The Week of

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University announced that they uncovered a previously hidden protein interaction that accelerates Parkinson’s disease by damaging the brain’s energy systems.

They found that alpha-synuclein, a toxic protein known to accumulate in Parkinson’s patients, binds to a mitochondrial enzyme called ClpP, disrupting the cell’s energy production and contributing to the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons. 

This breakthrough helps explain a critical driver of neurodegeneration that goes beyond symptom management and targets a root cause of the disease.

The team also developed a novel compound, CS2, that blocks this harmful protein interaction and allows mitochondria to recover their function. In laboratory and animal models, CS2 reduced inflammation and led to improvements in movement and cognitive performance, suggesting potential for a new class of Parkinson’s therapies that protect brain cells rather than just alleviating symptoms. Check it out: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120095111.htm

ONWARD Medical N.V. announced that it completed two additional human implants of its investigational ARC-BCI® Therapy. This is an investigational brain-computer interface (BCI) treatment designed to restore thought-driven movement in people living with spinal cord injuries and other movement disabilities.

Both procedures were performed at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) in Lausanne, Switzerland. They involved a 35-year-old woman who sustained a spinal cord injury two years ago and a 39-year-old man who suffered a spinal cord injury seven years ago. Study participants received ARC-BCI Therapy for upper- and lower-limb movement restoration, respectively.

Here’s more: https://ir.onwd.com/static-files/48e1c5b9-e843-4895-ac81-e0e936a841e2

Definium Therapeutics (formerly known as MindMed) announced the launch of an educational initiative called “Rerouting Minds” to familiarize the public with the potential mental health applications of pharmaceutical LSD as it prepares for future FDA submissions. 

The campaign’s online hub provides historical context on LSD research dating back to the 1930s, explains how psychedelics may enhance neuroplasticity, and highlights the company’s scientific approach to developing its lead LSD-based candidate for psychiatric and neurological conditions. 

It also directs interested individuals to resources and clinical trial sign-ups, aiming to narrow the “mental health treatment gap” where many patients do not adequately respond to current therapies.

This new initiative comes as the company advances its lead candidate, DT120 ODT, through Phase 3 studies in generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, with multiple readouts expected this year. Check it out: https://definiumtx.com/rerouting-minds/

Did you know that 10 million U.S. adults microdosed psychedelics last year?

According to a new RAND Corporation survey, nearly 10 million U.S. adults reported microdosing psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, LSD, or MDMA in 2025.

The findings came from collected data on psychedelic use patterns and showed that microdosing is common among people who use these substances, especially psilocybin. Among adults who reported using psychedelics in the past year, approximately two-thirds said they had microdosed at least once.

The report’s results highlight the growing prevalence of microdosing at a time when psychedelics are increasingly discussed in public health, policy, and therapeutic contexts. 

You can access the report here: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA4334-1.html?project=&utm_campaign=thread&utm_content=1768971912&utm_medium=rand_social&utm_source=twitter.