https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/ecstasy/ Read medical research on ecstasy (MDMA) including recent research on the effect of ecstasy on memory, heart attack risk and the unborn child. en-us Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:58:46 EDT Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:58:46 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/ecstasy/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030554.htm Scientists still don’t know how the brain turns physical activity into thoughts, feelings, and awareness—but a powerful new tool may help crack the mystery. Researchers at MIT are exploring transcranial focused ultrasound, a noninvasive technology that can precisely stimulate deep regions of the brain that were previously off-limits. In a new “roadmap” paper, they explain how this method could finally let scientists test cause-and-effect in consciousness research, not just observe correlations. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:42:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030554.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603114816.htm As psychedelics gain traction as potential treatments for mental health disorders, an international study stands to improve the rigor and reliability of clinical research. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:48:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603114816.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423111905.htm A new study suggests that fear and the immune system are connected in previously unknown ways. Researchers found that the immune system can influence stress and fear behaviors by changing how brain cells communicate. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:19:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423111905.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250107194100.htm According to a new study, ketamine use has risen significantly since 2015. The results highlight the need for closer monitoring of recreational ketamine use. Tue, 07 Jan 2025 19:41:00 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250107194100.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240808115236.htm Research has found that medications play an important role in improving the quality of life of people with ADHD, but the authors suggest more support -- in addition to medications -- is needed. Thu, 08 Aug 2024 11:52:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240808115236.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240530182212.htm During pregnancy, the effects of therapeutical doses of amphetamine have been investigated on birth outcomes in humans. However, a thorough investigation of the mechanisms underlying the long-term effects of embryonal exposure to addictive doses of amphetamine remains largely unexplored. Using a tiny worm, researchers have revealed the underlying mechanisms of embryonal exposure to methamphetamine (Meth) and amphetamines, a psychostimulant used to treat a variety of brain dysfunctions. Thu, 30 May 2024 18:22:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240530182212.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240325220224.htm As authorities crack down on illicit drugs, experts have issued an alert on the use of the synthetic stimulant pentylone, as new research finds a 75% increase in detections across Australia. Mon, 25 Mar 2024 22:02:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240325220224.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240311145741.htm Taking 'study drugs' like Adderall without a diagnosis is not only dangerous in itself, but can lead to other drug use and a decline in mental health, according to new research. Mon, 11 Mar 2024 14:57:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240311145741.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230614220630.htm Neuroscientists have long searched for ways to reopen 'critical periods' in the brain, when mammals are more sensitive to signals from their surroundings that can influence periods of brain development. Now, researchers say a new study in mice shows that psychedelic drugs are linked by their common ability to reopen such critical periods, but differ in the length of time the critical period is open -- from two days to four weeks with a single dose. Wed, 14 Jun 2023 22:06:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230614220630.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230320172554.htm Researchers discovered that a protein called Stathmin-2 is lost in these neurons, which prevents them from regenerating after injury and disrupts their connection with the muscles to control movements. Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:25:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230320172554.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230216161203.htm Location, location, location is the key for psychedelic drugs that could treat mental illness by rapidly rebuilding connections between nerve cells. Researchers show that engaging serotonin 2A receptors inside neurons promotes growth of new connections but engaging the same receptor on the surface of nerve cells does not. Thu, 16 Feb 2023 16:12:03 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230216161203.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221116113122.htm The ADHD medication lisdexamfetamine was associated with the lowest risk of hospitalization and death in people with amphetamine addiction, when medications generally used among persons with substance use disorders were compared, according to a new study. Wed, 16 Nov 2022 11:31:22 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221116113122.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221115114107.htm Currently, various classes of drugs are available for the treatment of mental illnesses -- such as depression and anxiety disorders. However, although these drugs confer benefits, they are also associated with adverse side-effects. Conseqeuntly, medical researchers continuously thrive to improve the pharmacological properties of therapeutic agents to optimize the benefit-to-side-effect ratio. Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:41:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221115114107.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221003132737.htm You may not realize it, but each time you recall a memory -- like your first time riding a bike or walking into your high school prom -- your brain changes the memory ever so slightly. It's almost like adding a filter, with details being filled in and information being updated or lost with each recall. Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:27:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221003132737.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220826113253.htm Illicit drug use is associated with a nearly nine-fold greater risk of death or life-threatening emergencies in intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) patients, according to new research. Fri, 26 Aug 2022 11:32:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220826113253.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220822130344.htm Marijuana and hallucinogen use in the past year reported by young adults 19 to 30 years old increased significantly in 2021 compared to five and 10 years ago, reaching historic highs in this age group since 1988, according to a recent study. Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:03:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220822130344.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220818122413.htm Hallucinogen use has increased since 2015, overall and particularly among adults 26 and older, while use decreased in adolescents aged 12-17 years according to a new study. Estimates of over 5.5 million people in the U.S. used hallucinogens in the past year in 2019, which represents an increase from 1.7 percent of the population ages 12 years and over in 2002 to 2.2 percent in 2019. Thu, 18 Aug 2022 12:24:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220818122413.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220330130520.htm A new study sheds light on the little-known phenomenon of binaural beats, where sounds purportedly evoke psychoactive effects. Wed, 30 Mar 2022 13:05:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220330130520.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220324184711.htm Receiving psychosocial and behavioral therapy alongside medications for opioid use disorder leads to better treatment engagement and continuity, according to researchers. Thu, 24 Mar 2022 18:47:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220324184711.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220318131632.htm As Oregon embarks on a voter-approved initiative to permit psychoactive mushrooms in clinical use, a new systematic evidence review reveals a lack of scientific research describing the interactions between widely used psychiatric medications and psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA. Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:16:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220318131632.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210929092628.htm Patients with excited delirium often are administered ketamine by EMS before arriving at the hospital. Many of them are intoxicated or are using illicit substances, which may alter the properties of ketamine. A study explored if patients who received prehospital ketamine with concomitant substance intoxication have higher rates of subsequent intubation in the ER compared to those without confirmed substance usage. Among the results, cocaine intoxication had a statistically significant 5.75-fold increased rate of intubation. Wed, 29 Sep 2021 09:26:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210929092628.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210823125711.htm Diclofenac and other NSAIDs may limit the passage of narcolepsy medication and illicit party drug GHB to the brain, decreasing the potential for fatal overdose, researchers find. Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:57:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210823125711.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210706191617.htm Adults with ADHD are at higher risk of a wide range of physical conditions, including nervous system, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and metabolic diseases, according to a large register-based study in Sweden. Tue, 06 Jul 2021 19:16:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210706191617.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210316132101.htm A new pilot study has shown when a female athlete has a concussion injury during the phase of her menstrual cycle when progesterone is highest, she feels less stress. Feeling stressed is one symptom of a concussion. Feeling less stressed is a marker of recovery. The study also revealed for the first time the physiological reason for the neural protection is increased blood flow to the brain as a result of higher levels of progesterone. Birth control pills may help. Tue, 16 Mar 2021 13:21:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210316132101.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210310100651.htm A team of neuroscientists is uncovering how psychedelics affect brain activity. New work shows a strong connection in rodent models between brain activity and behaviors resulting from psychedelic treatment, a step forward in the quest to better understand their potential therapeutic effects. Wed, 10 Mar 2021 10:06:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210310100651.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210222092301.htm The Netherlands, United States, Australia and New Zealand are consuming the highest amounts of designer 'party' drugs, according to wastewater samples taken from eight countries over the New Year period. Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:23:01 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210222092301.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210215211040.htm Recreational drinking, smoking, and drug use is linked to premature heart disease in young people, particularly younger women. Mon, 15 Feb 2021 21:10:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210215211040.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201223125716.htm Researchers have described how they used advanced genetic engineering techniques to transform a bacterial protein into a new research tool that may help monitor serotonin transmission with greater fidelity than current methods. Preclinical experiments, primarily in mice, showed that the sensor could detect subtle, real-time changes in brain serotonin levels during sleep, fear, and social interactions, as well as test the effectiveness of new psychoactive drugs. Wed, 23 Dec 2020 12:57:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201223125716.