Research recaps
184 recaps (and counting)
What each month's new studies found, topic by topic. Every recap is synthesized from that month's papers and links back to each one.
August 2026
1 recap · 4 papersJuly 2026
27 recaps · 386 papers- Esketamine Compounds Research published in July 2026 indicates that esketamine, particularly intranasal, is effective for treatment-resistant depression, with meta-analytic evidence showing modest acute improvement and reduced relapse risk, though it increases adverse events like dissociation and elevated blood pressure. Real-world studies confirm meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms, with comparable effectiveness to IV or IM ketamine, and some evidence of an anti-suicidal effect independent of mood improvement. However, the evidence base remains limited by heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and a lack of long-term durability data, and findings on biomarkers like BDNF are null. 19 papers
- 5-MeO-DMT Compounds Research published in July 2026 on 5-MeO-DMT is limited; the only directly relevant study is a review of patent applications describing structured 5-MeO-DMT treatment regimens for depression, suggesting a trend toward scalable and safer therapies. Other July 2026 studies focused on DMT (not 5-MeO-DMT) and found that DMT promotes human neural stem cell proliferation, has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in mice comparable to S-ketamine, and can be produced in bacteria. The evidence is preliminary and does not provide clinical efficacy data for 5-MeO-DMT. 5 papers
- Neuroplasticity Mechanisms Research in July 2026 indicates that psychedelics and related compounds such as psilocybin, DMT, ketamine, and MDMA can engage neuroplastic mechanisms, including synaptic plasticity, dendritic signaling, and epigenetic changes, though effects are often context-dependent and evidence for clinical durability remains limited. Findings are consistent in showing that these agents modulate plasticity-related pathways, but the translation to lasting structural or functional outcomes is not yet firmly established. 12 papers
- Dreaming Experiences Research on dreaming in July 2026 spans diverse topics, from EEG-based dream detection to nightmare-related psychopathology and lucid dreaming induction. Findings are mixed: some studies report promising advances (e.g., topological EEG features for dream detection, vestibular stimulation for lucidity), while others show null or nuanced results (e.g., nightmare-PTSD associations after adjusting for autoregressive effects, no direct evidence for therapies targeting antidepressant-related vivid dreams). Overall, the evidence is preliminary and heterogeneous, with many studies being preprints or small samples, and causal or longitudinal conclusions remain limited. 8 papers
- Mysticism Traditions & thought Research on mysticism published in July 2026 was predominantly theoretical and qualitative, with no large-scale empirical trials. The evidence consistently supports the idea that mystical experiences and related practices can influence psychological processes, wellbeing, and meaning-making, but the findings are largely based on case studies, theoretical arguments, and small qualitative samples. The main caveat is the lack of controlled, quantitative studies and the reliance on interpretive frameworks, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the magnitude or durability of effects. 25 papers
- Shamanism Traditions & thought Research on shamanism in July 2026 was predominantly theoretical and interpretive, focusing on shamanic rituals, spirituality, and their cultural and ecological roles, with limited empirical studies. One ethnographic study reported a four-part typology of healing from psilocybin ceremonies, and a review noted that music-induced trance engages overlapping neural dynamics, but overall evidence is largely qualitative and lacks controlled designs. The main caveat is the scarcity of empirical, quantitative research and the predominance of philosophical or literary analyses. 16 papers
- Buddhism Traditions & thought Research on Buddhism in July 2026 was predominantly theoretical and philosophical, focusing on comparative analyses with Western thought, consciousness studies, and cross-cultural interpretations. Empirical studies were scarce, with only one protocol for a longitudinal cohort study on meditation and one ethnographic study on psilocybin ceremonies, neither providing conclusive results. The evidence is consistent in highlighting Buddhism's relevance to contemporary philosophical and psychological discourse, but robust empirical findings are lacking. 25 papers
- Default mode network Mechanisms Research in July 2026 links the default mode network (DMN) to a wide range of functions and conditions, including emotional processing, migraine treatment response, nocebo responses, problematic internet use, and Alzheimer's disease pathology. Findings are largely consistent in showing that DMN connectivity is altered in these contexts, but the evidence is mostly observational or theoretical, with limited causal or interventional data. The main caveat is that many studies are small, cross-sectional, or theoretical, so the durability and generalizability of these associations remain unclear. 18 papers
- Meditation Practices Research published in July 2026 generally supports the benefits of meditation and mindfulness-based interventions for reducing stress and improving well-being, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large (e.g., r = -0.40 for mindfulness–stress association; Cohen's d = 0.95–1.55 for cognitive outcomes). Results are consistent across diverse populations including students, mothers, and individuals with schizophrenia, though many studies are pilot or feasibility designs with small samples, and durability beyond a few months is rarely tested. One small trial found no significant effect on focus, and qualitative work highlights that some practices (e.g., body scan) may be challenging for certain groups. 25 papers
