Dr David Luke
@drdluke.bsky.social
đ€ 907
đ„ 154
đ 97
Associate Professor of Psychology, researcher, writer, wronger, psychedelic Indiana Jones..
This new collaborative paper from 17
@drugscience.bsky.social
professionals (myself included) in the field presents a new standardized terminology for psychedelic research and treatment to guide clinical development, dosing, safety monitoring, and regulatory classification.
doi.org/10.1177/2050...
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Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
https://doi.org/10.1177/20503245251380511
3 days ago
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Kudos to
@matthabusby.bsky.social
for writing this much needed piece about challenging psychedelic experiences (& the CPE project -
challengingpsychedelicexperiences.com
) and their potential for extended difficulties. Including a quote from my good s'elf.
statesofmind.com/psychedelic-...
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Do Difficult Psychedelic Experiences Hurt or Heal You? Inside The Worldâs Bad Trip Debate
Many believe that "bad" trips should be reframed as challenging parts of the healing process. Does that ignore the risks?
https://statesofmind.com/psychedelic-bad-trip-debate/
20 days ago
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Looking forward to give the first @SeedTalks event on parapsychology.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-phenom...
27 days ago
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Off to The Electric Picnic festival in Ireland with SeedTalks to find some craic and rant about
#psychedelics
.. see you there?
www.electricpicnic.ie/artists/#/ev...
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Artists
Artists
https://www.electricpicnic.ie/artists/#/event/seed-talks-presents-the-science-of-psychedelics-with-dr-david-luke
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Dr David Luke
Richard đ§ Ward
about 1 month ago
NEW TEN-PART AUDIO SERIES about
#PSYCHEDELICS
Out now on BBC Sounds - and other podcast spaces. Co-written & presented by the beautifully curious
@timhayward.bsky.social
Production, sound design and mix by me. It's been a fascinating and challenging process to get here... I do hope you'll listen.
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BBC Radio 4 - Understand, The Trip
Tim Hayward looks at the science, culture, history - and future - of psychedelics.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002h37b
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Really enjoying listening to the extraordinary insights, perfect prose, witty banter, & stellar scholarship of Andrew Gallimore's audio version of his latest book, "Death by Astonishment" on the alien worlds of DMT. Hard copies launch Monday. Look after yer 'elf!
www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Astoni...
about 1 month ago
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Interesting new paper found among psychedelic researchers most (86%) agree
#psychedelic
experiences have exceptional potential in treating psychiatric conditions, but only 28% agreed they could be used to help solve the ecological crisis..
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
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Psychedelic researchersâ own experiences of psychedelic substances, their link to opinions of psychedelics, and reflections on positionality - Psychopharmacology
Rationale Anecdotal evidence suggests that psychedelic researchers often have personal experiences with psychedelic substances. While such experiences may benefit research, concerns have been raised a...
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-025-06871-2
about 2 months ago
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Myself & co-author Pascal Michael interviewed by William Hunter in the Daily Mail exploring the similarities & important differences between
#psychedelic
experiences with DMT & near-death experiences, from our recent article
www.frontiersin.org/journals/psy...
www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/...
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Why you see a bright light during near-death experienes, revealed
During near-death experiences, many people see the same things. Now, scientists say that brushes with death share a surprising similarity with another type of mind-altering experience.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14976249/similarities-near-death-experiences-psychedelic.html
about 2 months ago
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It seems I will feature in a few of the forthcoming episodes of the new 12-part BBC Radio 4 documentary about
#psychedelics
called "The Trip", which runs across two weeks starting next Monday, at 13:45 daily, Mon-Fri.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
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BBC Radio 4 - Understand, The Trip - Episode guide
All episodes of The Trip
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002h37b/episodes/guide
about 2 months ago
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Big move in EU psychedelic therapy heralds new direction. Psilocybin therapy is now available in Germany for the first time for compassionate use..
www.ovid-clinics.de/en/news
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News | OVID Clinics Berlin
https://www.ovid-clinics.de/en/news
about 2 months ago
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Will be exploring my 30 yrs of research & the last 140 yrs of
#parapsychology
as a formal field of study for SeedTalks' first event on the subject, at their London venue in Brixton (also live streamed), on 23rd Sept. Come peek into the otherworld with me..
