease progression and improving motor function. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 06:57:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012203.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030554.htm Scientists still don’t know how the brain turns physical activity into thoughts, feelings, and awareness—but a powerful new tool may help crack the mystery. Researchers at MIT are exploring transcranial focused ultrasound, a noninvasive technology that can precisely stimulate deep regions of the brain that were previously off-limits. In a new “roadmap” paper, they explain how this method could finally let scientists test cause-and-effect in consciousness research, not just observe correlations. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:42:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030554.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118233547.htm Cannabis-based medicines have been widely promoted as a potential answer for people living with chronic nerve pain—but a major new review finds the evidence just isn’t there yet. After analyzing more than 20 clinical trials involving over 2,100 adults, researchers found no strong proof that cannabis products outperform placebos in relieving neuropathic pain. Even when small improvements were reported, especially with THC-CBD combinations, they weren’t large enough to make a real difference in daily life. Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:11:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118233547.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224015651.htm Cannabis products with higher THC levels may slightly reduce chronic pain, particularly nerve pain, according to a review of multiple clinical trials. The improvement was small and short-lived, while side effects were more common. Products with little or no THC, including CBD-only formulations, showed no clear benefit. Researchers say more long-term studies are needed. Tue, 30 Dec 2025 20:44:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224015651.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251221043225.htm A new study shows dopamine isn’t the brain’s movement “gas pedal” after all. Instead of setting speed or strength, it quietly enables movement in the background, much like oil in an engine. When scientists manipulated dopamine during movement, nothing changed—but restoring baseline dopamine levels made a big difference. The finding could reshape how Parkinson’s disease is treated. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 01:38:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251221043225.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251217082507.htm More than 20% of young adults say they use cannabis or alcohol to fall asleep, with cannabis leading by a wide margin. Researchers warn this strategy can backfire, disrupting sleep quality and increasing the risk of long-term sleep and substance-use problems. Thu, 18 Dec 2025 03:11:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251217082507.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251213042402.htm Scientists exploring how the brain responds to stress discovered molecular changes that can influence behavior long after an experience ends. They also identified natural resilience systems that help protect certain individuals from harm. These findings are opening the door to treatments that focus on building strength, not just correcting problems. The work is also fueling a broader effort to keep science open, independent, and accessible. Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:38:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251213042402.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251211100615.htm Rats with naturally high stress levels were far more likely to self-administer cannabis when given access. Behavioral testing showed that baseline stress hormones were the strongest predictor of cannabis-seeking behavior. Lower cognitive flexibility and low endocannabinoid levels also contributed to increased use. The results hint at possible early indicators of vulnerability to drug misuse. Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:15:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251211100615.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210223635.htm Researchers uncovered how shifting levels of a brain protein called KCC2 can reshape the way cues become linked with rewards, sometimes making habits form more quickly or more powerfully than expected. When this protein drops, dopamine neurons fire more intensely, strengthening new associations in ways that resemble how addictive behaviors take hold. Rat studies showed that even brief, synchronized bursts of neural activity can amplify reward learning, offering insight into why everyday triggers, like a morning routine, can provoke strong cravings. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 22:41:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210223635.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090740.htm Researchers uncovered how estrogen subtly reshapes learning by strengthening dopamine reward signals in the brain. Rats learned faster when estrogen levels were high and struggled when the hormone’s activity was blocked. The findings help explain how hormonal cycles influence cognitive performance and psychiatric symptoms. This connection offers a new path for understanding brain disorders tied to dopamine. Fri, 21 Nov 2025 23:32:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090740.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118220041.htm Scientists are uncovering how GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy act on brain regions that control hunger, nausea, pleasure-based eating, and thirst. These discoveries may help create treatments that keep the benefits of weight loss while reducing unwanted side effects. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:48:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118220041.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118033447.htm Scientists discovered that alcohol activates a sugar-producing pathway in the body, creating fructose that may reinforce addictive drinking. The enzyme responsible, KHK, appears to drive both alcohol cravings and liver injury. When this enzyme was blocked in mice, their drinking decreased and their livers showed far less damage. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 03:43:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118033447.