Psychedelics alter thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of reality, with lysergic acid diethylamide being the most potent. This investigation analyzed 27 serotonergic psychedelic molecules, which act as serotonin agonists. The electron acceptance capacity of these compounds correlates with their potency: the best electron acceptor is the most potent drug. Additionally, molecules with greater global softness, indicating higher polarizability, also show greater potency. These findings advance understanding of the mechanism of action of psychotropic drugs.
Focused attention on spontaneous body sensations requires interoceptive abilities and is impaired in disorders like illness-anxiety disorder. Fifteen experienced meditators performed a 20-minute attentional task to spontaneous sensations during fMRI scanning, with resting-state scans before and after the task. Dynamic functional connectivity and k-means clustering identified five recurring connectivity patterns across the dorsal attention, default mode, and frontoparietal networks. Subjects spent more time in a low-connectivity pattern during rest and more time in complex patterns during the task. A carry-over effect in connectivity after the task suggests an active role in learning from cognitive training. Focused attention to interoception involves a distinct dynamic brain organization compared to rest.