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-phenom...
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The Phenomena of Parapsychology with Dr David Luke
Explore the mysterious realm of altered states of consciousness known as paranormal experience. Followed by Q&A.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-phenomena-of-parapsychology-with-dr-david-luke-tickets-1526716322619
2 months ago
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Another new study on HPPD showing various prior health predictors of HPPD, especially prior anxiety diagnosis, as we also previously found -
www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6...
doi.org/10.1556/2054...
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Characterising the clinical associations of hallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder: a retrospective cohort study
Hallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder (HPPD) is characterised by episodes of altered perception linked to past psychoactive drug use, accompanied by distress and functional impairment. To date, ...
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6818792/v1
2 months ago
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"Luis Zambrano, a biologist at the Autonomous National University of Mexico, said that if the axolotlâs population and habitat can be restored in a city of more than 20 million people, âI feel that we have hope for humanity.â"
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
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Hope for endangered axolotls as captive-bred group survives in wild
Critically endangered axolotls that were captive-bred then released into wetlands in Mexico City have successfully adapted to the wild, a new study has found, giving new hope to scientists trying to s...
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/hope-for-endangered-axolotls-as-captive-bred-group-survives-in-wild/
3 months ago
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Thanks Glastonbury and chums, that was fun. Was really happy to return after years and give a talk on "Lichenthropy for beginners: Becoming fungi with psychedelics"
3 months ago
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New article in 'Salon' by Elizabeth Hlavinka about the bad & the good sides of 'bad trips', interviewing Eirini Argyri & myself about our work on the Challenging
#Psychedelic
Experiences Project exploring recovery & growth after post-psychedelic extended difficulties
www.salon.com/2025/06/06/b...
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"Bad trips" can have surprising benefits
Psychedelics can cause long-lasting challenging experiences. In certain settings, they can be transformative
https://www.salon.com/2025/06/06/bad-trips-can-have-surprising-benefits/
4 months ago
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Happy to have been interviewed by Mattha Busby for his latest fine article for Wired, illuminating some of the more obscure dimensions of darkness retreats.
add a skeleton here at some point
4 months ago
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Nice deep dive on psychedelic-induced ontological shock by Sam Woolfe, exploring our recent qualitative research study on the subject -
doi.org/10.1371/jour...
add a skeleton here at some point
4 months ago
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Co-author Dr Oliver Robinson interviewed by PsyPost about our recent paper on the different ways in which people cope with different symptoms of extended psychological difficulties following a psychedelic experience. Paper here:
doi.org/10.1556/2054...
www.psypost.org/new-study-sh...
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New study sheds light on which post-psychedelic difficulties last longest and what helps people cope
While many praise psychedelics for their therapeutic power, new research reveals that some users face long-lasting psychological challenges. This study explores the most common difficulties and the co...
https://www.psypost.org/new-study-sheds-light-on-which-post-psychedelic-difficulties-last-longest-and-what-helps-people-cope/
4 months ago
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Our latest paper on DMT phenomenology, led by Pascal Michael, exploring the mis/matches with near-death experiences, showing that while 95% on DMT had at least one NDE feature, many classic NDE features were absent & only a very few had NDE-like trips in any way.
doi.org/10.3389/fpsy...
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https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1532937
4 months ago
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Will be speaking alongside Jess Jorgensen and Adi Staempfli for the South London Mushroom Club on 15th May on "Fungal Ecodelia and the Art of Lichenthropy: Magic Mushrooms and Nature Relatedness"...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-lond...
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South London Mushroom Club - May MeetUp
â Join us at the South London Mushroom Club for two fantastic talks on fungi, mushrooms and the future.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-london-mushroom-club-may-meetup-tickets-1324317281639
5 months ago
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Our latest CPEP, led by
@eirini-k-a.bsky.social
exploring ontological shock & existential challenge as extended difficulties following a psychedelic experience - highlighting that grounding practices, integration support, & time were critical in helping participants cope.
doi.org/10.1371/jour...
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Navigating groundlessness: An interview study on dealing with ontological shock and existential distress following psychedelic experiences
Psychedelic induced mystical experiences have been largely assumed to drive the therapeutic effects of these substances, which may in part be mediated by changes in metaphysical beliefs. However, ther...
