Psychedelics may calm brain inflammation, easing depression

A new Harvard study suggests psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA may reduce brain inflammation, potentially easing depression and anxiety symptoms. Researchers found these substances calmed the brain's immune system by rewiring communication pathways between neurons and immune cells in mice and human brain cells. This effect was observed after stress tests, with reduced inflammation and fear-based behaviors. The study indicates that psychedelics could help address disorders linked to inflammation, though researchers caution against viewing them as a simple cure.