As Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” So with that in mind, here are some of the most radical theories in science, from anti-ageing humans to the Earth’s second sun.
10 PSYCHEDELIC DRUGS MAY HELP TREAT MENTAL ILLNESSES
It’s no secret that drug policy is confusing. At times, it can seem that there is little scientific rigour involved in the regulation of substances (for up-to-date, confidential advice and information on drugs, visit talktofrank.com). This state of affairs is changing slowly, however, as researchers discover previously unknown, positive effects in some of the most villainised drugs.
Of particular interest is the use of psychedelic drugs in treating mental illness. At Imperial College, scientists have been mapping the effects of LSD on the brain, showing that it can be used to develop therapeutic approaches for breaking patterns of negative thought and treating depression.
Elsewhere, psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has been found to be effective in alleviating anxiety and depression among cancer patients for as long as six months after a single dose.
And in tests on mice, a chemical by-product created when the body breaks down ketamine has reversed depression-like behaviours without triggering any of the dissociative or addictive side effects normally connected with the drug.
All this adds up to a potential renaissance when it comes to understanding how these drugs affect the human body. Perhaps soon, a visit to the doctor may mean coming away clutching a prescription for something that would currently see you locked up.
9 MYSTERIOUS DISTANT STAR IS SURROUNDED BY AN ALIEN MEGASTRUCTURE
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March/April 2017-Ausgabe von Very Interesting.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March/April 2017-Ausgabe von Very Interesting.
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HOW TO MASTER YOUR METABOLISM
Ready to welcome a leaner, healthier you? It's time for a metabolic makeover. With a few simple, research-backed changes, you can supercharge your body's calorie-burning
A BLUEPRINT FOR ANTI AGEING
Science says it's time to rethink - and take control - of our body's age. Here's how to slow, halt and potentially turn back your biological clock
THE BROKEN MIRROR
Body dysmorphia - the all-consuming obsession with perceived flaws in our looks - is sweeping the globe. One in five young people is thought to be affected. What can be done and how is tech changing the way we see ourselves?
SCROLL REVERSAL
Losing days by endlessly scrolling on your smartphone? You're not alone. Perhaps neuroscience can help us beat the urge
Going back to the moon
ARTEMIS AND A NEW DAWN OF LUNAR EXPLORATION
SAD CLOWN PARADOX: WHY TEARS OFTEN LIE BEHIND THE LAUGHS
Mental health issues are common among comedians and performing is just one way they can self-medicate
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION: HOW COOKING CAN DAMAGE YOUR DNA
From roast dinners to scented candles, there are potentially harmful pollutants lurking in every home
FARM OF THE FUTURE
Join the BBC's Planet Earth III film crew and go behind the scenes in the city farm that's transforming fields into towers and running almost everything with robots
COULD ONE BOMB DESTROY THE WORLD?
How big a bang are arms manufacturers capable of creating?
THE THREAT OF DAY ZERO
Queues at public water taps could become normal. What can we do to avoid them?