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0322501
5 months ago
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Nice new paper that supports our previous finding that trait absorption predicts benign HPPD symptoms.
doi.org/10.1556/2054...
- They didn't alternatively find anxiety to be related to distressing HPPD symptoms, but then they only had 2 such people in their sample.
tinyurl.com/27ed56cd
5 months ago
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The 7th major Breaking Convention psychedelic conference at Exeter Uni this last weekend did not disappoint. After 14 years it is amazing to see this epic TAZ of psychedelic pilgrimage continue & grow. Massive kudos to all the crew, contributors & congregation for making it happen Photo: James Wills
5 months ago
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Meanwhile...
add a skeleton here at some point
6 months ago
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New paper indicates that music & access to nature are the most commonly reported factors for a positive psychedelic experience in clinical drug trials. "Most participants.. would take the study substances again, preferably in a setting in nature with friends."
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
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(PDF) Motivation and retrospective appraisal of psychedelic study participation: a qualitative study in healthy volunteers
PDF | Rationale Little is known about motives of healthy volunteers to participate in psychedelic trials and how they appraise their study experience... | Find, read and cite all the research you need...
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390213238_Motivation_and_retrospective_appraisal_of_psychedelic_study_participation_a_qualitative_study_in_healthy_volunteers/references
6 months ago
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Another epic lineup has just been announced for Breaking Convention psychedelic research conference, 17-19th April, University of Exeter. If you haven't already, get your tickets now and join us for another gaze down the rabbit hole.
breakingconvention.substack.com/p/100-speake...
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100+ speakers confirmed for Breaking Convention 2025!
Names and talk titles for your delight
https://breakingconvention.substack.com/p/100-speakers-confirmed-for-breaking
6 months ago
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Good to see darkness experiences coming into the light. We studied the experience of 49 volunteers in an anechoic dark room chamber for 2hrs as an altered state. Using psychometric measures, even this short period is akin to a mild psychedelic experience.
www.academia.edu/40142080/The...
add a skeleton here at some point
6 months ago
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Somewhat overdue for posting about our recent published study exploring the self-reported most common helpful coping strategies for different symptoms of extended difficulties following psychedelic experiences. A more useful & nuanced step forward towards better integration.
doi.org/10.1556/2054...
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An investigation into the varieties of extended difficulties following psychedelic drug use: Duration, severity and helpful coping strategies
Abstract Psychedelic drugs show promising therapeutic potential; however, some users experience extended difficulties following their use. This study investigated the prevalence, severity, duration, a...
https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00420
6 months ago
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Well this is an interesting turn and signal that the murderous war on drugs is in its own death throes.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/03...
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Philippines: Duterte Arrested on ICC Warrant
The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague is a historic step toward justice, Human Rights Watch said today.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/03/12/philippines-duterte-arrested-icc-warrant
7 months ago
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Proud of my student co-author Nadine Loh in publishing this paper exploring the positive role that psychedelic-induced mystical experiences, emotional breakthroughs & changes in self-experience may help those with eating disorders on the road to recovery
doi.org/10.3390/psyc...
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Exploring the Role of Psychedelic Experiences on Wellbeing and Symptoms of Disordered Eating
Accumulating psychedelic research has demonstrated a potential for improving mental health and wellbeing, yet studies in the context of eating disorders (EDs) are limited. This study aims to explore t...
https://doi.org/10.3390/psychoactives4010007
7 months ago
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The epic 5hr video of the Psi: Back to the Future event on parapsychology is now available. Speakers include me, Ed Kelly, Jeffrey Mishlove, Julia Mossbridge, Roger Nelson, Stephen Schwartz, et al & host Alex Gomez-Marin
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktRJ...
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PSI: Back to the Future
YouTube video by Pari Center
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktRJ7PKF9ws
7 months ago
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Good commentary from Etzel Cardeña in IRP on why we should be wary of using 'Occam's broom' in sweeping psi under the theoretical carpet in attempts to understand and explain consciousness.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
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What psi research can â and cannot â say about âmind beyond the brainâ
Research on parapsychological (psi) phenomena is very relevant in the discussion of whether mental processes might go beyond the known limits of brain capacities. Nonetheless, most scientific and p...
