Abstract Ketamine has transformed depression treatment by providing therapeutic relief within a single day, unlike monoaminergic antidepressants that require weeks to take effect. Here, we conducted whole-brain screening in mice to compare drug-evoked c-fos expression—acting as a marker of brain activity leading to protein synthesis-dependent forms of plasticity—following treatment with...
Abstract Background Ketamine has emerged as a rapid-acting therapeutic option for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, its ability to sustain long-term therapeutic outcomes remains poorly understood. Identifying molecular biomarkers predictive of a sustained response to ketamine may enhance personalised treatment strategies. This study investigates the epigenetic and transcriptomic...
The mechanisms underlying consciousness and its potential continuity beyond biological death remain pivotal challenges in neuroscience. This study integrates quantum biology, Buddhist psychology, and thought experiments to propose a novel framework in which consciousness persists through hypothetical particles. Using three hypothetical scenarios—brain revival, molecular disassembly/reassembly,...
The growing interest in mindfulness and cognitive enhancement has brought traditional practices like mantra chanting into the purview of modern neuroscience. This review critically explores the cognitive and neurophysiological benefits associated with mantra meditation, emphasizing its role in enhancing brain function, emotional regulation, and psychological resilience. Drawing from empirical...
Meditation training has been shown to improve physical and mental health and promote neural plasticity, but more research is needed on the relationships between these effects. This study analyzed the Resting State Functional Connectivity (RSFC) of posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) among 94 chronically stressed but otherwise healthy adults randomized 1:1:1 to receive eight weeks of in-person...
Psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocin were once relegated to the fringes of medical research because of their association with counterculture movements and a perceived concern about harm through recreational use, and their consequent legal prohibition in the early 1970s. However, these drugs are now experiencing a renaissance in the field of psychiatry based on increasing evidence that...
Dreaming, a universal phenomenon linked to REM sleep, arises from intricate interactions between limbic regions, cortical networks, and neurotransmitter dynamics. Neuroimaging highlights amygdala and hippocampal hyperactivity alongside prefrontal cortex hypoactivity, elucidating the emotional vividness and cognitive disorganization of dreams. Cholinergic pathways drive REM sleep, while...
Pain is a complex experience involving perception, emotion, and cognition. Traditional therapies frequently overlook the interrelated mind-body processes necessary for efficient pain control. With an emphasis on neuroplasticity, stress response, autonomic control, and pain perception, this descriptive study explores the integrative effects of yoga on pain mechanisms and the mind-body link. This...
Non-selective NMDA receptor antagonism produces rapid symptom improvement in treatment-resistant depression; however, associated side effects necessitate medical oversight during administration. We hypothesised that selective GluN2A antagonism could provide similar efficacy with an improved side effect profile. Here, we report the pharmacology of JNJ-78911118, a brain-penetrant, GluN2A...