Is the cosmos a giant neural network - Big Think
https://bigthink.com/hard-science/the-universe-may-be-a-giant-neural-network-heres-why/
https://bigthink.com/hard-science/the-universe-may-be-a-giant-neural-network-heres-why/
Big Think
The case for why our Universe may be a giant neural network
Neuroscientist and author Bobby Azarian explores the idea that the Universe is a self-organizing system that evolves and learns.
Psychedelics startup Nue Life Health rolls out free version of its ketamine therapy tracking app | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/15/psychedelics-startup-nue-life-health-rolls-out-free-version-of-its-ketamine-therapy-tracking-app/
https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/15/psychedelics-startup-nue-life-health-rolls-out-free-version-of-its-ketamine-therapy-tracking-app/
TechCrunch
Psychedelics startup Nue Life Health rolls out free version of its ketamine therapy tracking app | TechCrunch
Nue Life Health is a U.S.-based telemedicine startup that combines psychedelic-assisted therapies and a health tracking app. Previously, the app was only
Psychedelics Unlock Learning Windows in the Brain - Neuroscience News
I've experienced that "window" and recently explored a possible ways of applying it to language learning and even tried one experiment.
Excited to hear that it's now proven scientifically and hope to continue experiments 😁
Psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin, can reopen the “critical periods” of brain development in mice, making them more receptive to learning from their environment.
The length of these reopened critical periods varies depending on the psychedelic drug used, ranging from 48 hours with ketamine to four weeks with ibogaine.
The study also identified molecular mechanisms influenced by psychedelics, including 65 protein-producing genes that show expression differences during and after the critical period.
https://neurosciencenews.com/psychedelics-social-learning-23466/
I've experienced that "window" and recently explored a possible ways of applying it to language learning and even tried one experiment.
Excited to hear that it's now proven scientifically and hope to continue experiments 😁
Psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin, can reopen the “critical periods” of brain development in mice, making them more receptive to learning from their environment.
The length of these reopened critical periods varies depending on the psychedelic drug used, ranging from 48 hours with ketamine to four weeks with ibogaine.
The study also identified molecular mechanisms influenced by psychedelics, including 65 protein-producing genes that show expression differences during and after the critical period.
https://neurosciencenews.com/psychedelics-social-learning-23466/
Neuroscience News
Psychedelics Unlock Learning Windows in the Brain
Researchers discovered a unique property of psychedelic drugs: their ability to reopen "critical periods" in the brain, times when the brain is highly susceptible to environmental learning signals.
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Exotic new state of matter discovered by squishing subatomic particles into an ultradense crystal | Live Science
https://www.livescience.com/physics-mathematics/exotic-new-state-of-matter-discovered-by-squishing-subatomic-particles-into-an-ultradense-crystal
https://www.livescience.com/physics-mathematics/exotic-new-state-of-matter-discovered-by-squishing-subatomic-particles-into-an-ultradense-crystal
livescience.com
Exotic new state of matter discovered by squishing subatomic particles into an ultradense crystal
By shining a strong beam of light through two chemical compounds, scientists discovered a unique new state of matter made of particles called excitons.
Responsible Psilocybin use 101
Recently I wrote a short guideline on how to try shrooms / truffles for the first time when someone asked me. Since I'm getting a number of questions on this topic probably it makes sense to share it here. So let's go.
Well, I should say that it can be ilegal in your country so let's suppose it's a guideline for a trip inside a trip to Amsterdam. Also I should note that it can be dangerous even with all that I will mention in the guideline and it's not recommend for some people at all so first of all check all your conditions.
(Some conditions: Personal or family psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder. Personality disorders such as borderline, heart conditions, not stable mental state and who use certain types of medications. Better check it in other sources)
It's important to note that it's not an extensive guideline bit rather short checklist to keep in mind to maximize the probability of successful trip and minimize the potential negative effect. But keep in mind that mushrooms are very unpredictable, so trust ,let go and be open 😁
1. Why? (Purpose /Set)
It's essential to carve out a clear mission for why you're embarking on this mushroom journey. Perhaps you're simply driven by curiosity – and that's a fantastic goal as well! Having a clear goal in mind will allow you to sidestep any negative thoughts during unexpected or unpleasant effects, reminding yourself that you have a purpose. Its super simple but so powerful that if I only had a chance to give one advise, here it is.
2. What? (Plan / Setting)
Come up with a simple series of activities – maybe lounging in the park, strolling through a particular neighborhood, or visiting an exhibition. These plans serve as guideposts, but it's crucial not to sweat if things don't go as expected, and everything goes haywire (and it will 😅) Just stay cool.
