Research recaps
158 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.
May 2026
13 recaps · 229 papers- Ketamine Compounds Research on ketamine in May 2026 shows it can provide rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects, especially in treatment-resistant depression, but its superiority over active placebo (midazolam) is questioned due to blinding failures and small sample sizes. Evidence is mixed on long-term safety and optimal dosing, with some studies highlighting neurotoxic risks and others showing cognitive preservation. The main caveat is that many findings are preliminary, based on small samples, or limited by short follow-up. 25 papers
- DMT Compounds Research on DMT in May 2026 explored its neuroprotective potential in Parkinson's disease and stroke models, its effects on brain dynamics and autonomic arousal, and its subjective effects modulated by 5-HT1A receptors. Findings were mixed: DMT showed anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in preclinical models, but also increased insomnia severity in a small observational study. The evidence is limited by small sample sizes, preclinical designs, and lack of clinical trials. 10 papers
- Serotonin Mechanisms Research published in May 2026 on serotonin spans diverse topics, including psychedelic mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and safety risks. Findings are mixed: some studies support anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of serotonergic psychedelics, while others highlight risks like serotonin syndrome and valvular heart disease. The evidence is largely preclinical or theoretical, with small human samples, and long-term durability and clinical translation remain unclear. 13 papers
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy Practices In May 2026, research on psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) showed large within-group effects on anxiety (g=0.96) and small between-group effects (g=0.48), with the intensity of the acute psychedelic experience being the most common predictor of therapeutic response. Qualitative evidence suggests PAT may act as a catalyst for transformation in eating disorders, and cancer patients and carers are open to PAT if risks are carefully managed. However, evidence is limited by high heterogeneity across studies, small sample sizes, and a lack of controlled trials in many areas. 11 papers
- Buddhism Traditions & thought Research on Buddhism in May 2026 spans theoretical, historical, and empirical work. Empirical studies found that Buddhist meditation practices improved life satisfaction, happiness, and gratitude (with gains largely retained at 3 months) and that Zen meditation in monks and nuns was associated with distinct EEG patterns indicating relaxation and alertness. However, most studies were theoretical or qualitative, with small samples or no empirical data, so conclusions about efficacy are limited and require more rigorous, larger-scale research. 22 papers
- MDMA Compounds Research published in May 2026 indicates that MDMA-assisted therapy produces moderate-to-large reductions in psychopathology (g = 1.03) compared to controls, though with high heterogeneity and low harm-reporting quality. MDMA consistently enhances subjective social experience and reduces social threat processing, but does not reliably increase observable prosocial behavior. However, safety concerns remain, including risks of hyponatremic encephalopathy in older adults and the potential for functional unblinding in trials, and evidence on long-term effects is limited. 14 papers
- Meditation Practices Research published in May 2026 indicates that mindfulness-based interventions, including MBCT and mindfulness yoga, consistently reduce psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress) and improve well-being across diverse populations, with large effect sizes in small pilot trials. However, evidence is limited by small samples, short durations, and methodological weaknesses, and some studies show mixed or null effects on certain outcomes. Overall, the findings support mindfulness as a promising complementary approach, but more rigorous, long-term trials are needed. 25 papers
- Anxiety Conditions Research published in May 2026 indicates that mindfulness-based interventions and psychedelic-assisted therapies show promise for reducing anxiety symptoms, with meta-analyses reporting large within-group effects for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (Hedge's g = 0.96) and significant reductions from VR-based mindfulness. However, evidence is mixed and limited by high heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and a lack of long-term follow-up, so conclusions about durability and generalizability remain cautious. 25 papers
- PTSD Conditions Research published in May 2026 on PTSD is heterogeneous, spanning pharmacological interventions, neuroimaging, and dream-related predictors. A phase 2 RCT found that the neuroplastogen TSND-201 (methylone) significantly reduced PTSD symptoms versus placebo (CAPS-5 difference of ~9.6 points), while a case study reported benefits from ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. However, other work highlighted reporting errors and hype in psychedelic-assisted therapy research, and a narrative review noted that evidence for intranasal esketamine and psychotherapy combinations remains limited. Overall, findings are promising but preliminary, with small samples and limited long-term data. 9 papers
- LSD Compounds Research published in May 2026 indicates that LSD may induce neuroplastic changes—such as reversing aging-related transcriptional programs, enhancing white matter integrity, and prolonging stimulation-induced neural activity—which are associated with antidepressant and pain-relief effects, though these findings come from preclinical and small clinical studies. However, epidemiological data show mixed associations: LSD use is linked to higher insomnia severity in young cannabis users, while psychedelic use is associated with lower migraine odds in male twins, and no effects on authoritarian attitudes were found. The evidence is preliminary, with limited sample sizes and a need for replication and long-term outcome data. 10 papers
