Opinionated Science Episode 32: Debunking the "Hygiene Hypothesis" and Psychedelic Brain Changes

Podcast

Published: July 16, 2021

Opinionated Science Episode 32: Debunking the "Hygiene Hypothesis" and Psychedelic Brain Changes content piece image

On this episode, the team take a look at a new study that suggests people's interpretation of the "Hygiene Hypothesis" - that early exposure to some microorganisms protects against allergic disease - might be in need of a cleanup. They also detail some findings on the psychedelic drug psilocybin and its effects on the connections of the mammalian brain. Not to be missed!

Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science. Expect a new Opinionated Science every other Friday.

Read more from this podcast:

We May Not Be "Too Clean for Our Own Good" After All

Single Dose of Psychedelic Compound Psilocybin Can Remodel Connections in the Brain

Psychedelic Healing: Adjunct Therapy Harnessing Opened Malleability (PHATHOM)

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Meet the Authors

Karen Steward, PhD

Senior Scientific Specialist

Karen Steward holds a PhD in molecular microbiology and evolutionary genetics from the University of Cambridge. She moved into science writing in 2017 after over a decade as a research scientist.

Ruairi J Mackenzie

Senior Science Writer

As senior science writer, Ruairi pens and edits scientific news, articles and features, with a focus on the complexities and curiosities of the brain and emerging informatics technologies. Ruairi also drives Technology Networks' search engine optimization (SEO) and editorial AI strategy and created the site’s podcast, Opinionated Science, in 2020. Ruairi has a Master’s degree in Clinical Neurosciences from the University of Cambridge.