Alaina Jaster, PhD
@jasteralaina.bsky.social
PhD in PharmTox. Head of Communications at Xylo Bio. Drug policy + harm reduction 🤘Education & Consulting via https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com
Opinions do not reflect those of my employer.
Opinions do not reflect those of my employer.
Pinned
Sex-specific role of the 5-HT2A receptor in psilocybin-induced extinction of opioid reward - Nature Communications
Here Jaster et al., show a single psilocybin dose produce sex-specific post-acute changes in opioid reward and withdrawal via 5-HT2A receptors in frontal cortex-to–nucleus accumbens circuits, with epi...
www.nature.com
My dissertation paper finally dropped in Nature Communications!
Overall, the conclusion is that psilocybin may be useful in reducing drug craving that often precipitates relapse through mechanisms related to 5-HT2A activation.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Overall, the conclusion is that psilocybin may be useful in reducing drug craving that often precipitates relapse through mechanisms related to 5-HT2A activation.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
The President of the United States just called for Democratic members of Congress to be executed. "HANG THEM", he posted.
If you're a person of influence in this country and you haven't picked a side, maybe now would be the time to pick a fucking side.
If you're a person of influence in this country and you haven't picked a side, maybe now would be the time to pick a fucking side.
November 20, 2025 at 4:15 PM
The President of the United States just called for Democratic members of Congress to be executed. "HANG THEM", he posted.
If you're a person of influence in this country and you haven't picked a side, maybe now would be the time to pick a fucking side.
If you're a person of influence in this country and you haven't picked a side, maybe now would be the time to pick a fucking side.
My dissertation paper finally dropped in Nature Communications!
Overall, the conclusion is that psilocybin may be useful in reducing drug craving that often precipitates relapse through mechanisms related to 5-HT2A activation.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Overall, the conclusion is that psilocybin may be useful in reducing drug craving that often precipitates relapse through mechanisms related to 5-HT2A activation.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Sex-specific role of the 5-HT2A receptor in psilocybin-induced extinction of opioid reward - Nature Communications
Here Jaster et al., show a single psilocybin dose produce sex-specific post-acute changes in opioid reward and withdrawal via 5-HT2A receptors in frontal cortex-to–nucleus accumbens circuits, with epi...
www.nature.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:46 PM
My dissertation paper finally dropped in Nature Communications!
Overall, the conclusion is that psilocybin may be useful in reducing drug craving that often precipitates relapse through mechanisms related to 5-HT2A activation.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Overall, the conclusion is that psilocybin may be useful in reducing drug craving that often precipitates relapse through mechanisms related to 5-HT2A activation.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
RFK Jr had committed to Bill Cassidy, as a condition to win his vote, that he would keep website language.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
November 20, 2025 at 2:42 AM
RFK Jr had committed to Bill Cassidy, as a condition to win his vote, that he would keep website language.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
🧵Far too often, Native/Indigenous communities' needs are left behind & overlooked. As this @filtermag.bsky.social piece points out, the gap in #overdose death rates between white & Native/Indigenous people is large around the country. To change this, we must examine
bit.ly/NativeOverdoseDisparities
bit.ly/NativeOverdoseDisparities
Indigenous OD Mortality Plummets in Minnesota, But Disparity Remains
New data indicate that harm reduction efforts in rural parts of the state may be paying off, though progress is under threat.
bit.ly
November 18, 2025 at 8:46 PM
🧵Far too often, Native/Indigenous communities' needs are left behind & overlooked. As this @filtermag.bsky.social piece points out, the gap in #overdose death rates between white & Native/Indigenous people is large around the country. To change this, we must examine
bit.ly/NativeOverdoseDisparities
bit.ly/NativeOverdoseDisparities
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
🧠 My take:
The key barrier to progress in biology and neuroscience isn't lack of proper algorithms/AI or inadequate technology.
It is the use of low powered studies combined with the selective reporting of positive results.
Science can't self-correct when the data to self correct is suppressed.
The key barrier to progress in biology and neuroscience isn't lack of proper algorithms/AI or inadequate technology.
It is the use of low powered studies combined with the selective reporting of positive results.
Science can't self-correct when the data to self correct is suppressed.
Same for neuroscience. The lack of ability to measure many neurons’ activity, perturb them, and measure intracellular processes and connections is what limits understanding the brain.
The key barriers are not algorithms or AI.
🧪#neuroscience 🧠🤖 #MLSky
The key barriers are not algorithms or AI.
🧪#neuroscience 🧠🤖 #MLSky
November 17, 2025 at 3:01 AM
🧠 My take:
The key barrier to progress in biology and neuroscience isn't lack of proper algorithms/AI or inadequate technology.