- Psilocybin Compounds In May 2026, research on psilocybin showed large within-group effects on anxiety (g=0.96) and small between-group effects (g=0.48), with long-term antidepressant benefits persisting up to 12 months in treatment-resistant depression. However, blinding integrity was insufficient, with psilocybin showing the highest rates of functional unblinding, and evidence for cocaine use disorder and other conditions remains mixed or preliminary. The main caveat is that many studies are open-label, small, or have high heterogeneity, limiting the strength of conclusions. 25 papers
- Cannabis Compounds Research on cannabis in May 2026 consistently found that THC exposure impairs memory and alters brain connectivity, with effects varying by age, sex, and prior exposure. Acute THC also impaired driving, especially when combined with alcohol, and chronic use led to tolerance. However, findings on executive function were mixed, and most studies were preclinical or cross-sectional, limiting generalizability to humans. 15 papers
- Depression Conditions Research published in May 2026 on depression focused heavily on ketamine and esketamine, with mixed results: while several studies and reviews report rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects, a small RCT found ketamine was not significantly better than midazolam, and blinding failures were common. Psilocybin showed sustained benefits up to 12 months in one trial but not at one year in another. Overall, evidence supports short-term efficacy of ketamine and psilocybin, but durability, blinding, and long-term safety remain key caveats. 25 papers
April 2026
17 recaps · 248 papers- Ketamine Compounds Research on ketamine in April 2026 continued to show rapid antidepressant effects, particularly for treatment-resistant depression, but with variable response and notable side effects. Evidence from multiple studies supports its efficacy, though durability of response and optimal dosing intervals remain key concerns. The main caveat is that most studies have short follow-up periods and small sample sizes, limiting generalizability. 25 papers
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy Practices Research published in April 2026 indicates that psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise for reducing substance misuse and suicidal ideation, with large effect sizes reported for DMT on substance use reduction and consistent reductions in suicidal ideation with ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression. However, the evidence is limited by high heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and a lack of large-scale longitudinal studies, and findings from adult studies cannot be directly applied to adolescents due to distinct developmental and ethical considerations. 6 papers
- Philosophy of mind Traditions & thought Research on philosophy of mind in April 2026 focused on phenomenological and enactive accounts of selfhood, consciousness, and perception, with consistent findings that minimal selfhood is grounded in bodily and coenesthetic experience, that consciousness is better understood as intermittent rather than continuous, and that folk conceptions of perception are conflicted between direct and indirect realism. A key caveat is that most studies are theoretical or small-scale empirical, limiting generalizability. 19 papers
- LSD Compounds Research on LSD published in April 2026 spans preclinical, clinical, and historical perspectives. A preclinical study found that microdosed LSD improved pain-related measures in a mouse model of fibromyalgia, with effects varying by sex and route of administration. Reviews highlight LSD's potential for treatment-resistant depression and its historical use in psycholytic therapy, but note that evidence remains preliminary and requires rigorous validation. Overall, findings are promising but not yet conclusive for clinical use. 9 papers
- Mysticism Traditions & thought Research on mysticism in April 2026 was predominantly theoretical and philosophical, with no empirical studies directly testing mystical experiences. The literature explored mystical consciousness through historical figures (al-Hallaj, al-Ghazālī, Palamas), proposed theoretical models (parametric introspection, panpsychist shamanism), and examined cultural entanglements (psychedelic medicine, Daoist practices). The evidence is insufficient to draw any empirical conclusion about the nature or effects of mystical experiences. 12 papers
- DMT Compounds Research published in April 2026 on DMT and related compounds shows promising therapeutic effects for substance misuse and depression, with a large meta-analytic effect size for substance abuse reduction (g = 0.94) and consistent reductions in suicidal ideation from ayahuasca. However, the evidence is limited by high heterogeneity, small samples, and a lack of large-scale longitudinal trials. A reanalysis of EEG data also challenges earlier claims about DMT's effects on cortical traveling waves, indicating the need for further mechanistic research. 8 papers
- Psilocybin Compounds In April 2026, research on psilocybin showed mixed results: meta-analyses of depression trials found large effect sizes but low certainty due to methodological issues like waitlist controls and unblinding, while preclinical studies demonstrated sustained anti-nociceptive effects in mice and enhanced fear extinction after stress. A key caveat is that the clinical evidence remains preliminary and context-dependent, with no robust Phase 3 confirmation. 25 papers
- Ayahuasca Compounds Research published in April 2026 indicates that ayahuasca shows promise for reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, with rapid effects reported in systematic reviews and sustained improvements in quality of life and personality in a large longitudinal study. However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity, and a lack of large-scale controlled trials, and legal and regulatory inconsistencies remain a significant concern. 8 papers
