Scientists studied whether psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, could protect the brain from stroke damage in rats. They found that psilocybin reduced brain damage, improved movement and behavior recovery after stroke, and worked by increasing a protective brain chemical called BDNF. This research suggests psilocybin could become a new treatment for stroke patients, especially since stroke often leads to depression and anxiety, which psilocybin may also help treat.