When teachers have to stick to a lame curriculum, they’re not always free to share the interesting facts about science. What aspiring comic book writer wouldn’t want to know about the existence of an insect that shoots ultrasound waves from its genitals?
Psilocybin Mushrooms Help Erase Conditioned Fear in Lab Mice (Study)
Low doses of psychedelic psilocybin mushrooms have been found to aid in removing a condition fear response in lab mice. The Lieber Institute for Brain Development conducted the study to find out how psilocybin affected fear and anxiety.
Psilocybin and Fear in Mice – Methodology Day 1
Mice were injected with varying doses (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg) of psilocybin, 1.0 mg/kg of ketanserin (a drug that acts oppositely on the receptor which binds psilocybin), or a saline control.
– Twenty-four hours later, the animals were placed in a testing chamber and conditioned to fear a 15-second audio cue.
– The mice heard the cue, and after 30 seconds, received very brief electric shocks delivered through the chamber floor. Each mouse underwent ten trials, each separated by 210 seconds.
– After ten trials, all of the animal subjects froze in fear after the start of the 15-second audio.
Psilocybin and Fear in Mice – Methodology Day 2
The next day, the mice were placed in the chamber again and underwent the same process. Except this time, the shock was left out. The goal here was to effectively retrain the mice to not fear the audio cue and disassociate it with the shock.
– The researchers found that after only three trials, mice treated with low doses of psilocybin (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg) no longer froze after hearing the audio cue.
– But mice injected with higher doses of psilocybin or ketanserin didn’t stop freezing until the tenth trial.
– Mice that were injected with a saline control still froze in fear after ten trials.
Power of Love in Shrooms Tied to Brain Chemistry
The head of the research team, Dr. Briony Catlow thinks the fear removing effect of psilocybin might have something to do with the mushroom’s ability to modify and control neural circuitry.
“Memory, learning, and the ability to relearn that a once threatening stimuli is no longer a danger absolutely depends on the ability of the brain to alter its connections,” Catlow told Real Clear Science.
“We believe that neuroplasticity plays a critical role in psilocybin accelerating fear extinction.”
“It is highly possible that in the future we will continue these studies since many interesting questions have come up from these experiments. The hope is that we can extend the findings to humans in clinical trials,” Catlow told RCScience.
> Low Doses of Psilocybin Help Extinguish Conditioned Fear | Real Clear Science
Inside a Stoner Lab, How Cannabis is Tested for Potency (Video)
After a grower submits a sample batch of cannabis, a team of stoner scientists take the plant through a detailed process to test for cannabinoid potency. The results can help growers improve their weed quality and guide patients who need a specific set of cannabinoid benefits.
Take a closer look at the standardized cannabis testing done at SC Laboratories that help bring the community clean and safe cannabis.
Cannabinoid Education – Infographic
Cannabinoid Benefits Chart – Infographic
Cannabis Lab Testing – Photo Gallery
Stoner Intelligence? Cannabis Found to Boost Growth of Brain Cells (Study)
A new report offered by the Neurochemistry International Journal (Aug 2013) has discovered that cannabis’ CBC cannabinoid helps promote brain cell growth.
This study aimed at elucidating the effect of major non-THC phytocannabinoids on the fate of adult neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs), which is an essential component of brain function in health as well as in pathology.
We tested three compounds: cannabidiol, cannabigerol, and cannabichromene (CBC), and found that CBC has positive effect on the cell viability of mouse NSPCs during differentiation in vitro.
We measured ATP levels as an equilibrium marker of adenosine and found higher ATP levels during differentiation of NSPCs in the presence of CBC. Taken together, our results suggest that CBC raises the viability of NSPCs while inhibiting their differentiation into astroglia, possibly through up-regulation of ATP and adenosine signalling.
– Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Italy
Brain cell growth boosted by CBC is one of many studies that are exploring the relationship between cannabis and the brain. Scientists like Carl Sagan and Richard Feynman are known as some of the smartest stoners who admitted to smoking weed.
Cannabis Cannabinoids and Brain Function
Cannabinoid Profile – Cannabichromene (CBC)
> New Research: CBC Cannabinoid Sparks Brain Cell Growth | Marijuana Research
A Scientific Look at Psychedelic Medicine (Video)
There’s a class of natural organic medicine that can take the world on a consciousness changing trip, but their potential is restricted by mindless laws.
Is it possible that, because of the war on drugs, we have demonized a treatment for otherwise untreatable diseases?
A way to increase personal well-being, permanently treat depression, break the cycle of addiction, and ease the transition from life into death?
The solution to all of these problems (for many people) might be a nice, hallucinogenic trip. –SciShow
Sources of Studies Cited in Psychedelic Medicine Video
1.Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer
2.Response of Cluster Headache to Treatment of Psilocybin and LSD
3.Magic Mushroom Shows Promise in Treating Addictions and Cancer Anxiety
4.Psychedelics, Hopeful Medicine for OCD
5.How Psychedelic Drugs Can Help Patients Face Death
John Hopkins, Psilocybin Session Room
Cannabis Strengthens Resistance Against HIV Infection (Study)
A new study published in The Journal of Leukocyte Biology 2013 has found exciting preliminary research which indicates that THC, one of the main compounds in marijuana, may have HIV fighting capabilities.
This study validates past research which also found marijuana’s compounds to be helpful in treating those with HIV and AIDS.
The research team which conducted the study is from the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. Researchers infected macrophages (a type of white blood cell which fights certain infections) with the HIV-1 virus, before then exposing cell cultures to a synthesized THC that specifically target the CB2 receptor.
After a week, these cell cultures, were compared against a control group and tests revealed a clear decrease in the rate of HIV-1 infection. Essentially, the macrophages had become stronger at keeping the HIV-1 virus out.
Marijuana and AIDS
Dr. Sunil Kumar Aggarwal explains how medical cannabis has been a benefit to patients dealing with AIDS.
> New Study Finds THC May Be Helpful in Combating HIV | The Joint Blog
Spiders on Drugs – How Do Different Drugs Affect Their Webs? (Study)
Ever wondered what kind of web a spider on drugs would create? Apparently NASA scientists get way more high than I do, because the thought never crossed my mind. They sought to investigate:
The possibility of using thread connection fine structure as a measure of drug effects on fine motor coordination. – R. Jackson, Division of Research N.C. Dept. of Mental Health
What were the results? Unsurprisingly, drugs do affect the motor function of spiders. However, the different shapes of their webs on each drug is fascinating.
Drug-free Spider Web
Marijuana
LSD
Mescaline
Caffeine
Benzedrine
Chloral Hydrate (Minor Sedative)
Drug Effects on Spiders
Just for the Giggles
For the full report on the study, go here.
Magic Mushrooms Stimulate Growth of New Brain Cells (Study)
Psilocybin Drawing by Sara K. Glazier
New studies from The University of South Florida indicate that psilocybin found in “shrooms”, triggers new brain cell growth, and erases frightening memories from mice.
The studies showed that mice treated with low doses of psilocybin had significant growth of new brain cells, because the mushroom binds to a brain receptor that stimulates new brain cell growth, and short term memory formation.
This interesting discovery has given more plausibility to the Stoned Ape Theory, Terence Mckenna’s suggestion that human evolution was initiated by the mind expanding benefits of psychedelic experiences.
Researchers are eager to look into the idea of using magic mushrooms to cure mental problems like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and chronic depression but the legal status of shrooms restricts freedom in experiments.
Mice trained to fear electric shock when hearing a noise associated with the shock, stopped reacting in fear to the noise when given a small dose of psilocybin, much more quickly, in contrast to mice given no psilocybin.
The science behind psilocybin treating depression is, depressed individuals typically have over active medial prefrontal cortex regions of the brain, and psilocybin eases this, and makes the brain function normally here.
Despite its harmlessness, amazing medical potential, and ability to produce phenomenal spiritual/mystical experiences, the governments across the world have nearly all banned Psilocybin Mushrooms. Dangerous pharmaceutical pills can’t compete with the toxic cell purging benefits of cannabis and the positive mental state that shrooming promotes.
Evidence of Psilocybin “Magic Mushrooms” Growing New Brain Cells
Juan R. Sanchez-Ramos, Professor of Neurology at USF presents the effects of psilocybin mushrooms on neurogenesis (birth of new neuron cells).
> Psilocybin Mushrooms Promote Growth of New Brain Cells, Can Even Cure PTSD And Depression | Banoosh
Psychedelic Fractals Formed By Bacteria Colonies, Art Gallery
Each bacterium divides every 20 minutes, ultimately forming large colonies consisting of billions of microorganisms.
“The entire colony can be thought of as a big brain, a super brain, that receives signals, processes information and then makes decisions about where to send bacteria and where to continue to expand,” says Ben-Jacob, biological physicist
In his lab, Ben-Jacob grew the bacteria in petri dishes and exposed them to different conditions—like temperature swings, for instance—in an attempt to imitate some of the variability in the natural environments where the bacteria grow. The physicist could see how the colony responded to the stress of different variables.
“The idea was very simple,” he explains.”If you want to see their capabilities, you have to expose them to some challenges.”
The bacteria, it turned out, communicated with one another in response to these stressors; they secreted lubricants, allowing them to move, and formed elaborate patterns with dots and vine-like branches.
From the first instant he saw a colony, Ben-Jacob called it bacteria art.
”Without knowing anything, you’ll feel the sense that there is drama going on,” he says.
The bacteria are naturally colorless. To make them visible, Ben-Jacob uses a stain called Coomassie blue to dye the microorganisms. The bacteria take on different shades of blue depending on each individual bacterium’s density. Then, working with photographs of the colonies in Photoshop, the scientist translates the blues into a spectrum of any color of his choosing.
The images have helped him see how bacteria cooperate to meet challenges—bacteria in one part of a colony can sense something in the local environment and send messages to bacteria in other parts of the colony. The bacteria might encounter food, for example, and manage to communicate to other members of the colony that it is present, so that it can be digested.
The patterns in Ben-Jacob’s bacteria art are eye-catching and evocative—without knowing how they formed, the brain leaps to the familiar seaweeds, corals, sphagnum moss, feathers—fractal displays that border on the psychedelic.
“The bacteria have to maintain order, but they also have to maintain flexibility, so that when conditions change they can better adapt to the environment,” says Ben-Jacob.
“We have an affinity for things that have the combination of the two, order and disorder. If you analyze classical music, it is the same thing. The things that we really like and are captivated by are things that have this mixture.”
> Colonies of Growing Bacteria Make Psychedelic Art | Smithsonian
4 Scientific Principles of Posture and Functional Movement (Guide)
Modern work life does a great job at creating bad posture. So what can we do to keep our bodies from falling apart while we work… and in general? Renown physical therapist and mobility guru Kelly Starrett breaks down good posture into what he calls “functional movement” to help you become a “supple leopard.”
1. Spine First
The spine is the chassis for your body’s other two primary engines, the hips and shoulders. Each functional movement begins and ends at the spine, so your spine has to be properly aligned. When it isn’t, it will weaken your body’s force production. Simply looking up – and thus breaking the spine alignment with a bent neck – can reduce strength in your arm.
Braced Neutral Tip: You’re not limited to just sitting perfectly upright: You can still lean forward, or lean back, while maintaining a braced-neutral spine.
Pelvic Gimble Tip: If you find that you round forward and try to correct that by straightening your back, you’ll probably just end up in an overextended position. Instead, stand up, run through the bracing sequence, and then sit back down, keeping your back flat and belly tight.
2. The One Joint Rule
Kelly’s one joint rule is a simple way to organize functional movement and guard against injury. You should look at your spine as a single column, with no local flexion or extension within it. You should only see flexion or extension at the hip or shoulders. Unfortunately, too many of us do things like slump forward in our chair, meaning we have to tilt our head upwards to look at our computer screen, creating an improper flexion point in our neck.
We can certainly flex our spine globally, for example if we are bending back to serve a volleyball – but not locally. We all know that when we pick a box up from the floor we should keep our back straight and flex only at the hips. That not only protects our back; it helps us lift more effectively.
The belly-whack test is another way to help bring consciousness to a braced-neutral position and the 20 percent constant-tension concept. It’s simple: You should always have enough abdominal tone to take a whack to the belly. We do this at our gym and around the house. If you have a spongy middle, you get caught right away.
3. The Laws of Torque
In all motions of flexion and extension, there’s a corresponding rotational force, says Kelly:
Whenever we flex our arm or leg forward, our shoulder or hip should rotate outwards.
When we move our arm or shoulder behind us, the rotation is internal.
Understanding the laws of torque, and thus the basics of external and internal rotation, are key to proper movement. The reason yogis prefer the lotus position is the external rotation in the hips and shoulders maintains the spine strong and organized.
Unfortunately, sitting at a chair with our feet on the floor keeps our hips neutral, not externally rotated, and doesn’t give our spine proper support.
4. The Movement Tunnel
Every movement has a start and end position. Kelly calls what happens in between those positions “the tunnel.” The tunnel is a crucial concept that says once you are underway in a movement, it’s too late to correct your stance. If you’re standing with your feet sticking out like a duck and you start running, it’s hard to correct your stance mid-stride.
Understanding how to enter the tunnel and organize your body correctly at the outset is the only way to guard against injury. You have to enter the tunnel organized and exit the tunnel organized.
These 4 Principles make even more sense once you see them in action.
Kelly Starrett: MobilityWod Principles
If 60 minutes isn’t enough and you want more, visit Kelly’s full workshop on creativeLIVE or read his best-selling book Becoming a Supple Leopard.
How Does Writing Affect Your Brain? (Infographic)
Similar to meditation, writing allows you to get “into the zone”, where new insights and original thoughts can be uncovered. Other ways writing affects the brain can be gleaned from the following infographic.
Every engaging story must…ignite the brain’s hardwired desire to learn what happens next. When writers tap into the evolutionary purpose of story and electrify our curiosity, it triggers a delicious dopamine rush that tells us to pay attention. Without it, even the most perfect prose won’t hold anyone’s interest. – Lisa Cron from Wired for Story
> Hardwired for Story | No Film School
Amazing Microscopic Footage of Cannabis Oil Purging Cancer Cells (Video)
Watch as the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, kills cancer cells.
Since 1974, studies have shown that cannabis has anti-tumor effects. The results of the 1974 Washington Post Study, were that cannabis’s component, THC, “slowed the growth of lung cancers, breast cancers and a virus-induced leukemia in laboratory mice, and prolonged their lives by as much as 36 percent.”
In 1998, a research team at Madrid’s Complutense University discovered that THC can selectively induce programmed cell death in brain tumor cells without negatively impacting surrounding healthy cells.
No chemotherapy can match this nontoxic anti-cancer action.
– The SETH Group, Cancer Research
The Action of Cannabinoids in Cancer Cells
A breakdown of what happens when THC enters a cancer cell.
A March 2002 issue of “Nature Medicine” showed that cannabis had destroyed incurable brain cancer tumors in rats by injecting them with THC.
Scientists Cure Cancer in Mice with Cannabis
Watch as cancer cells self destruct in the presence of cannabis.
Parallel experiments were performed testing the effect of THC on human brain cancer cells (glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM) and also on normal brain cells. Both types of cells were treated with the same concentration of Δ9-THC but after 20 hours only the cancer cells died. Cell death is seen in the lower right panel as cells shrinking to inanimate white spheres.
Clip from the PBS documentary Clearing the Smoke: The Science of Cannabis