Imperial College London

A study at ECNP Congress in Milan found psilocybin, from 'magic mushrooms,' as effective as escitalopram in treating depression, with potential long-term benefits. Psilocybin users reported better psychosocial functioning and life meaning over six months. Psilocybin could offer an alternative for non-responders to SSRIs, though its use requires controlled environments.

Psilocybin, in magic mushrooms, shows similar depression relief to SSRI antidepressants like Lexapro, with additional long-term benefits of greater life meaning and psychological connectedness, according to a clinical trial. However, psilocybin is experimental and should not be self-administered.

Researchers developed AI algorithm DrugSynthMC to generate thousands of drug-like molecules per second, expanding chemical diversity in drug libraries and aiding in tailored drug development.

The TRIPOD+AI update provides harmonised guidance for reporting prediction model studies, superseding TRIPOD 2015, to accommodate AI and machine learning methods. The new 27-item checklist aims for complete, accurate, and transparent reporting, facilitating study appraisal and model implementation.

Scientists developed artificial sugars to improve disease diagnosis and treatment, using enzymes and chemical synthesis to create 150 modified sugars with fluorine atoms, enhancing specificity and stability for diagnostics and potential drug discovery.

Replacing ultra-processed foods (UPFs) with less processed foods reduces diabetes risk, with every 10% increase in UPFs linked to a 17% rise in risk. High-risk UPFs include savoury snacks, processed meats, ready meals, and sweetened beverages. Substituting 10% of UPFs with minimally processed foods or processed foods lowers diabetes risk by 14% and 18%, respectively.

Scientists developed a 'chiral vortex' light technique to detect molecular chirality, crucial for drug development and disease detection, using a twisted laser beam that interacts with chiral molecules to produce unique light patterns, offering unprecedented sensitivity and resilience.

Recent research reveals smoldering-associated-worsening (SAW) in MS, indicating a need to shift understanding of central nervous system mechanisms. SAW includes physical and cognitive symptoms, highlighting the importance of patient-reported symptoms beyond inflammatory activity. Antonio Scalfari emphasizes the need for new MS classification based on smoldering disease.

The SepTiC study aims to improve sepsis treatment by answering three key questions: the efficacy of rapid PCR testing for targeted antibiotics, the impact of fluid reduction on patient recovery, and the potential benefits of immune-boosting medication. Funded by the NIHR, the study is currently recruiting patients across multiple UK hospitals.

Researchers believe psychedelics could treat mental health, with ongoing trials in UK and worldwide. Psilocybin shows most evidence for effectiveness, with potential benefits beyond serious conditions. Despite tight UK control, businesses invest in psychedelic treatments, anticipating global authorization.