These five articles offer valuable insights into diverse fields of study. From exploring the evolutionary impact of our ancestors’ diet to understanding violence in Central America, human trafficking prosecution, and the dietary benefits of centipedes for lizards, each topic sheds light on essential aspects of our world. Visit the provided URLs to access the full articles and deepen your understanding of these fascinating subjects. Stay curious and continue learning with Knowmad Institut!

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The Knowmad Institut has selected three multidisciplinary studies for curation from the Knowmad Research Gateway that address topics of interest and relevance in the field of science and human rights. The first study explores the factors influencing consumers’ choice of cannabis products, highlighting the role of price and product quality. The second study focuses on the need for more scientific evidence on using cannabis for medicinal purposes and the genetic factors associated with treatment. The third study examines how incorporating 3D data from urban settlements can improve Europe’s population data quality and accuracy. 

Ayahuasca, a psychedelic beverage, has generated great optimism about its ability to treat depression. A new study, “Symptomatic specificity of the effect of ayahuasca on depressive symptoms,” conducted by authors Cody Sykes Gilbert, Mitch Earleywine, Maha N. Mian, and Brianna R. Altman, examines the specific effects of ayahuasca consumption on depressive symptoms. The study found that ayahuasca had a more significant impact on affective symptoms, such as hope, depressed mood, and happiness, compared to cognitive, interpersonal, and somatic symptoms. The study suggests that ayahuasca may be most helpful in treating affective symptoms of depression and has great potential for those who seek relief similar to that obtained with serotonergic medications.

A study has found that patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) who use cannabis have a lower risk of obesity and central obesity. The study, which analyzed data from the French ANRS CO22 Hepather cohort, used logistic regression models to examine the inverse relationship between cannabis use and body weight in HCV patients. The results showed that current cannabis use was associated with a lower risk of central obesity, BMI-based obesity, and overweight. This relationship was also observed in former cannabis use but to a lesser extent. The study suggests that cannabis use may be a factor in reducing obesity in HCV patients, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Synopsis Elina, a former homeless woman for over 25 years, shares her story of how she rose to prominence.   …