An operations manager finds relief from her depression with the help of psilocybin, the primary psychoactive component of “magic mushrooms.” A veteran conquers his post-traumatic stress disorder through therapy using MDMA, a synthetic compound known on the street as “ecstasy” or “molly.” A stay-at-home mom tries LSD, otherwise known as acid, for her anxiety.Nearly every day, such stories appear about the healing potential of psychedelic drugs.These stories reflect a so-called “psyc ...read more
Examining old rocks with new technology reveals the source of the moon’s atmosphere: Meteorites bombarding the lunar surface over billions of years have kicked up dust that forms the satellite’s tenuous atmosphere, according to a report in Science Advances.Why Scientists are Studying Moon RocksA team of scientists analyzed moon rocks collected during the Apollo missions that ran from 1968 to 1972. Those samples had been examined earlier. “But the instruments weren’t very precise back the ...read more
Citizen science can be a time machine, with projects that transport you to the past through fragile photographs, ancient artifacts, and hand-written records. In some cases, these items tell stories, filling in missing pieces of our history. Sometimes they hold secrets that may prove to be vital to our future. Why not make some history with this selection of engrossing, time- tripping projects? Share Smithsonian treasuresUS Air Force WASP Pilots (L to R) Frances Green, Margaret (Peg) Kirchner, An ...read more
When wildfire smoke is in the air, doctors urge people to stay indoors to avoid breathing in harmful particles and gases. But what happens to trees and other plants that can’t escape from the smoke?They respond a bit like us, it turns out: Some trees essentially shut their windows and doors and hold their breath.As atmospheric and chemical scientists, we study the air quality and ecological effects of wildfire smoke and other pollutants. In a study that started quite by accident when smoke ove ...read more
In 1935, researchers discovered a mummy whose face was frozen in what appeared to be an eternal pain-filled rictus. Anthropologists have wondered for nearly a century why the mummy was buried with that frozen horrific expression. According to a report in Frontiers in Medicine, experts have now ruled out some possible causes.Investigating Screaming MummiesCo-author Sahar Saleem, a professor of radiology at Kasr Al Ainy Hospital of Cairo University, became an accidental expert on screaming mummies ...read more
Author Vishay SinghPosted on Categories Discover Magazine