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201218112536.htm Neuroscientists have made major advances in their quest to study the brain; however, there are no tools to precisely measure the brain's principal output -- behavior -- in freely moving animals. Researchers present CAPTURE, a new method for long-term continuous three-dimension motion tracking in freely behaving animals. Attaching markers to rats' head, trunk, and limbs, researchers can use CAPTURE to record the animal's natural behavior continuously for weeks. Fri, 18 Dec 2020 11:25:36 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201218112536.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201209115232.htm A non-hallucinogenic version of the psychedelic drug ibogaine, with potential for treating addiction, depression and other psychiatric disorders, has been developed by researchers. Wed, 09 Dec 2020 11:52:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201209115232.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200615100933.htm In a sign that designer drugs are becoming more prevalent in Australia, synthetic cathinones -- commonly known as 'bath salts' -- have been detected in the nation's wastewater in the largest study of its kind in the country. Mon, 15 Jun 2020 10:09:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200615100933.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191205101815.htm The reward pathway of the brain causes feelings of happiness but is also involved in behavioral disorders like schizophrenia and addiction. A breakthrough study has now identified the role of a protein called Npas4 in the reward pathway, mediated by the well-known proteins MAPK and CBP, opening doors to potential therapies for associated disorders. Cocaine-treated mice with inactivated Npas4 exhibited considerable reduction in cocaine-seeking behavior, emphasizing the relevance of the protein. Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:18:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191205101815.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191104141650.htm A small study concludes that caution is warranted for users of 'high CBD, low THC' cannabis products. Mon, 04 Nov 2019 14:16:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191104141650.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191029182501.htm Opioid overdose deaths in Connecticut doubled in the past 6 years, largely driven by use of multiple drugs together, according to a team of researchers. Tue, 29 Oct 2019 18:25:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191029182501.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191025075856.htm The painful overuse injury called swimmer's shoulder, common in competitive swimmers, may be caused by excessive swimming distance during training along with a culture in competitive swimming that sublimates pain, according to new research. Fri, 25 Oct 2019 07:58:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191025075856.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191023093445.htm A seven-year project monitoring illicit drug use in 37 countries via wastewater samples shows that cocaine use was skyrocketing in Europe in 2017 and Australia had a serious problem with methamphetamine. Wed, 23 Oct 2019 09:34:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191023093445.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190723085951.htm American teenagers and adults are more likely to try illegal or recreational drugs for the first time in the summer, a new study shows. Tue, 23 Jul 2019 08:59:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190723085951.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190610215602.htm The social environment is an influential factor with regards to drug addiction. However, some people living in the same environment become drug users, whilst others resist. Is this difference just random or are there key personality traits that help people to avoid drug addiction? Is it possible to evaluate the risk of drug consumption for different personality profiles? Is this risk different for different drugs? Mon, 10 Jun 2019 21:56:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190610215602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190530101215.htm An international study has shown that MDMA, also known as ecstasy, may be a valuable tool for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study demonstrated substantial improvements in individuals who had not responded to prior treatments. This is also, he adds, the most comprehensive evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Thu, 30 May 2019 10:12:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190530101215.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190404094832.htm Neuroscientists have found that the psychedelic drug MDMA reopens a kind of window, called a 'critical period,' when the brain is sensitive to learning the reward value of social behaviors. The findings may explain why MDMA may be helpful in treating people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thu, 04 Apr 2019 09:48:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190404094832.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190403080504.htm An estimated 76 million people use psychostimulants, which include illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, as well as prescription stimulants. A new study from Australia is the first to present national data of psychostimulant use in young adults who experienced a fatal stroke. Wed, 03 Apr 2019 08:05:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190403080504.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190325130533.htm More than a decade of research on the mda-7/IL-24 gene has shown that it helps to suppress a majority of cancer types, and now scientists are focusing on how the gene drives this process by influencing microRNAs. The findings could potentially have implications beyond cancer for a variety of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases caused by the same microRNA-driven processes. Mon, 25 Mar 2019 13:05:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190325130533.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190320171704.htm Researchers evaluated the two most common ADHD treatments and found that, although the risk of psychosis is low, it is greater for patients who are taking amphetamines than for those taking methylphenidates. Wed, 20 Mar 2019 17:17:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190320171704.