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540261.2025.2466485#d1e299
7 months ago
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Will be talking with Rebecca Jackson on the secret psychedelic art of the Surrealist painter, Leonora Carrington, for the 3rd Conjuring Creativity conference on magic and art entitled 'Inhabiting Esoteric Ecologies' - 15th-16th March, London. Web:
tinyurl.com/y2e6xpry
Tickets:
tinyurl.com/2wmrhtxt
7 months ago
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On the possible psychopompic nature of DMT(s) in the dying brain, along with plenty of caveats. An interview I gave for Popular Mechanics on the differences between 5-MeO-DMT, DMT and near-death-experiences as they relate to, actually, a quite old theory.
www.popularmechanics.com/science/a638...
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A Psychedelic Molecule Controls Your Consciousness at the Moment of Death, New Theory Suggests
Some researchers believe DMT, a powerful psychedelic that may naturally occur in the brain, could be your soulâs âferryman.â
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a63831340/dmt-near-death-experience/
7 months ago
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Another study finds atheism decreases after psychedelic entity encounter experiences. "Comparing changes before and after the experience, both sex groups showed decreases in atheism and agnosticism and increases in religious beliefs, with males exhibiting larger changes."
tinyurl.com/5n94ttxz
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Sex Differences in Religious Beliefs Before and After an Entity Encounter During an Ayahuasca Experience
An interesting aspect of entity encounters during psychedelic experiences is their ability to transform oneâs religious beliefs. However, little is known about sex differences in these transformati...
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02791072.2025.2462008
8 months ago
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Very much reassured that numerous psychedelic researchers can come together and consider the much overlooked potential risk and harm of psychedelics too, and delighted to be among them. Maximising benefits is about minimising harms, and there are many potential benefits..
doi.org/10.1176/appi...
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On Minimizing Risk and Harm in the Use of Psychedelics
Objective This article outlines recommendations from 30 psychedelic researchers on how to create a better psychedelic safety net. Methods A survey of 30 psychedelic researchers asked them to ident.....
https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.prcp.20240128
8 months ago
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Celebrating my &
@davidgraeberinst.bsky.social
birthday, & his book Pirate Enlightenment, & in celebrating 50yrs since the launch of RV Heraclitus expedition ship, I'm sharing my old article about an epic ocean-crossing we made to search for the lost pirate utopia of Libertalia
tiny.cc/5zr9001
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Looking for Libertalia!
Luke, D. (2011). Looking for Libertalia! Strange Attractor Journal, 4, 8-20.
https://www.academia.edu/7620833/Looking_for_Libertalia_
8 months ago
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An exploration of some our research (and others') on HPPD by
@samwoolfe.bsky.social
for The Chemical Collective..
chemical-collective.com/why-do-some-...
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Why Do Some People Develop HPPD But Not Others? | Chemical Collective
HPPD: trippy visuals that overstay their welcome. Psychedelics can leave a markâbad trips, anxiety, or heavy use might up the risk. Know the stakes, play it
https://chemical-collective.com/why-do-some-people-develop-hppd-but-not-others/
8 months ago
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Maybe he would have become a shaman in an indigenous community, but in the absence of such roles in Western society, he had to opt for being a rock 'n' roll superstar instead...
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...
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Occult Elvis: was Presley a telepathic demigod who could heal the sick and change the weather?
According to a lively new book, the King of RockânâRoll claimed to be a faith healer from Jupiterâs ninth moon â who as a boy was given a future vision of himself in a white jumpsuit by aliens. We tal...
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/feb/06/occult-elvis-presley-telepathic-demigod-king-rocknroll-faith-healer-jupiter
8 months ago
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We are going back to the future! I'll be joining Ed Kelly, Jeffrey Mishlove, Julia Mossbridge, Roger Nelson, Dean Radin, Stephen Schwartz, et al & host Alex Gomez-Marin for a FREE intellectual speed dating showdown on psi and parapsychology this Sunday... join us.
paricenter.com/event/psi-ba...