It is the use of low powered studies combined with the selective reporting of positive results.
Science can't self-correct when the data to self correct is suppressed.
The key barrier to progress in biology and neuroscience isn't lack of proper algorithms/AI or inadequate technology.
It is the use of low powered studies combined with the selective reporting of positive results.
Science can't self-correct when the data to self correct is suppressed.
Some food for thought today at a panel about the current effects of the admin on academics & researchers.
Current challenges and open questions about how to build a better situation…
Current challenges and open questions about how to build a better situation…
November 14, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Some food for thought today at a panel about the current effects of the admin on academics & researchers.
Current challenges and open questions about how to build a better situation…
Current challenges and open questions about how to build a better situation…
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
Health Implications of Recent Policy Changes Affecting LGBTQ+ Populations
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Health Implications of Recent Policy Changes Affecting LGBTQ+ Populations
There is abundant evidence that sexual minority groups have worse health indicators than sexual majority groups. For example, adults and adolescents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender...
jamanetwork.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Health Implications of Recent Policy Changes Affecting LGBTQ+ Populations
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
New paper just dropped on psychedelics enduring effects on behavioral and functional plasticity independent of structural plasticity!!
Life goal of being on a paper with one of the leaders in the field I’ve looked up to… ✅
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Life goal of being on a paper with one of the leaders in the field I’ve looked up to… ✅
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Psychedelics produce enduring behavioral effects and functional plasticity through mechanisms independent of structural plasticity - Neuropsychopharmacology
Neuropsychopharmacology - Psychedelics produce enduring behavioral effects and functional plasticity through mechanisms independent of structural plasticity
www.nature.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:08 AM
New paper just dropped on psychedelics enduring effects on behavioral and functional plasticity independent of structural plasticity!!
Life goal of being on a paper with one of the leaders in the field I’ve looked up to… ✅
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Life goal of being on a paper with one of the leaders in the field I’ve looked up to… ✅
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
And we’re off with a policy summit!
November 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM
And we’re off with a policy summit!
This week kicks off the Drug Policy Alliance Reform Conference!! In Detroit!! My home!!
So excited for my SSDP homies to be in my area and start this week off strong with a policy summit tomorrow before the conference starts Wednesday 🤩
So excited for my SSDP homies to be in my area and start this week off strong with a policy summit tomorrow before the conference starts Wednesday 🤩
November 10, 2025 at 2:24 PM
This week kicks off the Drug Policy Alliance Reform Conference!! In Detroit!! My home!!
So excited for my SSDP homies to be in my area and start this week off strong with a policy summit tomorrow before the conference starts Wednesday 🤩
So excited for my SSDP homies to be in my area and start this week off strong with a policy summit tomorrow before the conference starts Wednesday 🤩
Curious about EEG signatures and drug discovery? Look no further than Xylo Bio's Neuroscience Newsletter.
Be sure to subscribe for more science & company updates!
www.xylo.bio/blog-posts/n...
Be sure to subscribe for more science & company updates!
www.xylo.bio/blog-posts/n...
November 2025 Newsletter
www.xylo.bio
November 6, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Curious about EEG signatures and drug discovery? Look no further than Xylo Bio's Neuroscience Newsletter.
Be sure to subscribe for more science & company updates!
www.xylo.bio/blog-posts/n...
Be sure to subscribe for more science & company updates!
www.xylo.bio/blog-posts/n...
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
New episode 🧠 This chat features Samantha Bumgardaner, MS, who is currently studying substance use disorders and psychedelics for her PhD at St. Louis University.
They discuss everything from qualitative vs. quantitative research, therapeutic outcomes & much more!
open.spotify.com/episode/61Yr...
They discuss everything from qualitative vs. quantitative research, therapeutic outcomes & much more!
open.spotify.com/episode/61Yr...
Community Focused Research for Addiction ft. Samantha Bumgardaner
open.spotify.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:47 PM
New episode 🧠 This chat features Samantha Bumgardaner, MS, who is currently studying substance use disorders and psychedelics for her PhD at St. Louis University.
They discuss everything from qualitative vs. quantitative research, therapeutic outcomes & much more!
open.spotify.com/episode/61Yr...
They discuss everything from qualitative vs. quantitative research, therapeutic outcomes & much more!
open.spotify.com/episode/61Yr...
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
Super important new paper on reports of challenging experiences by therapists who have participated in research trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Reveals huge rift between what providers believe is necessary and what industry is developing as a standard. #psychedelicscience
October 30, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Super important new paper on reports of challenging experiences by therapists who have participated in research trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Reveals huge rift between what providers believe is necessary and what industry is developing as a standard. #psychedelicscience
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
A writer tried dating alt-right men as an experiment to learn about them. There is so much going on here I don't even know where to start
www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/...
www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/...
