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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics

@scipsychedelics.bsky.social
310 followers 168 following 162 posts

Exploring the potential of psychedelics for the betterment of all. @UC Berkeley

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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 5h
Join us for an evening with @michaelpollan.bsky.social and neuroscientist Christof Koch, co-presented with @calperformances.bsky.social. Moderated by @shaylalove.bsky.social, together they’ll explore the intersection of consciousness and psychedelics. Get your tickets now! bit.ly/4x7o06U
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Michael Pollan & Christof Koch: A Journey into Consciousness | Cal Performances
Author Michael Pollan returns for a discussion on the most intriguing questions at the intersection of psychedelics and consciousness.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
What do octopuses on MDMA have to do with reopening critical periods? @neildegrassetyson.com sat down with BCSP Senior Science Advisor Gül Dölen on StarTalk to explore her research on the cutting edge of psychedelic science. Listen at bit.ly/4yoPoPk
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This Is Your Brain on Psychedelics - StarTalk Special Edition
Could you reopen your childhood brain? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, & Gary O'Reilly explore what a high octopus can teach us about the brain w/ Gül Dölen
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
BCSP Faculty Director Michael Silver will be giving a talk on "What Psychedelics Reveal About How We See the World" at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland on October 26 at 7pm in partnership with Big Brain Lectures. Get tickets now luma.com/mqef6lev
luma.com
What Psychedelics Reveal About How We See the World · Luma
👁️ Is what you're seeing right now real, or a very convincing hallucination your brain is constructing? The camera is a common metaphor for human vision. In…
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
What exactly is consciousness, and how can psychedelics help us study it? Join @michaelpollan.bsky.social and neuroscientist Christof Koch on Oct 13, 2026 in Berkeley for A Journey into Consciousness, moderated by @shaylalove.bsky.social. Get your tickets now! bit.ly/4x7o06U
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Michael Pollan & Christof Koch: A Journey into Consciousness | Cal Performances
Author Michael Pollan returns for a discussion on the most intriguing questions at the intersection of psychedelics and consciousness.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Before a BCSP study participant takes a capsule of psilocybin, researchers must prepare in ways unlike almost anything else in basic science research. Learn more about what goes into conducting a psychedelics clinical trial. bit.ly/4rb2k8E
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Inside a Psychedelics Clinical Trial - UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics
Even for experienced researchers, working with psychedelics can pose new challenges, from procuring Schedule I substances to guiding participants through potential psychoactive effects to documenting ...
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Science journalist @milesobrien.com talks to BCSP Senior Science Advisor Gül Dölen about her groundbreaking research on psychedelics' potential to reopen critical periods in the brain & unlock treatments for chronic pain. azpbs.org/resolvetosolve/2026/09/th…
azpbs.org
The Brain, The Pain and Psychedelics
Could psychedelic therapy cure phantom limb pain? Amputee Miles O'Brien joins a trial testing if psychedelics can rewire the brain's pain circuits.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Did psychedelics help build ancient civilizations? Journalist Andrew Lawler discusses new archeological tools for studying psychoactive plant residues with The Microdose: bit.ly/4jhkYtn
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Did psychedelics help build ancient civilizations?: 5 Questions for journalist Andrew Lawler
Lawler discusses new archeological tools for studying psychoactive plant residues.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The latest in psychedelics news this week on The Microdose: – Definium trial suggests LSD could help treat anxiety – A new paper argues the need for more convincing placebos – Compass funds psilocybin-assisted therapist training Read now: bit.ly/4gWuYH6
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Definium trial suggests LSD could help treat anxiety; “One patient meets God. The other gets itchy.”; and Compass funds psilocybin-assisted therapist training
Plus: New Mexico program licenses first producer, and an opinion on why taking the trip out of psychedelic medicine is a mistake
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
BCSP's Dr. Alia Lilienstein testified at the FDA hearing yesterday on the need for a standardized glossary when documenting adverse events in psychedelic clinical trials. Get an insider view on what it takes to conduct psychedelic research at bit.ly/4rb2k8E
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The Microdose brings you the highlights from today’s four hour-long FDA hearing. themicrodose.substack.com/p/report-…
themicrodose.substack.com
Report from the FDA’s hearing on psychedelic drugs
We’re bringing you the highlights from today’s four hour-long hearing, held by the U.S.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The deadline for the Mycoskie - UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship is October 5th! Learn more and apply at fellowships.journalism.berkeley.edu/mycoskie/
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Exciting news! Our research physician Dr. Alia Lilienstein has been selected to testify at today’s FDA public hearing on documenting adverse effects in psychedelics research. More on adverse effects and what it takes to run clinical research on psychedelics at bit.ly/4rb2k8E
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
This week in psychedelics: –A federal report encourages states to prepare for FDA approval of psychedelics –Could THC help with the psychedelic blinding problem? –Ketamine seized at the UK border hits record high Read the latest news in The Microdose: bit.ly/4qYfl5k
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A federal report encourages states to prepare for FDA approval of psychedelics; Could THC help with the psychedelic blinding problem?
