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Science News for December 30, 2016


Researchers urge caution around psilocybin use

A recent survey of 1,993 people who experienced negative reactions to psilocybin found that 10.7% reported putting themselves or others at risk for physical harm. Despite this, most respondents described their experience as 'meaningful' and ranked it among the top five most significant experiences in their lives.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateDec 30, 2016

Ancient DNA can both diminish and defend modern minds

A recent study published in The FASEB Journal found that the Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) allele, associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline in industrialized societies, may actually improve cognitive function in individuals exposed to high levels of parasites in a traditional foraging environment. This su...

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 30, 2016

Fossil fuel formation: Key to atmosphere's oxygen?

A new study links rapid increase in sediment burial of carbon-rich organic matter to the surge in atmospheric oxygen during the Cambrian explosion. This process prevented dead plant material from burning and allowed oxygen to build up. Fossil fuel formation played a crucial role in supporting advanced animal life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateDec 30, 2016