Ian McLaughlin, PhD

PhD in neuroscience. Pushing for fewer diseases and more cures

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

In case you missed it, check out this amazing platform that enables you to explore imaging data - from the brain to specific neurons - in virtual reality! (#syGlass)
https://t.co/pQ1MRPk6gX

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@hahn__solo Mortifying.

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

Just played a video game with one of my kids for the first time. Totally surreal. So interesting to see her personality expressed is that situation. Now she clearly contemplates her plans for the next time we play. It's very cool. Thanks, @Minecraft . Wholesome stuff.

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@bendreyfuss I imagine people who have to worry about their packages being stolen sorta regularly, etc. and have to plan to be there close enough to when things are delivered might prefer to only have to worry about one delivery date?

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@hahn__solo Same. Almost glad my grandparents don't have to see the state of what they fought for.

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@AmtrakNECAlerts @MegKaplun Echoing other folks. We have to pay to DM you. This is absurd.

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@DebraHange1 That's exactly where I've been — and I deeply miss having the opportunity to connect with so many people. Lovely to hear from you. I hope we'll have a similar opportunity at some point soon, and I hope all is well with you and yours!

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

I've reached a level of fatherhood where I just want to play documentaries about the differences between orcas and humpback and sperm whales and whatnot and then debate which is the coolest type of whale with my kids.

There is a correct answer

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@beekmanplace78 Thoroughly agree! We're in an apartment, so we can't quite serve the avian community yet — but absolutely a plan if/when we move.

Right now, we just have our small urban garden and little plant-focused experiments. I *love* the idea of a bird feeder.

Hope all is well!

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@TooBokut So lovely to hear from you! Yep, they're a constant battle against household entropy

I miss the Periscope days tremendously! What a truly lovely moment in time

Correct answer: I'll confess that I primed them by regularly describing why sperm whales are outrageously amazing...

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@rdinx Likewise!! Wonderful to hear from you. And I couldn't possibly share that sentiment more!

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@DebraHange1 Likewise, and I know it's been a while. Turns out little ones demand quite a bit of time!

Hope all's well with you and yours.

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@danieljhan_ Alkyl is a great autocorrect

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@Sassephoto @DavidBflower @wilfmulder @weathernetwork @B_Ubiquitous @beyond90seconds Absolutely lovely. Thanks for providing these incredible images and I'm envious that you are able to observe them at such stellar resolution!

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

@Sassephoto @DavidBflower @IDADarkSky @B_Ubiquitous @NASAAstrobio I love that I get to periodically see the beautiful images that you capture, Christian. Wonderful, as always.

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

Here's a more metabolized explanation of these findings, as well as what they're exploring next (potential therapeutic applications for stroke!!)

https://t.co/lHr0YJjKFG

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

Very neat paper provides some insights regarding part of the mechanism of the therapeutic effects of a variety of psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ibogaine): reopening a "critical period" reflecting important developmental stages in adolescence.

https://t.co/zMHGVFlMz4

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

True fact.

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

Some additional popular coverage: https://t.co/MEKV0WvKRs

As transformational as these medications are expected to be, this potential application is fascinating—if only from a purely mechanistic perspective.

[Ian McLaughlin, PhD @_Anthropoid]

Interesting development as more people are prescribed semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, etc.), a GLP-1 agonist: people are experiencing diminished drives towards addictive behaviors.

Something worth keeping an eye on, but def begging for more basic research: https://t.co/9hKTl5XYMg