A 2026 Nature study found that parasite-sensing tuft cells can release acetylcholine, activate crypt enterochromaffin cells through muscarinic receptors, trigger serotonin release, stimulate vagal afferent neurons, and suppress food intake during established infection.1 The finding is a precise gut-defense circuit, not a generic claim that the gut-brain axis explains every mood or appetite problem. Research …
A 2026 study involving 32 adult mangrove rivulus fish pairs found that 3,000 µg/L waterborne psilocybin reduced movement and aggressive swimming bursts, but the result belongs in animal behavioral pharmacology, not in human aggression treatment claims.1 Research Highlights Fish movement decreased: psilocybin produced a treatment-by-time interaction for time spent moving (p = 0.006), with a …
In the digital age, Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) emerges as a complex interplay of technology, psychology, and genetics. This intricate relationship underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing IAD. A recent study analyzed the genetic underpinnings of internet addiction and discovered a strong link with the serotonin 2A receptor gene (HTR2A) …
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) impacts millions globally, making it a significant public health challenge. Traditional treatments like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) don’t work for everyone, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. Recent clinical trials exploring the use of empagliflozin, a medication originally used to lower blood sugar in diabetes patients, have shown promising results …
Suicide, a tragic end to around 800,000 lives each year, remains one of the most perplexing and devastating phenomena in mental health. Despite the vast number of studies and data, accurately predicting who is at risk of suicide has remained largely elusive, with current tools heavily reliant on subjective assessments and the clinician’s experience. A …
Quetiapine, a second-generation antipsychotic medication, is renowned for its efficacy in managing a spectrum of psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite its broad therapeutic utility and a generally favorable side effect profile, quetiapine’s role in rare instances of inducing psychotic symptoms warrants a closer examination. Highlights: Quetiapine’s Mechanism of …
Depression, a pervasive global health issue, significantly impairs quality of life and burdens the healthcare system. Despite the availability of numerous antidepressants, their effectiveness is often limited, pushing researchers to explore alternative treatments. Berberine, a natural compound with a diverse pharmacological profile, has shown promising antidepressant effects, offering a potential complementary or alternative approach to …