Flipping two atoms in LSD turned it into a powerful treatment for damaged brain circuits

Flipping two atoms in LSD turned it into a powerful treatment for damaged brain circuits

Scientists at the University of California, Davis have developed a new drug related to LSD that retains the psychedelic’s beneficial brain effects while minimizing the hallucinogenic experience. The compound, called JRT, showed strong potential to promote brain cell growth and reverse damage linked to conditions like schizophrenia. In animal experiments, JRT improved symptoms without triggering behaviors associated with hallucinations. The findi…

Elusive LSD fungus finally discovered on flower

An elusive fungus capable of generating quantities of a compound used to synthesize the hallucinogen LSD has finally been discovered on the morning glory vine after decades of searching.Almost a century ago, the Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman hypothesized the whimsical plant might harbor a species that belongs to a family of ergot-generating fungi.As the man who discovered and was first to synthesize LSD ( lysergic acid diethylamide) from the ergo…

New LSD-like drug could revolutionize mental health treatment

Scientists have long known that psychedelics like LSD can help the brain grow new connections. These drugs promote something called neuroplasticity, which helps the brain heal from mental illness. But there’s a major problem: hallucinations. Drugs like LSD come with intense mind-altering effects, which can be risky or even dangerous—especially for people with schizophrenia or a history of psychosis. Published in the journal, Proceedings of the N…