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.
March 2026
21 recaps · 294 papers- Ayahuasca Compounds Research on ayahuasca published in March 2026 indicates consistent positive associations with mental health, well-being, and cognitive function, though the evidence is largely observational and cross-sectional. Studies report reductions in depression and anxiety, improvements in quality of life and spiritual well-being, and enhanced cognitive flexibility and empathy, with no long-term deficits observed. However, the lack of longitudinal and controlled designs limits causal conclusions, and most samples are small or self-selected. 7 papers
- Shamanism Traditions & thought Research on shamanism published in March 2026 is diverse and largely historical or qualitative, with no single consistent finding across studies. One study finds that Hmong shamans understand depression through cultural and spiritual frameworks, but results are limited by a small sample and qualitative design. The other three studies are historical analyses of shamanism in Soviet cinema, Buddhist-animist convergence, and ancient Chinese music, which do not directly address contemporary clinical or experimental questions. Overall, the evidence is insufficient to draw a generalizable conclusion about shamanism in March 2026. 4 papers
- Serotonin Mechanisms Research on serotonin in March 2026 focused on the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of serotonergic psychedelics, showing consistent evidence that psilocin and related compounds promote neuroplasticity and synaptic strengthening in human neurons and rodent models. Clinical and preclinical studies support rapid and sometimes durable antidepressant effects, though the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, expectancy effects, and blinding challenges. The main caveat is that most findings are from in vitro or animal studies, with human data still preliminary. 14 papers
- Buddhism Traditions & thought Research on Buddhism in March 2026 was predominantly theoretical and philosophical, focusing on consciousness, meditation theory, and the integration of Buddhist concepts with modern fields like psychology, AI, and education. Empirical studies, including a meta-analysis and a scoping review, found small-to-moderate positive effects of Buddhist-derived interventions on well-being and mental health, but noted limited integration of the full Buddhist mental factor framework in Western psychology. The main caveat is that most studies were conceptual or qualitative, with few large-scale empirical trials, and the durability of effects across populations remains understudied. 25 papers
- Philosophy of mind Traditions & thought Research on philosophy of mind in March 2026 is diverse and largely theoretical, with no single empirical conclusion. Studies explore frameworks like Analytic Idealism, mental construction, and the integration of phenomenology with neuroscience, but they do not provide consistent, testable findings. The evidence is insufficient to draw a unified conclusion about the nature of mind or consciousness. 15 papers
- Altered states of consciousness Experiences Research on altered states of consciousness (ASCs) in March 2026 indicates that rhythmic drumming at theta frequency can selectively induce ASCs, with stronger theta-band neural tracking linked to greater altered experience, suggesting a bidirectional relationship between theta activity and ASC. A review highlights the autonomic nervous system's potentially critical role in shaping non-ordinary states, proposing that the coexistence of sympathetic and parasympathetic tone is a hallmark of peak states. A theoretical paper argues that deliberately maintaining cognitive performance during ASCs (ASC Competence) could enhance adaptive capacity through neuroplastic mechanisms. However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, theoretical rather than empirical designs, and a lack of long-term outcome data. 4 papers
- Mystical experience Experiences Research in March 2026 found that mystical experiences induced by esketamine in treatment-resistant depression patients are common (58% of patients) and associated with greater antidepressant improvement, while a scoping review across psychedelic therapy trials confirmed that mystical-type experiences are linked to reduced anxiety and depression in both life-threatening disease and depressive populations. A conceptual model proposed that ego dissolution reduces death anxiety and improves impulse regulation, and an LSD neuroimaging study showed that ego dissolution is specifically linked to frequency-selective decoupling of the default-mode network. Caveats include the observational design of the esketamine study, the conceptual nature of the psychological model, and the need for further empirical validation across populations. 4 papers
- LSD Compounds Research published in March 2026 found that LSD relaxes structural constraints on brain dynamics and that its default-mode decoupling tracks ego dissolution. A new questionnaire (m-DASC) was validated to measure subjective effects of very low LSD doses (13 and 26 µg). Epidemiological data showed LSD use declined in the US from 2021 to 2023, while perceived availability slightly increased from 2015 to 2019. Preclinical work in mice found single LSD doses did not reduce opioid consumption but attenuated withdrawal-associated thermal hyperalgesia. 9 papers
- Anxiety Conditions Research in March 2026 indicates that mindfulness-based interventions, breathwork, and Transcendental Meditation can reduce anxiety symptoms, with effect sizes ranging from small (school-based MBIs, g=0.11) to medium/large (breathwork in paramedics), though evidence is limited by small samples, short follow-ups, and low certainty. Psychedelic research shows moderate-to-large reductions in death anxiety (d=0.70) and age-dependent effects on anxiety, but these findings are based on small meta-analyses and cross-sectional surveys. Overall, the evidence is promising but preliminary, with notable gaps in long-term durability and diverse populations. 25 papers
