Wellcome's digital platform, Mosaic, which focused on long-form journalism about science and health, was active from 2014 to 2019 and has now closed. The organization expresses gratitude to its supporters and contributors. Some past content from Mosaic remains accessible via the Internet Archive.

The discovery of ancient bread crumbs at Shubayqa 1 in Jordan reveals that hunter-gatherers were making bread from wild barley, einkorn, oat, and tubers long before the advent of agriculture. This finding, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, challenges the traditional view of the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture as an economic revolution, suggesting instead that it may have been driven by food preferences. The research raises new questions about the role of bread in ancient diets and its impact on early societies.

More than 50 years ago, researchers Arnold Ludwig and Jerome Levine explored the combination of hypnosis and LSD to treat addiction, finding promising results. Recent studies, including one published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, revisit this combination to treat mental illnesses like depression. Researchers Clément E. Lemercier and Devin B. Terhune highlight the similarities between hypnosis and psychedelics, suggesting that hypnosis could enhance the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. Hypnotherapy could prepare patients for psychedelic experiences, potentially reducing anxiety and the required dosage. Ethical concerns and further research are necessary to fully understand and develop this combined treatment approach.

Recent research has explored the similarities between dream states and psychedelic experiences, particularly focusing on substances like LSD, ketamine, and psilocybin. Studies have shown that these psychedelics can induce states of consciousness similar to dreaming, which may offer new insights into mental health treatment. Researchers like Enzo Tagliazucchi and Robin Carhart-Harris suggest that understanding these altered states could improve psychiatric care by allowing patients to access unconscious thoughts and memories. The Beckley Foundation advocates for the integration of psychedelics into therapeutic processes, highlighting their potential to enhance treatment outcomes for conditions like depression and PTSD. However, progress in this field is hindered by legal restrictions and societal stigmas surrounding psychedelic substances.

Researchers from Inserm, Université de Paris, and CEA, led by Maxime Bertoux, have developed a new method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease using MRI analysis of cortical sulci, which can identify the disease in 91% of cases compared to the current 80% accuracy. This method, which also correlates with disease progression and cognitive decline, shows promise for clinical trials and widespread clinical use, pending further validation.

Bosnian beekeepers view bees as knowledgeable beings capable of complex behaviors and producing valuable hive substances. The article explores the cultural and medicinal significance of beekeeping in Bosnia-Herzegovina, highlighting the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events. It contrasts the local perspective with the scientific view, suggesting that humans might learn from bees' cooperative and sustainable living practices. The narrative is enriched by the author's personal experiences and family involvement in beekeeping.

The article highlights the severe challenges in treating snakebite victims, particularly in rural and low-income regions like Togo and sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the availability of antivenom, issues such as high costs, inadequate distribution, and lack of proper training for healthcare professionals hinder effective treatment. The World Health Organization has recognized snakebite as a neglected tropical disease, leading to renewed efforts in antivenom research and quality control. Innovative research is underway to develop safer and more effective treatments, but immediate improvements in existing antivenom production and distribution are crucial. The article underscores the need for better healthcare systems, community engagement, and trust in medical treatments to effectively combat snakebite fatalities.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has been validated over the past 25 years as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Initially described by psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR has shown promising results in clinical trials and meta-analyses, leading the World Health Organization to recognize it as a valid alternative to traditional cognitive and behavioral therapies. While its efficacy in treating other psychiatric disorders remains under investigation, recent studies suggest potential benefits. Research continues to explore the neurobiological mechanisms behind EMDR and its long-term effects, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and addressing individual differences in therapy response. Proper certification for practitioners is emphasized to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Recent research has explored the similarities between dream states and psychedelic experiences, suggesting that psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD can offer insights into human consciousness and mental health treatment. Studies have shown that these substances can induce states similar to dreaming, potentially aiding in psychiatric care by allowing patients to access unconscious thoughts and memories. Despite regulatory challenges, scientists are making strides in understanding how these altered states can be used therapeutically, with promising results in treating conditions like depression and PTSD. The research underscores the need to reconsider the prohibition of psychedelics to advance scientific knowledge and improve mental health treatments.

Jamie Blyth's struggle with cocaine addiction led him to a failed suicide attempt and subsequent rehabilitation in South Africa. Researchers are exploring innovative treatments for cocaine addiction, including repurposing drugs like ketamine and lorcaserin. Ketamine, typically used as an anesthetic and party drug, has shown promise in reducing cocaine use in clinical trials. Lorcaserin, a weight-loss drug, is being tested for its potential to reduce cravings by targeting specific brain pathways. Additionally, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is being investigated for its effectiveness in treating addiction. These treatments highlight the need for multidisciplinary approaches combining pharmaceutical, psychological, and social support.