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190213192451.htm Sales of prescription psychiatric drugs such as Xanax and diazepam via darknet online drug markets have increased in the UK at an alarming rate, according to new research. Wed, 13 Feb 2019 19:24:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190213192451.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190208115247.htm Long-term MDMA users have higher levels of empathy than cannabis and other drugs users, new research suggests. The findings contradict previous suggestions that long-term MDMA use may cause heightened social distress. Fri, 08 Feb 2019 11:52:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190208115247.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190205144343.htm Those spontaneous sounds we make to express everything from elation (woohoo) to embarrassment (oops) say a lot more about what we're feeling than previously understood, according to an analysis of listener responses to more than 2,000 vocal bursts. Tue, 05 Feb 2019 14:43:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190205144343.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181130094312.htm Many research studies have reported on the elevated health risk and deviance of youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning (LGBQ) but a new study using national data suggests that many of those estimates may be overstated and that LGBQ youth risk and deviance is not as different from heterosexual youth as many studies claim. Fri, 30 Nov 2018 09:43:12 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181130094312.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181129162646.htm Amphetamine and opioid use in pregnancy increased substantially over the last decade in the United States, a new study finds. And a disproportionate rise occurred in rural counties. Thu, 29 Nov 2018 16:26:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181129162646.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181120073632.htm New research has found that MDMA, the main ingredient in ecstasy, causes people to cooperate better -- but only with trustworthy people. In the first study to look in detail at how MDMA impacts cooperative behavior the researchers also identified changes to activity in brain regions linked to social processing. Tue, 20 Nov 2018 07:36:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181120073632.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181116110632.htm A large study links social isolation with a higher risk of death from all causes combined and heart disease for all races studied, and with increased cancer mortality in white men and women. Fri, 16 Nov 2018 11:06:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181116110632.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181108164314.htm Rats given the drug that reduced dopamine were much less likely to work for preferred morsels of food. But when these rats were then given one of the experimental drugs, they regained their motivation to work for the treat. Thu, 08 Nov 2018 16:43:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181108164314.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181025142018.htm The cerebellum, once thought to be limited to controlling movement, is involved in every aspect of higher brain function, according to a new study. Thu, 25 Oct 2018 14:20:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181025142018.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181012082710.htm A high-fat diet in female mice affects their offspring's obesity, insulin resistance and addictive-like behaviors for three generations, according to a new study. Fri, 12 Oct 2018 08:27:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181012082710.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181008104628.htm Scientists have discovered that regular use of the party drug GHB, and especially unconsciousness following GHB use, is associated with brain changes including negative effects on long-term memory, working memory, IQ, and higher levels of stress and anxiety. Mon, 08 Oct 2018 10:46:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181008104628.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180920175206.htm By studying the genome of a kind of octopus not known for its friendliness toward its peers, then testing its behavioral reaction to a popular mood-altering drug called MDMA or 'ecstasy,' scientists say they have found preliminary evidence of an evolutionary link between the social behaviors of the sea creature and humans, species separated by 500 million years on the evolutionary tree. Thu, 20 Sep 2018 17:52:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180920175206.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180912144417.htm While conventional wisdom says that people don't like uncertain gains or rewards, a new study finds that uncertainty can play an important role in motivating repeat behaviors. Wed, 12 Sep 2018 14:44:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180912144417.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180809141223.htm Many people think of psychedelics as relics from the hippie generation or something taken by ravers and music festival-goers, but they may one day be used to treat disorders ranging from social anxiety to depression, according to new research. Thu, 09 Aug 2018 14:12:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180809141223.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180807192845.htm Study includes 133 double-blind randomized controlled trials with data from more than 14,000 children and adolescents and 10,000 adults. Tue, 07 Aug 2018 19:28:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180807192845.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180716141631.htm White adolescent boys experiencing early puberty are at higher risk for substance use than later developing boys, a new study finds. Mon, 16 Jul 2018 14:16:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180716141631.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180705143928.htm The NPS DataHub allows forensic chemists to share data on new drug analogs, including their chemical structures and signatures, which are the keys to identifying them in the lab. Thu, 05 Jul 2018 14:39:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180705143928.htm