- PTSD Conditions Research on PTSD in March 2026 focused heavily on psychedelic and pharmacological treatments, with meta-analyses showing MDMA-assisted therapy reduces PTSD symptoms (SMDs around -0.71 to -1.19) but with very low certainty evidence and concerns about blinding and expectancy. Ketamine and ibogaine also showed promise, with ketamine's dissociative effects resembling PTSD brain states and ibogaine linked to brain network changes correlating with symptom improvement. However, evidence is limited by small samples, short follow-ups, and methodological flaws, and no definitive conclusions can be drawn for most treatments. 13 papers
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy Practices Research in March 2026 indicates that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is being explored for a range of conditions including substance use disorders, PTSD, depression, and existential distress, with qualitative studies highlighting clinician and patient support alongside concerns about implementation, safety, and equity. The evidence is largely qualitative or review-based, with no new large-scale controlled trials reported, and key limitations include small sample sizes, lack of generalizability, and unresolved methodological issues such as blinding and safety monitoring. 9 papers
- Meditation Practices Research published in March 2026 indicates that meditation and mindfulness-based interventions generally improve mental health outcomes, including reduced stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, with effects observed across diverse populations such as university students, cancer patients, pregnant women, and domestic violence survivors. The magnitude of effects varies, with some studies showing significant improvements and others showing non-significant between-group differences, and evidence is often limited by small samples, short durations, and methodological heterogeneity. Overall, the findings are consistent in supporting meditation's benefits, but durability and long-term effects remain understudied. 25 papers
- MDMA Compounds In March 2026, research on MDMA focused on its therapeutic efficacy for PTSD and its neurobiological effects. Meta-analyses consistently found that MDMA-assisted therapy reduces PTSD symptoms more than control conditions, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large (SMD -0.71 to -1.19), but the certainty of evidence was rated low to very low due to methodological limitations such as blinding issues and high risk of bias. Preclinical studies showed MDMA enhances fear extinction and prefrontal plasticity in rodents, but also revealed transient anxiety-like effects and serotonin reductions after repeated low doses. Overall, the evidence supports short-term benefits for PTSD, but long-term durability, safety, and optimal protocols remain uncertain. 18 papers
- Addiction Conditions Research in March 2026 indicates that psychedelic compounds, particularly ketamine and ibogaine derivatives, show promise for reducing substance use and improving comorbid depression, but evidence remains preliminary. Findings are mixed: oxa-noribogaine reduced alcohol drinking in rats, open-label extension data on psilocybin for alcohol use disorder is pending, and small observational studies suggest ketamine may reduce substance misuse in chronic pain patients. However, the evidence is limited by small samples, open-label designs, and lack of controlled trials in representative clinical populations. 14 papers
- Depression Conditions In March 2026, depression research focused heavily on treatment-resistant depression (TRD), with ketamine/esketamine and psychedelics (psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT) showing rapid antidepressant effects, though a meta-analysis found psychedelic therapy no more effective than open-label antidepressants. Real-world and trial data consistently support esketamine's efficacy and cognitive safety, but durability and long-term safety remain key caveats. 25 papers
- Cannabis Compounds In March 2026, research on cannabis reported that acute cannabis use impairs memory and driving performance in a potency-dependent manner, while effects on cognition and driving in frequent users were more nuanced. The evidence is consistent in showing acute impairment, but the durability of these effects and their translation to real-world settings remain unclear. 7 papers
- Ketamine Compounds Research on ketamine in March 2026 focused on esketamine for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), showing that mystical experiences during treatment are common and linked to better outcomes, and that esketamine does not cause cognitive decline and may improve attention. Real-world studies found high response and remission rates (70% and 68%) but noted that greater treatment refractoriness predicts lower odds of response. A key caveat is that most evidence comes from observational studies and reviews, with limited long-term safety data and few studies in special populations like adolescents. 25 papers
- Ibogaine Compounds Research on ibogaine in March 2026 shows that ibogaine and its derivative oxa-noribogaine reduce alcohol consumption in rats and are associated with long-term PTSD symptom improvement in veterans, with evidence of brain network reorganization. However, ibogaine did not prevent cocaine relapse in rats, and historical and safety concerns regarding plant authenticity were highlighted. The evidence is limited by small sample sizes, preclinical models, and observational designs. 5 papers
- DMT Compounds Research on DMT in March 2026 was limited to a few small-scale studies and theoretical proposals. One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 20 healthy participants found that intravenous bolus DMT produces very strong, short-lived subjective effects with a ceiling at 15 mg and no acute tolerance, but tolerability was better with open-label dosing. Other studies were either in-silico toxicity predictions, computational sensor designs, or theoretical protocols for testing quantum spin effects, with no direct clinical efficacy data from this period. 10 papers
- Psilocybin Compounds In March 2026, research on psilocybin showed mixed results: the largest and most rigorous trial (EPIsoDE) failed its primary endpoint for treatment-resistant depression, while smaller trials and observational studies suggested potential benefits for OCD and smoking cessation. Preclinical work consistently found psilocin enhances neuroplasticity in human neurons and dampens aversive representations in mice, but clinical evidence is limited by small samples, open-label designs, and blinding failures. 25 papers
