FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

In 2024, significant advancements were made in addiction research, highlighting the hijacking of brain reward systems by drugs, structural brain changes in opioid use disorder, declining adolescent substance use, ketamine's antidepressant effects, challenges in alcohol use disorder treatment, comparative effectiveness of buprenorphine/naloxone vs. methadone, the impact of parental drug overdose on children, potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists for alcohol use disorder, promise of anti-fentanyl vaccines, and surveillance of new psychoactive substances.

Ocugen's CEO, Dr. Shankar Musunuri, to present at NobleCon20 on Dec 3, 2024, discussing clinical programs and business strategy. The presentation will be webcast and archived for 90 days.

Alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. nearly doubled from 1999 to 2020, with women experiencing a larger relative increase. Death rates spiked from 10.7 to 21.6 per 100,000, with a fourfold increase among 25- to 34-year-olds. Health challenges include obesity, diabetes, and liver damage, necessitating targeted interventions.

Florida Atlantic’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute hosted the Starry Nights Author Series featuring Jennifer Egan, discussing fiction as a narrative art form that explores others' consciousness and the role of curiosity in her work. Egan, known for her diverse genres, encouraged readers to resist technology's distractions and cultivate a reading habit. The series also included a master class for students and will continue with Jeanette Walls in April.

Marijuana use among U.S. teens dropped from 23% in 2011 to 16% in 2021, with girls now using more than boys and Black teens most likely to use. High school seniors and juniors report the highest usage, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Legalization in adults may influence adolescent perceptions and use.

Psilocybin mushrooms, beyond recreational use, show promise in treating depression, PTSD, and other conditions by enhancing brain connectivity and neuroplasticity. Clinical trials highlight their potential as breakthrough medicines, though long-term effects and microdosing benefits remain under study. Therapy is crucial for maximizing benefits, with ongoing research into non-psychedelic alternatives.

Paul Stamets advocates for treating psilocybin mushrooms as nonaddictive, life-changing substances, not 'shrooms' or party drugs. Clinical trials show psilocybin can significantly improve treatment-resistant depression and other conditions. The FDA has designated psilocybin a breakthrough medicine. Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD affect brain connectivity and neuroplasticity, offering potential benefits for various mental health issues. Microdosing, taking tiny amounts of psilocybin, is suggested for maintaining brain health, though scientific benefits are unproven. Side effects and risks exist, including potential psychosis triggers. Researchers aim to develop non-psychedelic drugs that mimic psychedelics' benefits.

DOE's WPTO allocates $33M for hydropower and marine energy projects, including $8.6M for 13 hydropower technical assistance projects and $25M for 25 research and development projects at six national labs. Projects focus on hybridizing hydropower with other energy sources, pumped storage hydropower valuation, and marine energy technology advancements.

Jennifer Egan, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, speaks Oct. 30 at FAU’s MacArthur Campus as part of the Starry Nights series. The event, presented by the Wilkes Honors College and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, includes public talks and interactive sessions with students. Egan’s visit marks the college’s 25th anniversary, with additional events featuring Ryan Serhant and Jeanette Walls.

Meddling moms who prohibit kids' friendships with troublemakers worsen behavior problems, as kids act out after being shunned by friends hurt by disapproval, leading to limited friend options and increased peer pressure to conform to disruptive behavior.