Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified two specific groups of neurons that help the brain evaluate risk and reward in decision-making. 

These neurons, located in the ventral striatum, separately process better-than-expected and worse-than-expected outcomes. In experiments with mice, silencing these neurons altered their anticipation of rewards, affecting their decision-making behavior.

The study suggests that the brain tracks a full range of possible rewards, rather than just an average, which aligns with machine-learning models of decision-making. If confirmed in humans, the findings could explain difficulties in assessing risks seen in conditions like depression and addiction. Here’s more: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08488-5

The state of Colorado issued its first psilocybin licenses to seven business owners seeking to provide psilocybin-related services and products.

While state approval has already been given to certain businesses, those businesses also need a license before starting operations. This is only the next step, with legal access to psilocybin-related services expected to begin as soon as this spring. Check it out: https://www.fortmorgantimes.com/2025/02/21/first-psilocybin-business-licenses-natural-medicine-division/

In a new study published in Nature Communications, researchers claimed to have found a genetic link between humans and the evolution of speech.

Their research suggests a genetic variant in the NOVA1 protein may have played a key role in the emergence of human speech. Scientists introduced this exclusively human variant into mice and observed altered vocalizations, indicating a potential role in vocal communication.

The study confirmed that Neanderthals and Denisovans did not possess this variant, suggesting it arose uniquely in modern humans. Researchers believe this genetic change may have contributed to the development of spoken language by influencing brain networks involved in vocalization. Here’s more: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56579-2

Did you know that ChatGPT recently suggested that a man try psychedelics to deal with his grief?

A Reddit user seeking advice on grief was surprised when ChatGPT recommended psychedelics as a potential solution.  While we’re not surprised at all, the fact that ChatGPT recognized this to begin with is quite telling. 

Here’s the actual ChatGPT message…