- Neuroplasticity Mechanisms Research in March 2026 consistently demonstrates that psychedelic compounds such as psilocin, MDMA, and oxa-noribogaine enhance neuroplasticity at the cellular and synaptic level in both human stem-cell-derived neurons and animal models. The evidence is robust across multiple studies, but is largely preclinical, with limited clinical translation and small sample sizes in human surveys. 11 papers
February 2026
9 recaps · 129 papers- DMT Compounds In February 2026, research on DMT and its analog 5-MeO-DMT showed promising but preliminary therapeutic effects for treatment-resistant depression, with one open-label study reporting rapid and sustained symptom reduction over 12 weeks. However, the evidence remains largely observational and limited by small sample sizes, lack of placebo controls, and unresolved questions about endogenous DMT's role in the brain. The overall confidence in these findings is low due to the scarcity of controlled trials and the preliminary nature of the available data. 12 papers
- Mysticism Traditions & thought Research on mysticism in February 2026 was predominantly theoretical, historical, and qualitative, with no experimental or clinical studies directly testing mystical experiences. The evidence is highly heterogeneous, covering esoteric traditions, art history, comparative religion, and a single survey on psychedelics and spirituality, but does not converge on a unified finding about mysticism itself. The main caveat is the lack of empirical, controlled research on mystical states during this period. 9 papers
- Shamanism Traditions & thought Research on shamanism in February 2026 focused on its theoretical conceptualization, ritual paraphernalia, altered states of consciousness, and ecological dimensions, but no empirical studies testing causal effects were identified. The evidence is entirely qualitative and ethnographic, describing shamanic practices as mediators between human and spirit realms, tools for healing and social regulation, and as evolving under modern conditions. A major caveat is the complete absence of controlled or quantitative research, limiting any conclusions about efficacy or mechanisms. 5 papers
- Philosophy of mind Traditions & thought In February 2026, philosophy of mind research explored diverse topics including the integration of computational neurophenomenology with psychiatric models of self, critiques of artificial intelligence's lack of consciousness and understanding, defenses of grounding physicalism against the hard problem of consciousness, and analyses of enactivism as a radical departure from traditional cognitive science. The findings are largely theoretical and conceptual, with no empirical consensus on a single question, and the evidence is insufficient to draw a unified conclusion due to the absence of empirical studies directly addressing a common hypothesis. 9 papers
- Meditation Practices Research published in February 2026 consistently indicates that mindfulness-based interventions reduce stress, anxiety, and depression across diverse populations, with moderate effect sizes (e.g., Hedges' g = -0.45 for psychological outcomes) and significant improvements in specific conditions like cancer-related fatigue (SMD = -1.15). However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short-term follow-ups, and variability in intervention formats, with some studies showing mixed or null results. Overall, mindfulness appears beneficial, but durability and long-term effectiveness remain uncertain. 25 papers
- Addiction Conditions Research in February 2026 indicates that psychedelic compounds like ketamine, ibogaine, and psilocybin show promise for treating substance use disorders, but evidence is mixed and often preliminary. Ketamine's effects on alcohol use disorder do not appear to be mediated by its acute psychoactive effects, while ibogaine's clinical translation is constrained by safety concerns and fragmented evidence. A major caveat is that much of the evidence comes from reviews and secondary analyses, with limited large-scale, controlled trials. 7 papers
- Depression Conditions Research published in February 2026 indicates that ketamine and esketamine consistently produce rapid, short-term antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression, with some evidence of benefit in special populations and older adults, though long-term safety and maintenance remain understudied. Psychedelic-assisted therapies (psilocybin, DMT) show promising acute and sustained effects in some trials, but microdosing psilocybin did not outperform placebo, and mindfulness-based interventions yield moderate improvements in depression. Overall, findings are mixed and limited by small samples, open-label designs, and lack of long-term data. 25 papers
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy Practices Psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAP) show promising therapeutic potential for conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, anhedonia, and psycho-existential distress. Psilocybin and LSD-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms in a real-world setting, and psilocybin significantly reduced anhedonia in TRD for up to six months. However, while ketamine-assisted psychotherapy was associated with symptom reductions, controlled studies found no significant difference from control conditions. A key caveat is the pervasive call for more rigorous, larger, placebo-controlled trials, especially for newer compounds, and to address methodological challenges like placebo effects and cultural considerations. 12 papers
- Ketamine Compounds Research published in February 2026 consistently finds that ketamine and esketamine produce rapid, short-term antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects in treatment-resistant depression, with some evidence of efficacy in special populations (e.g., older adults with MCI, adolescents) and for PTSD. However, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, open-label designs, and a lack of controlled comparisons with psychotherapy, and long-term durability remains unclear. 25 papers