Drugs
Drugs come in many forms, from lifesaving to life threatening. A drug is as substance that causes a temporary physiological or psychological change when introduced to the body. Legal forms of drugs include medicines, such as painkillers and antibiotics, alcohol and tobacco. Many drugs are illegal due to their harmful effects of the body, for example stimulants like cocaine, opioids and hallucinogens are all illegal in the majority of countries. The legality of Cannabinoids is being debated currently around the world.
Here's what you need to know if you take statins to lower your cholesterol
Statin use is already widespread and is increasing every year. But are the drugs right for everyone?
We could soon end wrinkles and grey hair forever, study suggests. Here's how
Through the use of naturally-occuring hormones, scientists believe they can fight the signs of ageing occuring.
Why shouldn’t I drink alcohol when I’m taking antibiotics?
Here's how alcohol and antibiotics actually interact.
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Your fat could burn itself, say scientists in weight-loss breakthrough
Initial trials show promising potential for a future weight loss drug with fewer side effects and higher effectiveness.
New anti-obesity drugs are game-changing but we need to tackle the root cause
Progress in medication is starting to make a huge impact but we still need to look at the root cause
The next generation of drugs could be made in space. Here’s why
A California start-up recently recovered a batch of drugs manufactured by an automated satellite, but what are the benefits and challenges of making pharmaceuticals in orbit?
The science of Dune: Could we really make smart drugs?
'The spice' is an extremely precious commodity that greatly enhances the user's mental abilities. Could we recreate this in real life?
Saying no to drugs can be hard. Especially when our brains have evolved to say 'why not?'
The ‘Stoptober’ push to quit smoking is useful, but we need to look at why people start… especially when it’s harder drugs.
Laughing Gas | How dangerous is it?
The last few years have seen a huge increase in the recreational use of laughing gas in the UK.
Do painkillers work differently for different people?
Different painkillers work in different ways. Some inhibit pain messages sent to the brain, while others stop your body from making chemicals partly responsible for causing pain and inflammation.
Emotional blunting: Cause of common antidepressant side effect may have been discovered
The inability to feel pleasure in some patients being treated for depression may be due to medication reducing their sensitivity to rewards.
New lifesaving antibiotic found in potato bacteria
The discovery can help in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Psychedelics: A neuroscientist's guide to how they change your brain
In recent years, psychedelic drugs have received increasing attention for their potential therapeutic applications. But what exactly are they? What do they do? Are they actually beneficial? All your questions, answered.
Do nootropics really work?
Also known as 'smart drugs', nootropics claim they are able to boost brain performance.
Inside the experiment that could bring psychedelic drugs to the NHS
Scientific evidence for using psychedelics to treat mental health problems has been mounting for the last decade. Here's everything you need to know about psilocybin treatment.
Cancel your trip: Scientists identify psychedelic drug without hallucinogenic side effects
A newly discovered compound could encourage neural plasticity without causing hallucinations.
New study bolsters support for ‘magic mushroom’ treatment for depression
Psilocybin, a drug derived from magic mushrooms, appears to be at least as effective as the antidepressant escitalopram, when administered in a therapeutic setting.
Your brain on LSD: a guide through the most mind-blowing psychedelics research
In an extract of his acclaimed book Drugs without the hot air, David Nutt explains recent scientific discoveries – and how substances like LSD have influenced creative breakthroughs.
Why do cats love catnip?
How catnip works its magic – and the unexpected reactions of some cats, including tigers.
Parasite-inspired drug delivery system could be the future of medicine
The tiny, star-shaped ‘theragrippers’ latch onto the intestinal tract, to slowly release their drug payload.
Genome of Alexander Fleming's original penicillin mould sequenced
The research may help in the fight against antibiotic resistance, scientists from Imperial College say.
Everything you need to know | Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to human life, but what can we do about it?
More than 1,700 deaths due to ‘avoidable’ medication errors in England each year
Many are human errors that are likely to be the result of exhaustion or burnout, said a doctor from the Medical Protection Society.
Magic mushrooms and mental health: could psychedelic drugs treat depression?
Neuropsychopharmacologist Prof David Nutt explains how psychedelic drugs could have a therapeutic effect on mental illness.