3. Who? (People.)
Ofcause it's better to do with people you know and trust and great if they already had an experience or ideally have tripsitter experience . But if you want/need to do it alone here is important thing. Social interaction can be intense, especially during the first half of your trip as you're still adjusting to the new state of being. It's best to start somewhere with fewer people and more nature.
4 Where? (Place)
Nature can be ideal but if u are in the city, parks can be a great setting, at least initially. Toward the end, you can venture into more enclosed but fascinating spaces like an art gallery/museum.
5. When? ( Time planning)
The onset usually begins in an hour, but it might take longer. The primary effects last about four hours, followed by a two-hour afterglow. It's best to start no later than midday so that most of the trip is during daylight, making it even more beautiful. Also, don't plan anything else on the day of the trip, and ideally for the next day or at least half of it for processing the experience.
6. How? ( Process)
Avoid eating for three hours beforehand, and stick to light food overall. You'll be ready for a meal afterwards, and you'll instinctively know what to eat. Purchase from a Smart Shop ( if you are in Amsterdam) or from a trusted source and ask for a beginner-friendly strain that prioritizes fun and visual effects over mystical experiences. Desire to disconnect from the internet and your phone as much as possible.
The strains might have a different concentration but usually 1 to 2 gramms could be fine. Over 2.5 you can experience really intense mystical experience and it's not a good idea to do it alone in the city. Decide in the beginning your dose for this trip and stick to the plan, since mushrooms can kick of very unexpectedly the worst you can do is to decide that there is nothing happening and double the dose😅
Good luck and have a safe trip 👌
P.S. Also I'll be happy if you share in comments something that you think is important to add/edit to make this guideline better. Cheers.
Recently I wrote a short guideline on how to try shrooms / truffles for the first time when someone asked me. Since I'm getting a number of questions on this topic probably it makes sense to share it here. So let's go.
Well, I should say that it can be ilegal in your country so let's suppose it's a guideline for a trip inside a trip to Amsterdam. Also I should note that it can be dangerous even with all that I will mention in the guideline and it's not recommend for some people at all so first of all check all your conditions.
(Some conditions: Personal or family psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder. Personality disorders such as borderline, heart conditions, not stable mental state and who use certain types of medications. Better check it in other sources)
It's important to note that it's not an extensive guideline bit rather short checklist to keep in mind to maximize the probability of successful trip and minimize the potential negative effect. But keep in mind that mushrooms are very unpredictable, so trust ,let go and be open 😁
1. Why? (Purpose /Set)
It's essential to carve out a clear mission for why you're embarking on this mushroom journey. Perhaps you're simply driven by curiosity – and that's a fantastic goal as well! Having a clear goal in mind will allow you to sidestep any negative thoughts during unexpected or unpleasant effects, reminding yourself that you have a purpose. Its super simple but so powerful that if I only had a chance to give one advise, here it is.
2. What? (Plan / Setting)
Come up with a simple series of activities – maybe lounging in the park, strolling through a particular neighborhood, or visiting an exhibition. These plans serve as guideposts, but it's crucial not to sweat if things don't go as expected, and everything goes haywire (and it will 😅) Just stay cool.
3. Who? (People.)
Ofcause it's better to do with people you know and trust and great if they already had an experience or ideally have tripsitter experience . But if you want/need to do it alone here is important thing. Social interaction can be intense, especially during the first half of your trip as you're still adjusting to the new state of being. It's best to start somewhere with fewer people and more nature.
4 Where? (Place)
Nature can be ideal but if u are in the city, parks can be a great setting, at least initially. Toward the end, you can venture into more enclosed but fascinating spaces like an art gallery/museum.
5. When? ( Time planning)
The onset usually begins in an hour, but it might take longer. The primary effects last about four hours, followed by a two-hour afterglow. It's best to start no later than midday so that most of the trip is during daylight, making it even more beautiful. Also, don't plan anything else on the day of the trip, and ideally for the next day or at least half of it for processing the experience.
6. How? ( Process)
Avoid eating for three hours beforehand, and stick to light food overall. You'll be ready for a meal afterwards, and you'll instinctively know what to eat. Purchase from a Smart Shop ( if you are in Amsterdam) or from a trusted source and ask for a beginner-friendly strain that prioritizes fun and visual effects over mystical experiences. Desire to disconnect from the internet and your phone as much as possible.
The strains might have a different concentration but usually 1 to 2 gramms could be fine. Over 2.5 you can experience really intense mystical experience and it's not a good idea to do it alone in the city. Decide in the beginning your dose for this trip and stick to the plan, since mushrooms can kick of very unexpectedly the worst you can do is to decide that there is nothing happening and double the dose😅
Good luck and have a safe trip 👌
P.S. Also I'll be happy if you share in comments something that you think is important to add/edit to make this guideline better. Cheers.
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https://www.psypost.org/2023/06/psilocybin-shows-promise-in-ocd-treatment-even-without-the-psychedelic-trip-165645
Why important?
Picture this: you're stuck in a vicious cycle of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, a nightmarish merry-go-round that's OCD. And then, the knight in shining armor arrives: Psilocybin, with its potential to change the game for OCD treatment, even without making you trip balls
What happened?
Here's the scoop: scientists took mice on a wild ride, tested 'em with a marble-burying task (a stand-in for obsessions, you see). They treated our furry friends with psilocybin and a dose of buspirone to block the psychedelic trip. Guess what? Psilocybin still worked its magic, reducing those frantic marble-burying bebehaviors
How it might be valuable?
This research is like the first step on the moon for OCD treatment! Just imagine, in a world of tomorrow, swallowing a pill of psilocybin, and your obsessive thoughts and behaviors start to fade away, all without you having to take a psychedelic journey.
Why important?
Picture this: you're stuck in a vicious cycle of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, a nightmarish merry-go-round that's OCD. And then, the knight in shining armor arrives: Psilocybin, with its potential to change the game for OCD treatment, even without making you trip balls
What happened?
Here's the scoop: scientists took mice on a wild ride, tested 'em with a marble-burying task (a stand-in for obsessions, you see). They treated our furry friends with psilocybin and a dose of buspirone to block the psychedelic trip. Guess what? Psilocybin still worked its magic, reducing those frantic marble-burying bebehaviors
How it might be valuable?
This research is like the first step on the moon for OCD treatment! Just imagine, in a world of tomorrow, swallowing a pill of psilocybin, and your obsessive thoughts and behaviors start to fade away, all without you having to take a psychedelic journey.
PsyPost
Psilocybin shows promise in OCD treatment — even without the psychedelic “trip”
Blocking the subjective psychedelic effects of psilocybin does not appear to interfere with the substance's ability to potentially help with obsessive behaviors, according to new research published in Translational Psychiatry. The findings contribute to the…
https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2023/06/09/Alkemist-Labs-advances-psychoactive-testing-as-interest-in-psychedelics-grows
Why important?
Well, ever heard of Alkemist Labs? They're like the CSI of dietary supplements, and now they've set their sights on the wild world of psychedelics. Because apparently, we're all getting bored of multivitamins and fish oil, so why not dive into the rabbit hole of mind-altering substances?
What was done?
In the true spirit of Californian innovation, Alkemist Labs has developed a way to quantify the psychoactive components in plants and fungi. So, basically, they're the equivalent of that friend who claims they can tell exactly how drunk you are just by looking at your eyes, but with, you know, actual science and less slurring.
How it can influence our future?
Picture this: you're at your next house party, taking a shot of your 'special tea' when someone asks, "Hey, how much magic is in this?" Thanks to Alkemist, you'll be able to answer with a precise measurement rather than a vague, "Two scoops of happiness and a pinch of existential dread." Ah, the future: controlled substances and controlled fun, just what we've always dreamed of😁
Why important?
Well, ever heard of Alkemist Labs? They're like the CSI of dietary supplements, and now they've set their sights on the wild world of psychedelics. Because apparently, we're all getting bored of multivitamins and fish oil, so why not dive into the rabbit hole of mind-altering substances?
What was done?
In the true spirit of Californian innovation, Alkemist Labs has developed a way to quantify the psychoactive components in plants and fungi. So, basically, they're the equivalent of that friend who claims they can tell exactly how drunk you are just by looking at your eyes, but with, you know, actual science and less slurring.
How it can influence our future?
Picture this: you're at your next house party, taking a shot of your 'special tea' when someone asks, "Hey, how much magic is in this?" Thanks to Alkemist, you'll be able to answer with a precise measurement rather than a vague, "Two scoops of happiness and a pinch of existential dread." Ah, the future: controlled substances and controlled fun, just what we've always dreamed of😁
Nutraingredients-usa.com
Alkemist Labs advances psychoactive testing as interest in psychedelics grows
Alkemist Labs – an independent lab specializing in botanical screening for the dietary supplement industry – has developed and validated an analytical method to quantify psychoactives in plants and fungi.
https://www.psypost.org/2023/06/extensive-study-reveals-new-insights-into-real-world-psychedelic-drug-use-165892
Why?
