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Berkeley Scientific Journal

ISSN 1097-0967

4 papers in the library · 2 citations · publishing 2016-2025

Papers

Altered Perceptions: How Various Substances Influence Our Perception of Time

Berkeley Scientific Journal January 1, 2016 Aaya Abdelshafy 2 citations

Our perception of time, a core aspect of cognitive psychology, is profoundly altered by common substances, impacting daily communication. For instance, 80% of the US population regularly consumes caffeine, a psychoactive drug. Neuroscience shows dopamine in the midbrain's basal ganglia crucially regulates our internal clock. Substances that boost dopamine's action slow our time perception, while those that inhibit it speed it up. Caffeine, surprisingly, can both slow and speed up time's duration depending on the dose, affecting how we experience the world.

Molecules, Memory, and the Mind: Psychedelics and the Future of Neuroplasticity

Berkeley Scientific Journal November 13, 2025 Ana Sofia Brito

In an interview, Dr. Andrea Gomez discusses her research on how psychedelics, such as psilocybin, promote neural plasticity. She explains that these compounds can reopen critical periods in the brain, allowing for enhanced learning and adaptation. The conversation covers the molecular mechanisms involved and the potential therapeutic applications for treating psychiatric disorders. Dr. Gomez emphasizes the importance of understanding how psychedelics induce structural and functional changes in neurons, which may lead to new treatments for conditions like depression and PTSD.

Comparative Efficacy of Psilocybin and MDMA in PTSD Treatment: A Systematic Review of Long-Term Outcomes

Berkeley Scientific Journal November 13, 2025 Presley Aspen

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major public health problem that current treatments like psychotherapy and standard medications address with limited success. Psychedelics, also called hallucinogens, alter perception, mood, and cognition and are known to influence neuron plasticity and the formation of new neural connections. This review compares the effectiveness of psilocybin and MDMA for treating PTSD.