- Neuroplasticity Mechanisms Research in April 2026 consistently found that various interventions (ketamine, ayahuasca, muscimol, and classic hallucinogens) promote neuroplasticity through mechanisms such as BDNF upregulation, synaptic scaling, and modulation of glutamatergic and GABAergic pathways, with effects observed in depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's models. However, the evidence is largely preclinical or from small clinical studies, and the durability and optimal dosing of these neuroplasticity effects remain unclear. 10 papers
- Cannabis Compounds Research published in April 2026 on cannabis covered a wide range of topics, from pharmacokinetics and therapeutic potential to psychiatric risks and public health interventions. Findings were mixed: while some studies reported potential benefits (e.g., anti-inflammatory effects in HIV, enhanced pain relief with a sigma1 antagonist), others highlighted risks (e.g., increased schizophrenia likelihood, altered reward processing). The evidence is largely preliminary or observational, with small samples or animal models, and no single overarching conclusion about cannabis effects can be drawn. 9 papers
- MDMA Compounds Research on MDMA in April 2026 primarily explored its therapeutic potential for conditions like PTSD, social anxiety in autism, and alcohol dependence, while also investigating its risks, including cardiotoxicity, reproductive effects, and drug interactions. Findings are mixed: preclinical studies show MDMA can cause oxidative stress and testicular dysfunction in rats, but a matched case-control study found antidepressant use was inversely associated with MDMA fatalities, and a narrative review noted that single doses (75-125 mg) enhance mood and empathy but transiently impair memory. The evidence is limited by small sample sizes, animal models, and a lack of large-scale human trials, making conclusions tentative. 11 papers
- Anxiety Conditions Research published in April 2026 indicates that meditation- and mindfulness-based interventions consistently reduce anxiety across diverse populations, including inmates, students, employees, and patients, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate (e.g., g = -0.38 in a meta-analysis). However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short follow-ups, and high risk of bias in many studies, and some exploratory findings (e.g., VR-enhanced meditation) did not show reliable between-group differences. 25 papers
- Meditation Practices Research published in April 2026 indicates that meditation and mindfulness interventions generally produce small-to-moderate positive effects on psychological health, including reduced stress, depression, and anxiety, and improved well-being and resilience, though findings vary by population and outcome. Evidence is strongest for structured programs like MBSR/MBCT and intensive retreats, while effects on interoception and some neural outcomes remain inconsistent. Main caveats include heterogeneous study designs, small samples, and limited long-term follow-up. 25 papers
- Depression Conditions Research published in April 2026 on depression focused heavily on rapid-acting and novel treatments, particularly ketamine/esketamine and psychedelics, alongside meditation-based interventions. Evidence for psilocybin-assisted therapy was mixed: one meta-analysis found a large effect but low certainty, while another found no significant overall effect, highlighting context-dependence. Ketamine/esketamine consistently showed rapid antidepressant effects across various populations, though durability and comparative effectiveness varied. Overall, findings are preliminary, with significant methodological limitations and a need for larger, rigorous trials. 25 papers
- PTSD Conditions Research published in April 2026 on PTSD treatments shows promising but preliminary results: a Phase 2 RCT found that four weekly doses of methylone (TSND-201) significantly reduced PTSD symptoms versus placebo, and a controlled trial reported that Transcendental Meditation markedly reduced PTSD and depression symptoms in Ukrainian refugees. However, these findings are based on small or early-phase studies, and a review of psychedelic-assisted therapy noted mild transient adverse effects but highlighted concerns about long-term safety and inconsistent adverse event reporting. Overall, the evidence is encouraging but not yet definitive, with durability and larger-scale confirmation still needed. 6 papers
- Buddhism Traditions & thought Research on Buddhism published in April 2026 spans empirical and theoretical work. A meta-analysis found Buddhist meditation programs yield a small-to-medium overall positive effect on psychological health (g = .250), with MBSR/MBCT most effective, and an RCT found brief mindfulness meditation reduced stress and increased positive affect in young men. However, results are mixed: an observational study favored Transcendental Meditation over Buddhist meditation for wellbeing, and a Zen neuroimaging study showed improved cognitive control in monks. The main caveats are high heterogeneity, small samples, and that much of the literature is theoretical or qualitative rather than controlled outcome research. 17 papers
- Serotonin Mechanisms Research on serotonin in April 2026 focused on the pharmacology and therapeutic potential of serotonergic psychedelics, with studies showing that 2-halogenated tryptamines reduce 5-HT2A activity and psychedelic potential while preserving other receptor engagement, and that psilocybin induces a conserved gene expression signature across brain regions. Findings are consistent in supporting the relevance of 5-HT2A signaling for psychedelic effects and potential therapeutic applications, but evidence is largely preclinical or theoretical, with limited clinical data and small sample sizes. 8 papers