Anthropology has long documented that most traditional medical systems use indigenous plants often with psychoactive, spiritual effects. Recently researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have been studying the effects of psilocybin, a chemical found in some psychedelic mushrooms, that’s credited with inducing transcendental states. Now, they say, they’ve zeroed in on the perfect dosage level to produce transformative mystical and spiritual experiences that offer long-lasting life-changing benefits, while carrying little risk of negative reactions.
The breakthrough could speed the day when doctors use psilocybin–long viewed skeptically for its association with 1960s countercultural thrill-seekers–for a range of valuable clinical functions, like easing the anxiety of terminally ill patients, treating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and helping smokers quit. Already, studies in which depressed cancer patients were given the drug have reported positive results. “I’m not afraid to die anymore” one participant explained. Looking back more than a year later, 94 percent of participants rated it as one of the top five most spiritually significant experiences of their lifetimes. More important, 89 percent reported lasting, positive changes in their behavior–better relationships with others, for instance, or increased care for their own mental and physical well-being. Those assessments were corroborated by family members and others.
“I think my heart is more open to all interactions with other people,” one volunteer reported in a questionnaire given to participants 14-months after their session.
“I feel that I relate better in my marriage,” wrote another. “There is more empathy — a greater understanding of people, and understanding their difficulties, and less judgment.”
Johns Hopkins University (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The program will prepare the next generation of interdisciplinary professionals to address the challenges of climate change and sustainable energy systems. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the science related to a changing climate and global warming, knowledge of the impacts of climate change, vulnerability of natural systems and the built environment, and methods for adaptation. Graduates will also develop a comprehension of energy production, delivery, and consumption for both traditional systems and sustainable/renewable energy alternatives.
This program is rooted in the Morton K. Blaustein Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. Oversight by the eminent faculty of this department sustains the academic integrity and excellence of the program. Courses are taught by distinguished instructors with valuable experience in the academic, public, and corporate sectors.
The program will address the management skills needed for a carbon constrained environment and help students develop an understanding of policy strategies employed at the local, state, and national level in response to climate change challenges. On an international level, graduates of the program will have an understanding of the multilateral agreements and non-US based approaches to both mitigation and adaptation to global warming.
English: The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School logo ??: ??????????????? (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Jay Liebowitz, DSc (Systems Analysis and Management, George Washington University) joined the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School in 2003. He is a Professor of Practice with expertise in the areas of knowledge management, expert and intelligent systems, and competitive intelligence.
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