- Philosophy of mind Traditions & thought Research in July 2026 on philosophy of mind was predominantly theoretical, with many papers arguing that the hard problem of consciousness is a category error or grammatical artifact rather than a genuine mystery. Empirical work was limited to a few studies on dream phenomenology and ketamine's effects on dream content, showing some positive associations but with small samples and no causal claims. Overall, the literature is highly speculative and lacks consensus, with no empirical resolution of the core debates. 25 papers
- End-of-life distress Conditions Research published in July 2026 indicates that psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise for reducing end-of-life distress, including demoralization, anxiety, and depression, with rapid and long-lasting effects and a low risk of serious adverse events. However, evidence is preliminary, based on small samples and open-label designs, and faces barriers such as legal restrictions, knowledge gaps, and the need for standardized protocols and larger trials. 6 papers
- Addiction Conditions Research on addiction in July 2026 shows that ketamine improves short-term abstinence (<1 month) but not longer-term abstinence (1–6 months) in substance use disorders, with animal data indicating rapid tolerance. Mindfulness-based interventions provide preliminary support for reducing relapse and craving, while MDMA-assisted therapy for comorbid PTSD and alcohol use disorder is being tested in a trial. Evidence is limited by small samples, short follow-ups, and inconsistent findings on relapse prevention. 9 papers
- PTSD Conditions Research published in July 2026 on PTSD focused heavily on psychedelic-assisted therapies, with MDMA-assisted therapy showing promise in reducing PTSD symptoms, including discrimination-related trauma, though evidence is preliminary and often based on small samples. Psilocybin and ketamine also showed potential benefits, but findings were mixed regarding neural effects and the role of support. Other studies highlighted the importance of dissociation, nightmares, and mindfulness processes in PTSD, but overall conclusions are limited by small sample sizes, lack of long-term follow-up, and the need for larger trials. 10 papers
- Anxiety Conditions Research published in July 2026 consistently indicates that mind-body interventions—including mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and breathing techniques—reduce anxiety across diverse populations, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. However, evidence is limited by small samples, short follow-ups, and heterogeneous designs, and findings for psychedelic and other novel interventions remain preliminary. 25 papers
- Serotonin Mechanisms Research on serotonin in July 2026 focused on the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, which was shown to act through 5-HT2A receptors to induce dendritic signaling and plasticity in a brain-state- and sex-dependent manner. Reviews and preclinical studies consistently supported psilocybin's promise for depression and other conditions, but evidence for direct clinical efficacy remained preliminary, with safety concerns and long-term effects still requiring further investigation. 23 papers
- Depression Conditions Research published in July 2026 on depression focused heavily on rapid-acting antidepressants, particularly ketamine, esketamine, and psilocybin, with consistent evidence that these treatments produce significant short-term symptom reduction in treatment-resistant depression. However, durability, long-term safety, and optimal maintenance strategies remain unresolved, and several studies highlighted methodological limitations such as small samples, lack of blinding, and inconsistent reporting. Overall, the evidence supports acute efficacy but underscores the need for larger, longer-term trials to establish sustained benefits and safety. 25 papers
- Cannabis Compounds Research published in July 2026 on cannabis spans several domains, but no single conclusion emerges. Studies indicate that cannabis, especially high-potency THC, may contribute to psychosis and violence, and that adolescent THC exposure can alter brain structure and Reelin signaling in mice. Neurophysiological studies show altered prefrontal connectivity and dynamic brain states in cannabis users, but these findings are preliminary and often based on small samples or animal models. Overall, the evidence is mixed and highlights the need for more rigorous, longitudinal research. 7 papers
- Lucid dreaming Experiences Research published in July 2026 on lucid dreaming is limited and mixed. One small RCT found that galvanic vestibular stimulation during REM sleep increased lucid awareness, while electrical muscle stimulation did not, and a large population-based survey found that more frequent dream recall (a prerequisite for lucid dreaming) is associated with a higher likelihood of dream-reality confusion. However, a cross-sectional survey found no significant association between lucid dreaming and experiences of being another person in dreams. Overall, evidence is preliminary, with small samples and a need for longitudinal and experimental studies to confirm causal effects and durability. 4 papers
- Mescaline Compounds Research published in July 2026 on mescaline is limited and primarily descriptive or theoretical. A comprehensive review concludes that mescaline remains the only phenethylamine classic psychedelic, has the lowest 5-HT2A affinity, requires the highest doses, and lacks an adequate randomized controlled trial as of 2026. Other work focuses on peyote's cultural significance and conservation challenges rather than clinical effects. Thus, no new empirical findings on mescaline's efficacy or safety were reported in this period. 4 papers
- Ketamine Compounds Research on ketamine in July 2026 continued to support its rapid antidepressant and short-term anti-suicidal effects, with evidence of efficacy in treatment-resistant depression and short-term abstinence in substance use disorders, though longer-term durability remains a key unmet need. Mechanistic studies in animals and humans point to synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial, and epigenetic changes, but clinical evidence is limited by small samples, uncontrolled designs, and unresolved questions about durability and long-term safety. 25 papers
- Ayahuasca Compounds Research published in July 2026 on ayahuasca was largely preclinical and methodological, with no new clinical efficacy trials reported. A single rat study found that ayahuasca reduced relapse-like alcohol intake and anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, but effects were sex- and region-dependent, and a scoping review showed that registered human trials remain early-stage and focused on safety rather than disorder-specific outcomes. A theoretical paper cautioned against enthusiasm, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodology before concluding efficacy. Overall, evidence for ayahuasca's therapeutic effects in humans remains preliminary and limited. 5 papers
- Mystical experience Experiences Research on mystical experience in July 2026 is limited and heterogeneous, with no controlled trials. A single case study suggests mystical-type experiences during ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may coincide with therapeutic gains, while a mixed-method analysis of Reddit posts indicates people describe mystical experiences in detailed, community-shaped narratives, challenging traditional ineffability. A scoping review protocol and a theoretical paper on Rumi do not provide empirical evidence. Overall, the evidence is preliminary and based on small or non-empirical samples, so no firm conclusions can be drawn. 4 papers
- DMT Compounds In July 2026, research on DMT reported positive effects on emotional processing, well-being, and neural plasticity, but evidence is mixed regarding its comparative efficacy and long-term durability. A placebo-controlled trial found that a harmine+DMT combination reduced embarrassment and shame, while open-label data showed sustained improvements in anxiety, life satisfaction, and quality of life in patients with depression. However, animal data indicated that DMT's antidepressant effects were comparable to S-ketamine but not consistently superior, and the overall evidence base remains limited by small samples, open-label designs, and early-stage trials. 10 papers
- MDMA Compounds Research published in July 2026 indicates that MDMA-assisted therapy continues to show promise for PTSD and related conditions, with preliminary evidence of significant reductions in trauma symptoms (e.g., a 38% decrease in discrimination-related trauma scores in a small sample) and potential benefits for complex PTSD and borderline personality disorder, though direct studies for these latter conditions are lacking. However, evidence is mixed regarding broader effects: naturalistic use was associated with decreased neuroticism at four weeks, but a systematic review found limited direct evidence for improved social cognition, and a preclinical study suggests noradrenergic modulation may attenuate some MDMA effects. The main caveats are small sample sizes, early-stage implementation, and the need for larger, more diverse trials to confirm durability and safety. 14 papers
- LSD Compounds Research published in July 2026 on LSD was limited to a review and an in silico toxicology study; no new clinical trial data on LSD itself were reported. The review suggests LSD has therapeutic potential for conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, while the in silico study indicates that LSD derivatives may have concerning toxicological profiles, particularly for cardiopulmonary and genotoxic endpoints. However, these findings are preliminary and based on computational predictions, not human data. 4 papers
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy Practices Research in July 2026 indicates that psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise for reducing trauma-related symptoms, including those stemming from discrimination, and for improving distress in cancer patients, though evidence is limited by small samples and methodological constraints. Studies also highlight a growing interest and perceived need for formal training among psychology students and alumni, as well as the importance of attitudes in shaping treatment expectations. Overall, findings are preliminary and underscore the need for larger, more rigorous trials and standardized training. 8 papers
- Psilocybin Compounds Research published in July 2026 indicates that psilocybin shows promise for treating conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, demoralization in cancer, and anorexia nervosa, with effects ranging from moderate to large, though many studies are small, open-label, or pilot in nature. Mechanistic studies in mice reveal that psilocybin's effects depend on brain state, 5-HT2A receptors, and specific neural circuits, and that its neuroplastic effects are modulated by environmental context. However, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, lack of long-term follow-up, and inconsistent reporting practices across trials, so conclusions about durability and generalizability remain tentative. 25 papers
June 2026
2 recaps · 32 papers- Default mode network Mechanisms Research on the default mode network (DMN) in June 2026 shows that psychedelics consistently attenuate bottom-up signal flow within the DMN, and psilocybin accelerates transitions between brain states while preserving overall coverage. The DMN is also implicated in social connection, verbal memory, and value-based decision-making, with altered DMN patterns linked to conditions like ADHD and end-stage renal disease. However, most studies are small or exploratory, and the durability and clinical significance of these findings remain unclear. 14 papers
- Serotonin Mechanisms Research on serotonin in June 2026 focused heavily on the 5-HT2A receptor's role in psychedelic action and therapeutic effects. Studies consistently show that 5-HT2A signaling is central to psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity and behavioral effects, with some evidence that other receptors (5-HT2B, GPR143) modulate these outcomes. However, findings on endogenous DMT function and the direct physical interaction between 5-HT2A and mGluR2 are mixed or negative, indicating that the precise mechanisms remain debated. The evidence is largely preclinical or theoretical, with limited clinical data, so conclusions about human therapeutic efficacy are preliminary. 18 papers