psychedelics

The first trailer for Greta Gerwig's film adaptation of The Magician's Nephew, part of the Chronicles of Narnia series, has been released, drawing attention for its psychedelic visuals and a David Bowie-inspired tone. The tagline "Have you ever seen a world born?" hints at the story of Narnia's creation. Commenters are reacting to the bold, unconventional stylistic direction Gerwig has taken with the beloved children's fantasy material.

Chemist David Olson presented work on turning the properties of psychedelics into safe, non-cardiotoxic and non-hallucinogenic antipsychotic drugs, focusing on lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analogs. The talk, given at the International Chemical Biology Society's 2026 conference, highlighted efforts to optimize psychedelic compounds for psychiatric treatment without the risks of heart toxicity or hallucinations.

An Iowa church has reached a confidential agreement with federal authorities that moves it closer to legally using controlled substances in its religious practices, according to the Iowa Capital Dispatch. The secrecy surrounding the deal has drawn attention, as similar cases nationally typically involve congregations seeking exemptions to use substances such as psychedelics or other prohibited drugs in ceremonies. Religious liberty advocates and drug policy observers are watching the case closely.

New research on psychedelic drugs is being reported as potentially significant for the treatment of mental health patients. Coverage by US local and investigative outlets suggests psychedelics may offer new options for conditions that respond poorly to current therapies. Details of the studies, including which drugs and patient groups were involved, have not been widely reported yet, but the findings are drawing attention as part of growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Pharmacy Times reports on efforts to train pharmacists for the growing field of psychedelic medicine, as compounds like psilocybin and MDMA move closer to clinical use. The discussion centres on how pharmacy education and practice must adapt if these therapies receive regulatory approval and reach patients through ordinary channels of care.

New research reported by PsyPost suggests that levels of brain entropy measured while a person is under the influence of a psychedelic drug can predict how much insight and improvement in well-being they experience afterwards. The finding adds to growing scientific interest in how psychedelics affect brain dynamics and could help explain why some sessions produce lasting psychological benefits.

A new study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine reports that providers administering psilocybin, the psychedelic compound being studied for depression and other conditions, are adhering to established safety guidelines. The finding supports the idea that psilocybin therapy can be delivered responsibly under proper protocols, a key question as more US states and clinics move toward legal access.

Law firm Vicente LLP is hosting a webinar on what clinics and investors need to know about psychedelic medicine following FDA approval. The session is expected to cover regulatory compliance, market entry and investment considerations as approved psychedelic therapies move from trials into clinical practice, a topic of growing interest as the sector commercialises.

Psychedelic-assisted medicine is approaching a pivotal moment, with advocates and experts arguing that the United States lacks the infrastructure needed to roll out treatments safely at scale. Attention is focusing on what training, clinical, and regulatory systems would be required if psychedelics move closer to mainstream medical use.

A feature explores the unlikely roots of the internet, arguing that 1960s counterculture, psychedelic experimentation and early hacking communities shaped the personal computing and network technologies that followed. It highlights how figures tied to the era's drug culture helped drive ideals of open information and decentralized computing that defined the early web, drawing fresh attention to the movement's overlooked role in tech history.

The Neo Psychedelic Institute is promoting an International Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy complete training experience in Barcelona in 2026. The announcement highlights the growing professional interest in ketamine therapy and psychedelic-assisted treatment for mental health, tagged alongside topics like neuroscience, consciousness and psychedelic chaplaincy.

New research finds that brain activity under psychedelics appears wildly chaotic on the surface, yet follows underlying ordered structure. Scientists studying neural signals say the findings could reshape understanding of how psychedelics alter consciousness and why they show promise in treating depression and other conditions. The work is drawing attention from neuroscience and psychedelic research communities alike.

BBC Sky at Night Magazine is asking what lies behind a wave of psychedelic, pop art style images of Saturn. The item explores the trend of unusually vivid, stylised depictions of the ringed planet, but no further details are given about their origin or who is producing them.

An Iowa church has received approval to use ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, in its religious ceremonies, subject to strict conditions. The ruling makes it one of the few congregations in the United States granted a religious exemption for the substance, which is otherwise controlled under federal law.

A new look at research on how psychedelics change the brain is drawing attention, with discussion centring on findings that these substances may dissolve the usual boundaries of self, producing the sense of being 'one with the world'. Scientists are increasingly studying psychedelics for insights into consciousness and potential therapeutic uses.

The psychedelic rhythm action game Beat, Heart, Beat has been released on Steam Early Access. Players slash through enemies in time with the music. To mark the launch, the game is on sale at 25 percent off for a limited period. The release is being covered by Japanese gaming and app news outlets.

The band Dummy has an album titled 'Do You Love the Colour of the Sky?' drawing attention in music coverage, with the record reviewed by the music publication Treble Zine. The cryptic title references the famous opening line of the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail's 'Monty Python' sequence? No—actually the Windsor长者... —Correction: the title echoes the recurring Monty Python sky question, and listeners are discussing the band's psychedelic sound and this new release.

The psychedelic rhythm action game Beat, Heart, Beat, in which players slash through enemies in time with the music, has been released on Steam Early Access. To mark the launch, the game is on sale at 25 percent off. Japanese gaming outlets have picked up the news, highlighting its music-driven combat and trippy visual style.

Ars Technica reports on new research examining how psychedelic drugs reorganize brain activity, finding that beneath seemingly chaotic patterns there is underlying order. The piece explores what these transformed brain states reveal about consciousness and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, a topic drawing continued scientific and public interest.

A live musician will appear as a guest on the Psychedelic Train radio show on WVEW 107.7 FM in Brattleboro, Vermont, this Saturday from 10am to 12pm EST. The guest plans to discuss their live performance work, break down a couple of tracks from a sampler, and play music, with the broadcast also available via web stream.