Pull up a stool, a bunch of researchers decided to take a deep dive into the world of psychedelic drug use in Canada. Their ambition? To understand why people are suddenly so interested in tripping.
What?
They came up with a ridiculously long survey—655 questions—and unleashed it on over 2,000 brave souls who've dabbled in the psychedelic arts. From "Why do you do it?" to "What happened when you did it?", every aspect of the trip was explored, and what they found was that for most, the journey was more about personal growth and exploration than just a wild night out.
How it can help?
That's a biggest Survey so far and can be definitely used for many insights and as with any new niche data you can train an LLM on it and probably find even more exciting outcomes 🤪
Why?
Pull up a stool, a bunch of researchers decided to take a deep dive into the world of psychedelic drug use in Canada. Their ambition? To understand why people are suddenly so interested in tripping.
What?
They came up with a ridiculously long survey—655 questions—and unleashed it on over 2,000 brave souls who've dabbled in the psychedelic arts. From "Why do you do it?" to "What happened when you did it?", every aspect of the trip was explored, and what they found was that for most, the journey was more about personal growth and exploration than just a wild night out.
How it can help?
That's a biggest Survey so far and can be definitely used for many insights and as with any new niche data you can train an LLM on it and probably find even more exciting outcomes 🤪
PsyPost
Extensive study reveals new insights into real-world psychedelic drug use
The most comprehensive survey on psychedelic drug use to date has provided valuable insights into the frequency, reasons, and experiences associated with psychedelic use in Canada. The extensive findings, published in the journal Psychedelic Medicine, have…
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Elon Musk Reportedly Microdoses Ketamine for Depression
Why I'm not surprised 😅
https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-microdosing-ketamine-drug-use-treat-depression-parties-report-2023-6
Why I'm not surprised 😅
https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-microdosing-ketamine-drug-use-treat-depression-parties-report-2023-6
Business Insider
Elon Musk reportedly microdoses ketamine to treat depression and takes full doses of the drug at parties
Elon Musk told people he microdoses ketamine for depression and has taken full doses of the anaesthetic at parties, The Wall Street Journal reported.
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Researchers uncover a new CRISPR-like system in animals that can edit the human genome | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
https://news.mit.edu/2023/fanzor-system-in-animals-can-edit-human-genome-0628
https://news.mit.edu/2023/fanzor-system-in-animals-can-edit-human-genome-0628
MIT News
Researchers uncover a new CRISPR-like system in animals that can edit the human genome
Researchers have discovered the first programmable RNA-guided system discovered in eukaryotes. The technology, known as Fanzor, has the potential to be more easily delivered to cells and tissues than CRISPR-Cas systems, and further refinements could make…
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https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-issues-first-draft-guidance-clinical-trials-psychedelic-drugs
Why?
Pull up a chair, my friend, because it turns out that psychedelic drugs are now being eyed by the FDA at a new level for their potential to treat conditions like depression and substance use disorders.
What happened?
The FDA, in all its wisdom, has published a draft guidance to provide researchers with the do's and don'ts of designing clinical trials for these psychedelic susubstances. So, instead of "Hey dude, let's try this", it's more like "Please ensure your trial design takes into account the unique characteristics of substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, and oh, don't forget about potential safety issues and misuse prevention measures"
How it can change everything?
We could be heading into an era where "trip clinics" are as common as yoga studios, and "serotonin system tweaking" becomes a normal part of wellness routines, all thanks to the FDA opening the door to serious research into these substances.
Why?
Pull up a chair, my friend, because it turns out that psychedelic drugs are now being eyed by the FDA at a new level for their potential to treat conditions like depression and substance use disorders.
What happened?
The FDA, in all its wisdom, has published a draft guidance to provide researchers with the do's and don'ts of designing clinical trials for these psychedelic susubstances. So, instead of "Hey dude, let's try this", it's more like "Please ensure your trial design takes into account the unique characteristics of substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, and oh, don't forget about potential safety issues and misuse prevention measures"
How it can change everything?
We could be heading into an era where "trip clinics" are as common as yoga studios, and "serotonin system tweaking" becomes a normal part of wellness routines, all thanks to the FDA opening the door to serious research into these substances.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA Issues First Draft Guidance on Clinical Trials with Psychedelic Drugs
The FDA published a new draft guidance related to clinical trials with psychedelic drugs.