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251117095652.htm Researchers developed a new nano-micelle formulation, CBD-IN, that finally gets CBD into the brain effectively. In mice, it relieved neuropathic pain quickly and didn’t cause the usual movement or memory side effects. Surprisingly, the pain relief didn’t use typical cannabinoid receptors, instead calming abnormal nerve activity more directly. The findings hint at new avenues for treating chronic pain and neurological diseases. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:26:39 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251117095652.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251115095932.htm Scientists found that people who use both cannabis and tobacco show a distinct brain pattern tied to mood and stress regulation. Their scans revealed higher levels of an enzyme that reduces a natural feel-good molecule in the brain. This imbalance may help explain why co-users experience more anxiety and struggle more when quitting. Sat, 15 Nov 2025 23:15:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251115095932.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104013027.htm Using powerful 7-Tesla brain imaging, researchers mapped how the brainstem manages pain differently across the body. They discovered that distinct regions activate for facial versus limb pain, showing the brain’s built-in precision pain control system. The findings could lead to targeted, non-opioid treatments that use cannabinoid mechanisms instead of opioids, offering safer pain relief options. Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:36:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104013027.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027023816.htm Generalized anxiety disorder affects millions, often trapping sufferers in cycles of fear and isolation that conventional medications barely relieve. At UCSF, neuroscientist Jennifer Mitchell is testing a pharmaceutical form of LSD called MM120, which has shown striking results in reducing symptoms by promoting neuroplasticity and easing rigid thought patterns. In clinical trials, a single dose significantly outperformed standard treatments, offering hope to those who have found little relief elsewhere. Mon, 27 Oct 2025 22:42:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027023816.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251026021746.htm GLP-1 drugs, originally developed for diabetes and obesity, may also curb addictive behaviors by acting on reward circuits in the brain. Early trials show reductions in alcohol intake, opioid seeking, and nicotine use. Though more research is needed, scientists believe these drugs could open a powerful new front in addiction therapy. Sun, 26 Oct 2025 13:14:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251026021746.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251019120518.htm A major collaboration between UC San Diego and 23andMe identified genes that shape cannabis use behaviors. The study linked the CADM2 and GRM3 genes to cannabis use and connected these patterns to more than 100 traits across mental and physical health. Researchers say understanding these genetic influences could help prevent cannabis use disorder and guide future therapies. Mon, 20 Oct 2025 01:29:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251019120518.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051124.htm Addiction often isn’t about chasing pleasure—it’s about escaping pain. Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered that a tiny brain region called the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) becomes hyperactive when animals learn that alcohol eases the agony of withdrawal. This circuit helps explain why people relapse: their brains learn that alcohol brings relief from stress and anxiety. Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:11:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051124.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073959.htm Penn researchers found that psilocybin can calm brain circuits tied to pain and mood, easing both physical suffering and emotional distress in animal studies. The compound works in the anterior cingulate cortex, bypassing injury sites and offering a dual benefit for pain and depression. Unlike opioids, psilocybin is non-addictive and may provide relief lasting weeks. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:10:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054915.htm Researchers found that middle-aged adults, especially women, are far more likely to be addicted to ultra-processed foods than older generations. Marketing of diet-focused processed foods in the 1980s may have played a major role. Food addiction was linked to poor health, weight issues, and social isolation, highlighting long-term risks. Experts warn that children today could face even higher addiction rates in the future. Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:57:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054915.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915202848.htm Some people taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro notice that food suddenly tastes sweeter or saltier, and this subtle shift in flavor perception appears tied to reduced appetite and stronger feelings of fullness. In a study of more than 400 patients, roughly one in five experienced heightened taste sensitivity, and many reported being less hungry and more easily satisfied. Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:48:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915202848.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085158.htm Overactivation of dopamine neurons may directly drive their death, explaining why movement-controlling brain cells degenerate in Parkinson’s. Mice with chronically stimulated neurons showed the same selective damage seen in patients, along with molecular stress responses. Targeting this overactivity could help slow disease progression. Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:57:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085158.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104658.htm A long-term study following insomnia patients treated with cannabis-based medical products revealed sustained improvements in sleep quality, mood, and pain management over 18 months. Most participants reported better rest and less anxiety or depression, while only a small fraction experienced mild side effects such as fatigue or dry mouth. Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:42:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104658.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104647.htm A sweeping review of nearly 100 studies has raised concerns about the mental health impacts of high-potency cannabis products. Researchers found strong links to psychosis, schizophrenia, and cannabis use disorder, while results for anxiety and depression were mixed and sometimes contradictory. Although the findings confirm that higher THC concentrations pose risks, the evidence still isn’t clear enough to offer firm clinical guidance, leaving scientists calling for better-designed studies to fill the gaps. Tue, 02 Sep 2025 03:11:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104647.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828002404.htm Using cannabis to self-medicate comes with hidden dangers—new research shows these users face higher paranoia and consume more THC. Childhood trauma further amplifies the risks, especially emotional abuse, which strongly predicts paranoia. Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:24:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828002404.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104237.htm THC levels in cannabis have soared in recent years, raising the risk of psychosis—especially in young, frequent users. Studies reveal a strong connection between cannabis-induced psychosis and schizophrenia, making early cessation and treatment essential. Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:07:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104237.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040940.htm A massive global survey has revealed that people with eating disorders often turn to cannabis and psychedelics like magic mushrooms and LSD to ease their symptoms, rating them more effective than traditional medications. Surprisingly, common prescriptions like antidepressants were seen as helpful for overall mental health but fell short for eating disorder relief. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:42:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040940.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223838.htm A surprising discovery from Emory University shows that psilocin, the active metabolite of psychedelic mushrooms, can delay cellular aging and extend lifespan. Human cells lived over 50% longer, and mice treated with psilocybin not only lived 30% longer but also looked and aged better. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:20:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223838.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250703230641.htm Stanford researchers discovered that dialing down an overactive enzyme, LRRK2, can regrow lost cellular “antennae” in key brain cells, restoring vital dopamine communication and neuroprotective signals in a mouse model of genetic Parkinson’s. After three months on the LRRK2-blocking drug MLi-2, damaged circuits revived and early signs of neuronal recovery emerged, hinting that timely treatment could not only halt but reverse disease progression—and perhaps benefit other Parkinson’s forms. Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:44:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250703230641.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250607231604.htm Cannabis use among older Americans has climbed dramatically, with 7% of adults 65 and older now reporting recent use. This rise isn't just in numbers but also in diversity older users today are more likely to be women, college-educated, and higher-income. Researchers suggest legalization and growing social acceptance are contributing factors, especially in states with medical marijuana laws. The trend is especially notable among those with chronic illnesses, raising both opportunities and concerns for medical professionals trying to balance symptom relief with the complexities of aging. Sat, 07 Jun 2025 23:16:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250607231604.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603114816.htm As psychedelics gain traction as potential treatments for mental health disorders, an international study stands to improve the rigor and reliability of clinical research. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:48:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603114816.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602225404.htm Marijuana use among older adults in the US has reached a new high, with 7 percent of adults aged 65 and over who report using it in the past month, according to a recent analysis. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 22:54:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602225404.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131547.htm A new study finds that chronic cannabis use -- whether it's smoked or consumed in edible form -- is associated with significant cardiovascular risks. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:15:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131547.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522125527.htm Researchers have identified a remarkably small but critical piece of genetic code that helps determine how brain cells connect, communicate, and function. The discovery not only deepens our understanding of how the brain's wiring is built but may also explain the origins of several neurological and psychiatric conditions. Thu, 22 May 2025 12:55:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522125527.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111059.htm Neuroscientists have discovered that the brain uses a dual system for learning through trial and error. This is the first time a second learning system has been identified, which could help explain how habits are formed and provide a scientific basis for new strategies to address conditions related to habitual learning, such as addictions and compulsions. The study in mice could also have implications for developing therapeutics for Parkinson's. Wed, 14 May 2025 11:10:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111059.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112427.htm What makes people think an AI system is creative? New research shows that it depends on how much they see of the creative act. The findings have implications for how we research and design creative AI systems, and they also raise fundamental questions about how we perceive creativity in other people. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:24:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112427.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507152241.htm Researchers have discovered distinct roles for two dopamine receptors located on nerve cells within the portion of the brain that controls approach vs. avoidance behavior. Wed, 07 May 2025 15:22:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507152241.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130007.htm Researchers are investigating how the legal supply of cannabis affects consumption and mental health among participants. In a first academic publication, the study team has now reported on the direct comparison of the substance's legal versus illegal procurement. Wed, 07 May 2025 13:00:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130007.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170814.htm Snuff tubes uncovered at Chavin de Huantar in Peru reveal how leaders used mystical experiences to cement their power. Mon, 05 May 2025 17:08:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170814.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142254.htm Childhood trauma significantly increases the likelihood of engaging in harmful alcohol consumption, smoking and illicit drug use, by the age of 18. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:22:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142254.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142024.htm Researchers found that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) can help rewire the brain's response to natural healthy pleasure, leading to reduced opioid cravings. The findings suggest that MORE could be a promising tool in the fight against opioid use disorder. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:20:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142024.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220605.htm A new study shows how a dopamine circuit between two brain regions enables mice to extinguish fear after a peril has passed. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:06:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220605.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220427.htm Prions transmit their abnormally folded shape onto other proteins. Researchers designed a synthetic fragment of the tau protein that exhibits prion-like behavior. Misfolded tau proteins are the hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Study revealed crucial role of water organization in the tau misfolding process. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:04:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220427.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220258.htm Ketamine addiction is linked to high levels of physical health problems and psychological consequences, with nearly half of those affected not seeking support or treatment, new research has revealed. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:02:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423111905.htm A new study suggests that fear and the immune system are connected in previously unknown ways. Researchers found that the immune system can influence stress and fear behaviors by changing how brain cells communicate. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:19:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423111905.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131213.htm Dopamine is the brain's motivational spark, driving us to chase what feels good, say scrolling another reel on social media, and steer clear of what doesn't, like touching a hot stove. But scientists haven't fully understood how dopamine helps us learn to avoid bad outcomes -- until now. A new study shows that dopamine signals in two key brain areas involved in motivation and learning respond differently to negative experiences, helping the brain adapt based on whether a situation is predictable or controllable. While previous research has shown that dopamine can respond to negative experiences, this is the first study to track how those signals evolve over time as animals move from novices to experts in avoiding them. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:12:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131213.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421221118.htm Use of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic chemical found in what is known as 'magic mushrooms,' has increased significantly nationwide since 2019, according to a new study. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 22:11:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421221118.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135728.htm Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 2 is a congenital malformation of the cerebral cortex that is often associated with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. In the affected areas, nerve cells and their layer structures are arranged in an atypical manner, which often makes drug therapy more difficult. A research team has now found evidence of profound changes in the dopamine system in FCD type 2. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:57:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135728.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415143348.htm Ambisonic rendering is a way to simulate the precise locations of sounds in 3D, and an ambisonics algorithm has allowed researchers to create rich virtual 'soundscapes.'Researchers decided to test the limits of ambisonic sound reproduction through their 'AudioDome' loudspeaker array. Humans' spatial acuity is high in front of our faces but decreases around the sides of our head, and the researchers' experiments obtained very similar results from listeners in the AudioDome, proving that the loudspeaker array can reproduce sound locations at a spatial scale beyond the human limits of perception. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:33:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415143348.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250414162049.htm Researchers have developed a new, neuroplasticity-promoting drug closely related to LSD that harnesses the psychedelic's therapeutic power with reduced hallucinogenic potential. Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:20:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250414162049.htm