Altered States Mice on Magic Mushrooms
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Nov 5, 2025 Clint Cannell is a neuroscientist focused on serotonin receptors and psychedelic compounds. He shares insights on how researchers determine if mice are experiencing psychedelics, notably through the curious head-twitch response. The conversation dives into the significance of this behavior in drug development and the link to human consciousness. They also explore whether mice have mystical experiences, the history of animal psychedelic research, and the implications of non-hallucinogenic therapeutics to aid mental health.
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Lab Tour And First Twitch Demonstration
- Clint Cannell walks the reporter through his lab where mice are given psychedelics and observed quietly out of respect for the animals.
- He demonstrates the head-twitch response with video training so observers can spot the quick half-second twitch.
Head Twitch As A 2A Activation Marker
- The head-twitch response reliably indicates activation of the serotonin 2A receptor in mice when given classic psychedelics.
- Scientists use this twitch as a practical bioassay to screen compounds that act like psychedelics.
Counting 38 Twitches In 15 Minutes
- In a live test Clint and grad student Risha Taggi inject a mouse with a psychedelic and count head twitches using a handheld tally counter.
- They observed 38 head twitches over 15 minutes as the drug's effect intensified after three minutes.