❤3
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/in-a-worlds-first-australia-legalises-ecstasy-magic-mushrooms-for-mental-health-4168002
Alright, gather everyone! yesterday we had a very important event.
"Why?" you ask. Well, the folks in Australia have gone bonkers - in a good way. They've legalized ecstasy and magic mushrooms to treat certain mental health disorders. So, the next time you're feeling a bit down under the weather, you might want to book a flight to Sydney. The Aussies might be onto something here, people!
"What?" Starting from July 1, your friendly neighborhood psychiatrist can now prescribe you some good old MDMA for that PTSD you've been grappling with, or magic mushrooms if you're dealing with some stubborn depression
How you wonder, will this change the future?
Well, brace yourselves for the psychedelic revolution!
I see a future where mental health treatments are as much a journey of self-discovery as they are about healing. So, here's to Australia, leading us into a future where we embrace the magic in the mushrooms and the ecstasy in MDMA!
Alright, gather everyone! yesterday we had a very important event.
"Why?" you ask. Well, the folks in Australia have gone bonkers - in a good way. They've legalized ecstasy and magic mushrooms to treat certain mental health disorders. So, the next time you're feeling a bit down under the weather, you might want to book a flight to Sydney. The Aussies might be onto something here, people!
"What?" Starting from July 1, your friendly neighborhood psychiatrist can now prescribe you some good old MDMA for that PTSD you've been grappling with, or magic mushrooms if you're dealing with some stubborn depression
How you wonder, will this change the future?
Well, brace yourselves for the psychedelic revolution!
I see a future where mental health treatments are as much a journey of self-discovery as they are about healing. So, here's to Australia, leading us into a future where we embrace the magic in the mushrooms and the ecstasy in MDMA!
NDTV.com
In A World's First, Australia Legalises Ecstasy, Magic Mushrooms For Mental Health
Australia has become the world's first country to legalise the clinical prescribing of psychedelics for certain mental health disorders.
https://thedalesreport.com/psychedelics/billionaire-mets-owner-steve-cohen-donates-5m-for-psychedelics-research/
"Why?"
Here's the thing, friends, we've got a billionaire Mets owner, and founder of P72 Ventures ( just recently met some folks form there 😅) Steve Cohen, throwing a hefty $5 million at the psychedelic studies because apparently, just buying a sports team wasn't exciting enough for him.
"What?"
Steve and his better half, Alexandra, are backing MAPS to legitimize the use of MDMA as a therapy for PTSD.
"How?"
This generous donation is aimed at making sure everyone has access to these potentially life-changing therapies, regardless of their financial situation. We might be heading into a brave new world where no one is denied a shot at getting better because they can't afford it. So, cheers to the Cohens for possibly turning the "high" society into a "healed" society!
"Why?"
Here's the thing, friends, we've got a billionaire Mets owner, and founder of P72 Ventures ( just recently met some folks form there 😅) Steve Cohen, throwing a hefty $5 million at the psychedelic studies because apparently, just buying a sports team wasn't exciting enough for him.
"What?"
Steve and his better half, Alexandra, are backing MAPS to legitimize the use of MDMA as a therapy for PTSD.
"How?"
This generous donation is aimed at making sure everyone has access to these potentially life-changing therapies, regardless of their financial situation. We might be heading into a brave new world where no one is denied a shot at getting better because they can't afford it. So, cheers to the Cohens for possibly turning the "high" society into a "healed" society!
TDR
Billionaire Mets Owner Steve Cohen Donates $5M For Psychedelics Research
Steve Cohen, a hedge fund manager and New York Mets owner, is supporting MAPS psychedelics research with a substantial grant of $5 million
Two persons who unsubscribed recently and now it's 98 people instead of 100. You don't understand what you are missing 😈 How Dare you are !!!
For the rest of the amazing creatures, I've prepared a great post about Quarter Flip. Wtf is that you will learn on the weekend 💥
Stay tuned
For the rest of the amazing creatures, I've prepared a great post about Quarter Flip. Wtf is that you will learn on the weekend 💥
Stay tuned
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A biological camera that captures and stores images directly into DNA | Nature Communications
Also, check this shit, it's freaking awesome.😱
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-38876-w
Also, check this shit, it's freaking awesome.😱
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-38876-w
Nature
A biological camera that captures and stores images directly into DNA
Nature Communications - DNA data storage has gained recent interest due to the high information density of DNA. Here, the authors have developed a method to directly capture information in the form...