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.
January 2026
4 recaps · 60 papers- Altered states of consciousness Experiences Research in January 2026 on altered states of consciousness (ASCs) shows that their intensity and phenomenology are shaped by multiple factors—including substance type, dose, intention, and individual traits—and that non-pharmacological methods like chills-inducing music can enhance self-transcendence and insight. However, findings are largely preliminary or theoretical, with key limitations including retrospective self-report, lack of standardized measurement, and unvalidated translations. 9 papers
- Meditation Practices Research published in January 2026 indicates that mindfulness- and meditation-based interventions generally reduce stress and anxiety and improve well-being across diverse populations, including students, clinicians, and caregivers, with effects ranging from brief (e.g., a 13-minute meditation) to sustained over months. However, findings are not universal: brief mindfulness can increase risk-taking, and benefits for intergroup attitudes depend on individual characteristics. Evidence is limited by small samples, short follow-ups, and heterogeneous designs. 25 papers
- LSD Compounds Research on LSD in January 2026 spans neurophysiological, clinical, and safety domains. Neuroimaging studies show LSD reliably alters cortical dynamics (e.g., increased alpha/beta peak frequencies, flattened aperiodic slope, increased complexity) and modulates reward-related brain activity in depressed individuals, but a meta-analysis found microdosing significantly decreased cognitive control with no other cognitive benefits. Evidence for therapeutic efficacy remains promising but inconsistent, with significant caveats regarding safety, long-term effects, and methodological limitations. 16 papers
- Addiction Conditions Research published in January 2026 indicates that psychedelics such as psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ayahuasca show promise for treating substance use disorders, often in conjunction with psychotherapy, though methodological concerns and safety risks remain. Evidence from reviews and observational studies is generally consistent in suggesting symptom reduction, but the field is limited by small samples, open-label designs, and potential risks such as drug interactions and the framing of ibogaine as an alternative to standard opioid use disorder medications. The main caveat is that most findings come from narrative reviews and observational data rather than large, controlled trials, and durability of effects beyond six months is not well established. 10 papers