Disease: traumatic brain injury

Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor expression is chronically decreased in the anterior cerebral cortex of male rats following repetitive low-level blast exposure

mycolabadmin

Military Veterans exposed to blast explosions often develop long-term problems with memory, anxiety, and PTSD. Researchers found that in rats exposed to blast, a brain receptor called 5-HT2A becomes less active, particularly in the front part of the brain involved in thinking and emotions. This decrease in the receptor correlates with anxiety-like behaviors in the animals. Since psychedelic substances like psilocybin activate this same receptor, the findings suggest that such substances might help treat PTSD and cognitive problems in blast-injured Veterans.

Read More »

A review of the neuroscience of religion: an overview of the field, its limitations, and future interventions

mycolabadmin

This review examines how neuroscience studies the brain’s role in religious experiences and behaviors. While current brain imaging technology has revealed connections between specific brain regions and religious practices like prayer and meditation, these technologies limit what researchers can study because they require people to stay still. The authors suggest that newer technologies like functional near-infrared spectroscopy could allow scientists to study the full range of religious behaviors, including movement-based rituals that are important to many faiths.

Read More »

Classic psychedelics do not affect T cell and monocyte immune responses

mycolabadmin

Researchers tested whether common psychedelic drugs (LSD, psilocin, DMT, and mescaline) directly affect human immune cells in laboratory conditions. They found that these psychedelics did not suppress T cell function or immune signaling at the doses tested. This is good news for patients with serious illnesses who might benefit from psychedelic-assisted therapy, as it suggests these treatments won’t dangerously weaken their already compromised immune systems.

Read More »

The Potential Role of Psilocybin in Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery: A Narrative Review

mycolabadmin

This review examines how psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, may help people recover from traumatic brain injuries. The research suggests that psilocybin could reduce harmful inflammation in the brain, help the brain form new connections to compensate for damage, and improve mood and depression commonly experienced after brain injuries. While promising, the authors emphasize that more clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness before psilocybin can be used to treat brain injury patients.

Read More »

Microglia and astrocytes mediate synapse engulfment in a MER tyrosine kinase-dependent manner after traumatic brain injury

mycolabadmin

After a traumatic brain injury, brain cells called microglia and astrocytes overzealously consume synapses (connections between neurons), which prevents the brain from healing properly. This study shows that these brain cells use a specific protein called MERTK to do this unwanted cleanup. When researchers blocked MERTK in these cells, the mice recovered better motor and cognitive function, had smaller brain injuries, and maintained more healthy synapses.

Read More »

Polysorbate 80 Differentially Impacts Erinacine Production Profiles in Submerged Cultures of Hericium

mycolabadmin

Lion’s mane mushroom and related Hericium species produce beneficial compounds called erinacines that may protect the brain and help with neurological conditions. This study tested how adding glucose and a substance called polysorbate 80 to mushroom cultures affects erinacine production. Interestingly, while polysorbate 80 helped mushrooms grow more, it reduced erinacine levels in most strains, though effects varied by species. The findings could help cultivators choose conditions to grow mushrooms enriched with specific beneficial compounds.

Read More »
Scroll to Top