Plus: Ketamine seized at the UK border hits record high; an Arizona ibogaine trial; Study reveals cell signaling that differentiates hallucinogens and non-hallucinogens
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Tickets on sale now! How can psychedelics research advance our understanding of consciousness? Join @michaelpollan.bsky.social and renowned neuroscientist Christof Koch in convo, moderated by @shaylalove.bsky.social. At Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley on Oct 13 at 7:30pm. 🎟️ ➡️ bit.ly/4x7o06U
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
We're hiring! The BCSP is seeking a Civic Science Fellow for a full-time, 18-month position focused on co-creating strong, inclusive connections between psychedelic science and the public. Apply now via @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social Careers! bit.ly/4652nZS
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Drug historian David Herzberg discusses the history of “mind medicines” like Prozac and parallels between antidepressants and psychedelics on The Microdose this week. Read now: bit.ly/4cPQ4nW
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Prozac Lessons: 5 Questions for drug historian David Herzberg
Herzberg discusses the history of “mind medicines” like Prozac and parallels between antidepressants and psychedelics.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
How might Heidi Overton’s FDA Commissioner nomination shape psychedelics policy? And what is 4-OH-DiPT? Plus, pharmacists argue for a role in psychedelic therapy. Get the latest in psychedelics news on The Microdose: bit.ly/4qGvg8l
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Ferriss-UC Berkeley Journalism fellow Michelle Lhooq was recently published in @newyorker.com. Our fellows report with complete editorial independence from the BCSP, and external news outlets select and fact-check their work. www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/are…
newyorker.com
Why the Right Wing Is Embracing This Psychedelic Drug
How the conservative activist Bryan Hubbard, with help from Rick Perry and Joe Rogan, persuaded Trump and the G.O.P. to embrace ibogaine, a psychedelic drug derived from an African shrub.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
What’s stopping psychedelic therapy in China? Medical ethicist Jennifer Docherty discusses her interviews about psychedelic end-of-life care with clinicians in Hong Kong in this week's 5 Questions on The Microdose. Read now: bit.ly/4ghL8ur
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Join the Institute of Personality and Social Research (IPSR) Colloquium at @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social on Aug 26, 2026 as Dr. Gül Dölen discusses how psychedelics may be a "master key" to reopen critical periods in the brain. This event is free and open to the public. bit.ly/4gka436
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Gül Dölen | Psychedelic Mediated Reopening of Critical Periods: Basic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities
Institute of Personality and Social Research Colloquium Psychedelics are a broad category of compounds that induce altered states of consciousness...
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
How can psychedelics help us understand consciousness? Join us October 14–15 at @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social for States of Consciousness, a BCSP conference exploring the intersection of the mind, consciousness, and psychedelics. Secure your spot! Register by Sept 1, 2026: bit.ly/4xgy7Hu
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Headlines in psychedelics this week: –Veterans Affairs continues to drive federal psychedelics push –Resilient Pharmaceuticals tries again for MDMA approval –What's new in the latest FDA guidelines on psychedelics Get more of the latest news on The Microdose: bit.ly/4wyjyhl
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Veterans Affairs continues to drive federal psychedelics push; New FDA guidance; and Resilient Pharmaceuticals tries again for MDMA approval
Plus: Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly makes a psychedelics acquisition; Cardiovascular safety is top of mind for psychedelics researchers
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
This year, @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social joined a network of institutions improving the lives of older adults. The BCSP's PLASTICITY study is a prime example of innovative research that could benefit adults as they age. Read more on The Daily Californian: bit.ly/4qbmrTC
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Reposted by UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics
Michael Pollan @michaelpollan.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
This should be good: Michael Pollan & Christof Koch: A Journey into Consciousness | Cal Performances calperformances.org/events/2026-...
calperformances.org
Michael Pollan & Christof Koch: A Journey into Consciousness | Cal Performances
Author Michael Pollan returns for a discussion on the most intriguing questions at the intersection of psychedelics and consciousness.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Tickets on sale now! @michaelpollan.bsky.social and Christof Koch on the intersection of consciousness and psychedelics. October 13 at Zellerbach Hall, co-presented with Cal Performances. calperformances.org/events/2026-27/…
calperformances.org
Michael Pollan & Christof Koch: A Journey into Consciousness | Cal Performances
Author Michael Pollan returns for a discussion on the most intriguing questions at the intersection of psychedelics and consciousness.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Why don’t some people respond to psychedelics? On The Microdose, psychologist Rachel Ham discusses doing interviews with clinical trial participants who didn’t experience substantial benefits: bit.ly/4czkACn
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Why don't some people respond to psychedelics? 5 Questions for psychologist Rachel Ham
Ham discusses doing interviews with clinical trial participants who didn't experience substantial benefits.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Psychiatric trials focus on symptom reduction, but patients prioritize meaning, vitality, and functioning. In @natmentalhealth.nature.com, BCSP’s Tyrone Sgambati and Dacher Keltner argue to elevate well-being to a primary endpoint. www.nature.com/articles/s44184-026-…
nature.com
Well-being as a primary endpoint in clinical trials: a call for consensus - npj Mental Health Research
npj Mental Health Research - Well-being as a primary endpoint in clinical trials: a call for consensus
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Journalist @matthabusby.bsky.social embedded with combat sports fighters for a first-of-its-kind study. Supported by the Ferriss–UC Berkeley Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship. Full story in Men's Health ⬇️ 📸: Edinson Arroyo www.menshealth.com/health/a73195268…
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
We're really excited for this event with @michaelpollan.bsky.social on October 13th. Tickets go on sale August 11th to the general public - mark your calendars! calperformances.org/events/2026-27/…
calperformances.org
Michael Pollan & Christof Koch: A Journey into Consciousness | Cal Performances
Author Michael Pollan returns for a discussion on the most intriguing questions at the intersection of psychedelics and consciousness.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
The psychedelic toad milkers: guest writer Kimon de Greef follows toad poachers across the Sonoran Desert. Read more on The Microdose: bit.ly/4wGootI
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Animal models have shown that a single dose of psilocybin triggers rapid, lasting neuroplasticity. We are using advanced MRI to measure proxies of these changes in brain structure in older adults. Q&A with the researchers psychedelics.berkeley.edu/can-psilo…
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
From “just say no” to just say nothing: Harm reduction educator Rhana Hashemi discusses her approach to drug education and what students want to know about psychedelics. Read the latest 5 Questions on The Microdose: bit.ly/4fXkc2F
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From “just say no” to just say nothing: 5 Questions for harm reduction educator Rhana Hashemi
Hashemi discusses her approach to drug education and what students want to know about psychedelics.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Join us for States of Consciousness (Oct. 14-15, 2026), a conference at @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social exploring consciousness through the lens of psychedelics. Register by Aug. 6 to save with early bird pricing: psychedelics.berkeley.edu/soc-confe…
The image is a promotional graphic for a conference titled "States of Consciousness: Psychedelic Discovery and the Edge of Uncertainty," taking place October 14–15, 2026, at the University of California, Berkeley. It features colorful, overlapping silhouettes of heads in yellow, pink, and green on a blue background, with a button labeled "Register Today.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
What a lost manuscript reveals about peyote in the 17th century. Philosopher Osiris Sinuhé González Romero discusses with The Microdose: bit.ly/4pxh2Wt
themicrodose.substack.com
A lost peyote document from 1619: 5 Questions for philosopher Osiris Sinuhé González Romero
Romero discusses what a recently discovered manuscript reveals about peyote in the 17th century.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
What a lost manuscript reveals about peyote in the 17th century. The Microdose speaks with philosopher Osiris Sinuhé González Romero in this week's 5 Questions: bit.ly/4pxh2Wt
themicrodose.substack.com
A lost peyote document from 1619: 5 Questions for philosopher Osiris Sinuhé González Romero
Romero discusses what a recently discovered manuscript reveals about peyote in the 17th century.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Do people hear voices when they take ayahuasca? Social anthropologist David Dupuis discusses how auditory hallucinations during psychedelic trips have been overlooked with @shaylalove.bsky.social on The Microdose: bit.ly/4wJVKYo
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Do people hear voices when they take ayahuasca? 5 Questions with social anthropologist David Dupuis
Dupuis discusses how auditory hallucinations during psychedelic trips have been overlooked.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Headlines in psychedelics this week: –Big changes ahead for Oregon’s psilocybin agency –New bill seeks to turn Trump’s psychedelics executive order into permanent law –Compass Pathways announces new Phase 3 results Read more on The Microdose: bit.ly/4aM2vjO
