A hallucinogenic substance found in "magic mushrooms" might be able to help smokers kick the habit.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University recruited a small group of long-time heavy smokers and treated them with cognitive behavioral therapy for 15 weeks and a dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin at the five-week mark, when they agreed to stop smoking. psilocybin is found in certain mushrooms and causes intense hallucinations.
Of the 15 participants, 12 had quit smoking six months after being treated with the drug. Researchers believe it works by derailing brain patterns that cause addiction.
Additional research is needed, experts say.
CDC: Kids are getting too much salt
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 90 percent of schoolchildren are getting too much salt in their diets. That's putting them at risk for developing high blood pressure and heart disease later in life.
The CDC says that, on average, kids get 3,300 milligrams of sodium per day. That's about 1,000 more than recommended. Researchers say most of it comes from store-bought processed foods rather than from the kitchen salt shaker.
Early therapy may help with autism
Early behavioral therapy may help prevent babies from developing autism or limit its severity.
Typically, children aren't diagnosed with autism until age 3 or later.
Researchers looked at seven babies, and after the behavioral therapy, five of them no longer showed signs of autism.
Scientists say the results are promising, but much more research is needed.