Post B2aQpcFm5DZ8Fywom8 by Lotoscott@www.minds.com
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 (DIR) Post #B2aQpcFm5DZ8Fywom8 by Lotoscott@www.minds.com
       2026-01-23T15:13:43+00:00
       
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       Recent research published in the journal *npj Aging* has unveiled a potential new frontier for psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms. In a study conducted by researchers at Emory University and Baylor College of Medicine, scientists discovered that psilocin—the metabolite of psilocybin—extended the cellular lifespan of human skin and lung cells by up to 57%. This suggests that the compound's influence may reach far beyond mental health, directly impacting the fundamental biological hallmarks of aging.The study indicates that psilocybin works by reducing oxidative stress and maintaining the length of telomeres, which are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that typically shorten as we age. Beyond laboratory cell cultures, the researchers also conducted trials on aged mice, where those receiving psilocybin showed a 30% increase in survival rates compared to the control group. These mice also displayed visible improvements in health markers, such as fuller fur and a significant reduction in white hairs, suggesting an enhancement in overall healthspan.As of early 2026, the scientific community is viewing these results as a strong preclinical foundation for future longevity therapies. By upregulating SIRT1—a key protein associated with DNA repair and metabolism—psilocybin may offer a systemic approach to delaying age-related diseases like neurodegeneration and heart disease. While human clinical trials are required to determine safe dosing protocols, this breakthrough shifts the narrative of psychedelics from strictly psychological tools to potential "geroprotective" agents that could revolutionize how we approach healthy aging.