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PSI: Back to the Future - The Pari Center
The scientific study of psychic (or PSI) phenomena âwhich includes extrasensory perception, precognition, synchronicity, direct mind-to-mind communication, or mind-matter interactionsâ has been going ...
https://paricenter.com/event/psi-back-to-the-future/
8 months ago
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I spoke with Charlie Teasdale for a piece in the Observer yesterday about the apparent rise in the popularity of the paranormal
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
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Fright club: why are so many of us hooked on spooky tales?
The paranormal has hit prime time, with scary stories on podcasts and TV shows more popular than ever. We head to UncannyCon to meet fans and creators to understand the thrill of the chill
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/feb/02/fright-club-why-are-so-many-of-us-hooked-on-spooky-tales
8 months ago
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When you are a spider and the mushrooms have gone to your head...
phys.org/news/2025-01...
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Newly discovered fungal species makes zombies of cave spiders on island of Ireland
Dr. Harry Evans, Emeritus Fellow at CAB International, led scientistsâincluding from the Natural History Museum of Denmark and Royal Botanical Gardens Kewâin a study to investigate the identity of a f...
https://phys.org/news/2025-01-newly-fungal-species-zombies-cave.html
8 months ago
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Excellent new theoretical paper from Forstmann & Sagioglou, that "synthesizes current evidence regarding psychedelics' effects on nature relatedness and social connectedness, examining underlying mechanisms through the framework of self-other overlap."
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
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Psychedelics and connectedness to natural and social worlds: An examination of the evidence and a proposed conceptual framework
Recent research suggests that serotonergic psychedelics may simultaneously enhance connectedness to both social and natural worlds. This article synthâŠ
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X25000053
8 months ago
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Is language use related to synaesthesia and use of psychedelics? We are seeking volunteers to complete a very short (< 10mins) survey regarding prior psychedelic use & synaesthesia (whether or not you have had either) & verbal fluency task.
greenwichuniversity.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
9 months ago
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Ants outsmart humans by working more cooperatively... predictable really.
www.iflscience.com/watch-ants-o...
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Watch Ants Outsmart Humans In The Piano Movers Puzzle Using "Emergent Cognitive Skills"
Ants vs humans: who will win?
https://www.iflscience.com/watch-ants-outsmart-humans-in-the-piano-movers-puzzle-using-emergent-cognitive-skills-77383
9 months ago
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I spoke to Mattha Busby recently for a piece on psychedelic researcher's use of the substances they study and some of its interesting ethical dimensions, especially around the disclosure of such information.
doubleblindmag.com/drug-use-of-...
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Should Psychedelic Researchers Disclose Personal Use of the Drugs They Study?
Advocates argue disclosing psychedelic use fosters transparency, while critics warn it could fuel bias and undermine credibility.
https://doubleblindmag.com/drug-use-of-psychedelic-researchers/
10 months ago
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Breaking Convention: 7th International Conference on Psychedelic Research tickets (and submissions/participation) now live - University of Exeter, bicycle days 17-19 April 2025
www.tickettailor.com/events/break...
10 months ago
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Good stuff, we also found psilocybin might be very useful for frontline Emergency Medical Service workers too, as regards compassion fatigue and work-related burnout -
doi.org/10.1556/2054...
add a skeleton here at some point
10 months ago
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reposted by
Dr David Luke
Devin Terhune
10 months ago
Interested in
#suggestion
#belief
,
#nocebo
,
#hypnosis
,
#hallucinations
and/or
#expectation
? Consider attending this symposium at
@kingsioppn.bsky.social
on 11 December, 3-6pm. Sadly, it won't be hybrid but we're going to try to record it. Full details here:
www.kcl.ac.uk/events/belie...
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Belief, suggestion and symptom perception through the lens of predictive processing
Join experts for a mini-symposium exploring alterations in belief and perception from the perspective of the predictive processing framework.
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/belief-suggestion-and-symptom-perception-through-the-lens-of-predictive-processing
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Was a lot of fun exploring the intersection of science & magic via psychedelics, shamanism, anthropology and parapsychology yesterday at the University of Exeter for the Centre for Magic and Esotericism and the PGCert Psychedelic students & research team -
sites.exeter.ac.uk/magic/meetin...
10 months ago
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