Readers discuss the psychedelic psilocybin, frogs and UFOs

In control

A high dose of the psychedelic psilocybin temporarily dissolves brain networks, Laura Sanders reported in “Psilocybin erases brain ‘fingerprints’” (SN: 8/10/24, p. 12).

In the study, a generic form of the stimulant Ritalin served as a control against psilocybin. Reader Jason Patrick asked why scientists chose that drug.

It can be hard to design studies of psychedelics because the drugs’ effects are usually obvious to both researchers and participants, Sanders says. Though the control, called methylphenidate, and psilocybin produce very different experiences, the drugs have some similarities, Sanders says. Both affect levels of chemical messengers in the brain and can increase the body’s arousal, elevating heart rate and blood pressure.