Psychedelics have moved steadily from the cultural fringe into mainstream conversation, and the electronic dance music scene has argubly carved the path.For fans who are curious but unfamiliar with the research, BEYOND Psychedelics last week in Austin, Texas, offered a rare vantage point.
According to the event’s website, the conference brings together “the scientists uncovering how these therapies work, ancient traditions that have worked with plant medicines for millennia, and technologies that can change consciousness without drugs.” The information that follows is reported from the event and is not medical advice.Many of these substances remain illegal in much of the world, and the science is still evolving.
From October 12-14 the BEYOND Psychedelics marked the second largest psychedelic science conference in the USA and the first major collaboration between biohacking pioneer Dave Asprey and psychiatrist, neuroscientist and leading psychedelic researcher Dr.David Rabin, MD, PhD.
Speakers spanned medicine, research and practice from the likes of: Dr.Scott Aaronson, who has led studies of psilocybin in severely treatment-resistant depression; Rick Doblin, who founded the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in 1986; legendary mycologist Paul Stamets; and Markus Pesonen, the founder of the sound-focused platform Olo, among many others.
Across keynotes, panels and workshops, one idea surfaced repeatedly.That idea was neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new connections and reorganize itself over time.
Researchers are interested in psychedelics in part because early findings suggest they may open a window of heightened plasticity, a period in which the brain is more receptive to change.Scroll to continue more from edm Sam Feldt Will Join NBA Legend Dwyane Wade in Miami for 2026 ‘Faces of Fitness’ Festival During his talk Psychedelic ‘Antibiotics’ for Ment...