Psychedelic Drug Tests Resume After Decades

'Beneficial effect' found by researchers analyzing '60s studies

(NEWSER) - LSD's value as a treatment for alcoholism has been overlooked for decades, according to researchers revisiting old studies. A team that analyzed six separate studies from the '60s found that a single dose of the psychedelic drug had a "significant beneficial effect" on alcoholics that lasted for months, the BBC reports. Some 59% of test subjects, all of whom were in alcohol treatment programs, showed reduced levels of alcohol after taking the drug, compared to 38% of those in control groups. Research into how LSD could treat addiction stopped in the late '60s as legal troubles arose. More»

Journalist claims to have solved 'Cursed Bread' mystery

(NEWSER) - The mysterious madness that overtook a French village in 1951 was the result of a CIA experiment, according to an American investigative journalist. At least 5 people died and dozens more were institutionalized after mass insanity and hallucinations swept through Pont-Saint-Esprit. The incident was called Le Pain Maudit—Cursed Bread—after authorities came to believe the problems were caused by a psychedelic mold that had contaminated the flour. More»

(NEWSER) - A Swiss psychiatrist has revived research into the use of LSD to treat emotional disorders after decades of neglect, Der Spiegel reports (unable to resist the headline "Tune In, Turn On, Cheer Up"). Albert Gasser, the first person to study the psychiatric use of the hallucinogen in 35 years, has been treating patients who suffer crippling fear and anxiety. He says the treatments have been successful so far, and he hopes to demonstrate that the drug can be used safely and effectively. More»

New bill would give terminally ill access to unproven drugs

(NEWSER) - Ted Kennedy has, at best, about two years to live. A drug exists that might extend his life, but Kennedy, and legions of other cancer sufferers, won’t get it because it hasn’t been through Phase III FDA trials. But congress could yet come to the rescue; a bill recently introduced in the Senate would give the terminally ill access to unproven treatments. More»

Product tripled heart attack risk in subjects

(NEWSER) - The Food and Drug Administration repeatedly approved experiments using artificial blood despite data showing the products to be dangerous, the Washington Post reports. Investigators from the National Institutes of Health found heart attack risk tripled and death increased by 30% for subjects in 16 studies testing five kinds of artificial blood, which, it is hoped, will ultimately provide alternative transfusions. More»