Benjamin Bell

Neuroscience

Johns Hopkins University

I study sleep in mammals. I tend to ask the "journalism" questions of sleep as a behavior, "who, what, where, when, and why?" Evolutionarily, sleep has always seemed like an odd-ball to me, and while we are no closer to answering the "why" component, my research has started to hone in on the "who" and "when" factors, which can both provide important insight to this activity engaged in which we spend a full third of our lives.

What is a hallucinogen?

From psilocybin to LSD, here's what these mind-altering drugs do in our brains

Benjamin Bell

A neuroscientist reviews Michael Pollan's 'How to Change Your Mind'

The book shines new light on the revitalized field of psychedelic medicine

Benjamin Bell

The psychedelic renaissance is here. Will it last this time?

To avoid the mistakes of the past, scientists and society need to open their minds

Benjamin Bell

Can MDMA help people with autism overcome social anxiety?

An expert lays out a cautiously optimistic case for using the psychedelic in therapy

Benjamin Bell