October 29, 2025 at 12:57 PM
A writer tried dating alt-right men as an experiment to learn about them. There is so much going on here I don't even know where to start
www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/...
www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/...
Had my annual scream marathon the last two days and here are the rankings:
1
4
5
6
2
3
1
4
5
6
2
3
October 28, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Had my annual scream marathon the last two days and here are the rankings:
1
4
5
6
2
3
1
4
5
6
2
3
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
Strongest data yet suggesting that repeated MDMA use causes deficits in declarative memory (e.g., memory for new information, words, etc). #psychedelicscience #MDMA
10.1093/brain/awaf391
10.1093/brain/awaf391
October 27, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Strongest data yet suggesting that repeated MDMA use causes deficits in declarative memory (e.g., memory for new information, words, etc). #psychedelicscience #MDMA
10.1093/brain/awaf391
10.1093/brain/awaf391
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
Breaking the publication bias against null results requires authors to submit the manuscript, sure, but also requires reviewers to tell the Editor why it is important to publish.
October 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Breaking the publication bias against null results requires authors to submit the manuscript, sure, but also requires reviewers to tell the Editor why it is important to publish.
What a great start to the week!!
I’ve been selected for the Winter Brain Ann Kelley Memorial Travel Fellowship to present my advocacy work as a scientist!! I’m so excited!!!
See you all at big sky and make sure to come to our workshop 😁
I’ve been selected for the Winter Brain Ann Kelley Memorial Travel Fellowship to present my advocacy work as a scientist!! I’m so excited!!!
See you all at big sky and make sure to come to our workshop 😁
October 27, 2025 at 1:54 PM
What a great start to the week!!
I’ve been selected for the Winter Brain Ann Kelley Memorial Travel Fellowship to present my advocacy work as a scientist!! I’m so excited!!!
See you all at big sky and make sure to come to our workshop 😁
I’ve been selected for the Winter Brain Ann Kelley Memorial Travel Fellowship to present my advocacy work as a scientist!! I’m so excited!!!
See you all at big sky and make sure to come to our workshop 😁
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
tHe PrOtesTs DiDnT eVEn AccOmPlisH aNyThInG…
Hey, you know what?
People seeing that they aren’t alone, feeling connected to their neighbors, and having a fucking shred of JOY AND FUN is ✨ SOMETHING✨
Hey, you know what?
People seeing that they aren’t alone, feeling connected to their neighbors, and having a fucking shred of JOY AND FUN is ✨ SOMETHING✨
a cartoon of spongebob squarepants laying on the ground
Alt: a cartoon of spongebob squarepants laying on the ground
media.tenor.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:17 PM
tHe PrOtesTs DiDnT eVEn AccOmPlisH aNyThInG…
Hey, you know what?
People seeing that they aren’t alone, feeling connected to their neighbors, and having a fucking shred of JOY AND FUN is ✨ SOMETHING✨
Hey, you know what?
People seeing that they aren’t alone, feeling connected to their neighbors, and having a fucking shred of JOY AND FUN is ✨ SOMETHING✨
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
🚨Publication alert! 🚨
Why does stress drive psychopathology & transdiagnostic disease?
We present the Allostatic Triage Model of Psychopathology (ATP Model), which explains stress-induced transdiagnostic disease pathogenesis through a bioenergetic lens.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Why does stress drive psychopathology & transdiagnostic disease?
We present the Allostatic Triage Model of Psychopathology (ATP Model), which explains stress-induced transdiagnostic disease pathogenesis through a bioenergetic lens.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
October 20, 2025 at 3:59 PM
🚨Publication alert! 🚨
Why does stress drive psychopathology & transdiagnostic disease?
We present the Allostatic Triage Model of Psychopathology (ATP Model), which explains stress-induced transdiagnostic disease pathogenesis through a bioenergetic lens.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Why does stress drive psychopathology & transdiagnostic disease?
We present the Allostatic Triage Model of Psychopathology (ATP Model), which explains stress-induced transdiagnostic disease pathogenesis through a bioenergetic lens.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Alaina Jaster, PhD
As promised, if you’re inspired by the march today but don’t know how else to get involved, how to sustainably fight fascism, that can look a few different ways. Here’s a thread of thoughts, short of nationwide withholding of labor / sustained protest:
October 18, 2025 at 5:51 PM
As promised, if you’re inspired by the march today but don’t know how else to get involved, how to sustainably fight fascism, that can look a few different ways. Here’s a thread of thoughts, short of nationwide withholding of labor / sustained protest: