Neurons are TRIPPY man…
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
Psychedelics are all the rage in treating mental health disorders. But hallucinating to improve your mental health sounds … intense. What about … “diet acid” … for us squares?
Enter Jeremy Tuck and team from Duke University.
They created JRT, a molecule that looks like the hallucinogen LSD. But dig this! JRT nearly DOUBLED brain cell growth – making it easier to learn when depressed. Turns out, JRT changed the brain just like LSD, MINUS the hallucinations!
Psychedelics like LSD and JRT can give long-lasting relief from depression with JUST one dose. This could be a less fun, but safer option to treat depression.
Instead of seeing double, you’re seeing RESULTS!
Reference: J.R. Tuck, L.E. Dunlap, Y.A. Khatib, C.J. Hatzipantelis, S. Weiser Novak, R.M. Rahn, A.R. Davis, A. Mosswood, A.M.M. Vernier, E.M. Fenton, I.K. Aarrestad, R.J. Tombari, S.J. Carter, Z. Deane, Y. Wang, A. Sheridan, M.A. Gonzalez, A.A. Avanes, N.A. Powell, M. Chytil, S. Engel, J.C. Fettinger, A.R. Jenkins, W.A. Carlezon, A.S. Nord, B.D. Kangas, K. Rasmussen, C. Liston, U. Manor, & D.E. Olson, Molecular design of a therapeutic LSD analogue with reduced hallucinogenic potential, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 122 (16) e2416106122, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2416106122 (2025).