 Conferees attended a rigorous series of informative presentations lasting well into late evening... This symposium enlarged the Israeli researchers' point of view toward MDMA and similar substances and served to reduce the stigma associated with them. |
Left to right: Deborah Mash, Rick Doblin and Alex Gamma discussing MDMA research onboard a Sea of Galilee water taxi. |
The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in caves much like this one in the cliffs overlooking En Gedi between Qumran and Masada on the western shores of the Dead Sea. |
Dr. Raphael Mechoulam is internationally famous for his research into the constituents of marijuana. |
Alex Gamma, University of Zuerich, discussed EEG data from MDMA-naive subjects given 1.7 mg/kg of MDMA. |
The most important new data about MDMA neurotoxicity was presented by Dr. Franz Vollenweider, University of Zuerich. |
Jose Carlos Bouso (Spain) presents his MDMA/PTSD study, with some translating help from Christopher Ryan (right). Bouso, Charles Grob and the Israeli team received invaluable feedback on their studies from colleagues. |
Matt Baggott presented a new analysis designed to extrapolate from animal data what dose in humans would cause the first signs of long-term reductions in serotonin levels. |
Ripples in the viscous waters of the Dead Sea. Like these expanding waves, the after-effects of the 1999 international symposium on MDMA will be felt for years to come. