Then, they used engineered bacteria and fungi to confirm gene activity and the order of the synthetic steps, according to C&EN. To get to the correct вЂrecipe,вЂ™ the team in the new study sequenced the genomes of two mushroom species. Scientists have characterized the four enzymes mushrooms use to make psilocybinДЄfter identifying and characterizing the enzymes behind psilocybin, the team from Friedrich Schiller University Jena was able to develop the first enzymatic synthesis of the compound, reports C&EN, a publication from the American Chemical Society. 'Evidence is mounting but it's still unclear, which is why more research is needed into any possible side effects,' she said. On the flipside, Barratt said binaural beats could potentially be used as a form of therapy, alongside traditional treatment. 'But that doesn't discount the need for more research, particularly to document and negate possible harms.' 'In the survey, we found most people who listen were already using ingestible substances,' she said. 'Maybe a drug doesn't have to be a substance you consume, it could be to do with how an activity affects your brain.'Дespite binaural beat listeners being younger, Barratt said they're not necessarily a gateway to the use of ingestible drugs. 'We're starting to see digital experiences defined as drugs, but they could also be seen as complementary practices alongside drug use,' she said. The survey revealed binaural beat users were more likely to be younger and to report recent use of all prohibited drugs, compared to rest of the sample Video streaming sites like YouTube and Vimeo were the most popular way to listen, followed by Spotify and other streaming apps. The United Kingdom was slightly above average global use, at 9 per cent. In the United States 16 per cent of respondents said they'd tried it, while in Mexico and Brazil countries reported use was also above average at 14 per cent and 11.5 per cent respectively. The use of binaural beats to experience altered states was reported by 5 per cent of the total sample. Most respondents sought to connect with themselves or something bigger than themselves through the experience. The survey revealed binaural beat users were more likely to be younger and to report recent use of all prohibited drugs, compared to rest of the sample.

The study, published in Drug and Alcohol Review, is based on data from the Global Drug Survey 2021, which drew on responses from more than 30,000 people in 22 countries. Many people saw them as a source of help, such as for sleep therapy or pain relief.'

'Much like ingestible substances, some binaural beats users were chasing a high,' she said. The study's lead author, Dr Monica Barratt of RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, said the latter motivation was more commonly reported among those who used classic psychedelics.

Binaural beats definition