Understanding how psilocybin helps the brain recover from stress
Official title: Synaptic circuit mechanisms underlying psilocybin's therapeutic effects in the stressed brain
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11048951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how psilocybin, a natural substance found in certain mushrooms, might help the brain heal from stress, with the hope of finding new ways to improve mental health for people dealing with stress-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $679,118 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136381-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from stress-related psychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience stress-related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, on the brain's ability to recover from stress. By examining how psilocybin influences synaptic plasticity and neural circuits, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that contribute to its therapeutic effects. The research will utilize advanced techniques to observe changes in brain structure and function, focusing on how these changes can lead to improvements in mental health for individuals experiencing stress-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for psychiatric disorders that are effective and have lasting benefits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zuo, Yi — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Zuo, Yi
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.