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Big changes ahead for Oregon’s psilocybin agency, New bill seeks to turn Trump’s psychedelics executive order into permanent law
Plus: Compass Pathways announces new Phase 3 results, and Lawsuit against LSD company Definium is dismissed
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
🎥 The Mycoskie - UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship is now accepting applications. 🗓️ Deadline: October 5, 2026 👉 Head to the link in our bio 🔗 or visit fellowships.journalism.berkeley.edu/mycoskie to submit your application.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
The BCSP’s new research aims to determine if psilocybin can promote successful aging. BCSP Faculty Director Michael Silver and PhD candidate Tyler Toueg answer more questions about the study at psychedelics.berkeley.edu/can-psilo…
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Filmmaker April Fan discusses her feature documentary about wild mushroom foragers in Yunnan and what she discovered about place and belonging. Read the latest 5 Questions on The Microdose: bit.ly/4vgbxNc
A person in a light jacket holds a red basket filled with mushrooms. Another person walks in the background, surrounded by greenery.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Do psychedelics create false memories? Psychologist Samuli Kangaslampi discusses the need to study autobiographical memories that may emerge during trips. Read 5 Questions on The Microdose: bit.ly/4wf8Dt5
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
–Definium releases LSD for depression Phase 3 results –CO activists fight recent bill’s amendments to sharing psychedelics –Survey suggests most veterans support VA-funded psychedelic-assisted therapy The Microdose shares the latest news in psychedelics: bit.ly/4v03dB4
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Definium releases LSD for depression Phase 3 results and Colorado activists fight recent bill’s amendments to sharing psychedelics
Plus: Survey suggests most veterans support VA-funded psychedelic-assisted therapy, and psychedelic research funding bills and a move towards psilocybin legalization in Canada
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Headlines in psychedelics last week: –Is the boom in toad-derived 5-MeO-DMT built on a false history? –Colorado’s new law lays groundwork for ibogaine access –Personality traits may shape intensity of psychedelic sensory experiences Read more on The Microdose: bit.ly/4xEbnBK
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
37% U.S. voters say that psychedelics are safe to use…in a supervised setting. The latest UC Berkeley Psychedelics Survey tells us about the stigma and perceptions of safety surrounding psychedelics today. Read Tyrone’s 5 top takeaways: bit.ly/42NC6O8
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
In what cases do U.S.voters think psychedelics are most useful? And who do they think should have access? We share the answers to these questions in our latest @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social Survey. To find out more, visit bit.ly/42NC6O8
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
The Microdose takes a deep dive into the history of Psilocybe cubensis, arguably the most widely used psychedelic mushroom in the world, first collected and given a scientific Latin name in Cuba in 1906. Read the article: bit.ly/4viUECC
Two mushrooms are displayed on a labeled sheet from the New York Botanical Garden. The label reads "Stropharia cubensis" with a note stating "type" and includes "Cuba" and "Earle.
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
A case report testing psilocybin for advanced Alzheimer’s disease, plus an Amanita mushroom poisoning outbreak in California. This news and more on This Week in Psychedelics on The Microdose: bit.ly/43zSvGl
themicrodose.substack.com
An Amanita mushroom poisoning outbreak in California; A case report testing psilocybin for advanced Alzheimer’s disease
Plus: Scientists assess risk of psychedelic-induced mania; and the close of this season’s psychedelic legislation push
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The research Michael Silver and his lab are doing at @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social not only has the potential to help us better understand the human mind and consciousness, but also to transform the treatment of certain mental illnesses. In this video, he explains in 101 seconds:
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Can psychedelics protect the aging brain? In a new study, researchers at @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social are exploring whether psilocybin, a compound known to influence brain plasticity, may offer a new avenue to promote healthy aging. Read more: bit.ly/4edFCqj
psychedelics.berkeley.edu
Tripping into Old Age: Can Psychedelics Protect the Aging Brain? - UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics
Can psychedelics help our minds and brains stay healthy as we grow older? That’s the question posed by a new first-of-its-kind study launched earlier this year at the UC Berkeley Center for the Scienc...
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UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics @scipsychedelics.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
New @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social online summer course open to the public! EDUC 125: Psychedelics Education and the Persistent Taboo on Alternative Ways of Knowing (July 6 – Aug 14) examines how psychedelics are understood, taught and researched. 👉 Enroll now: bit.ly/4urm5ZE
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2026 Summer EDUC 125 002 LEC 002 | UCB Class Search
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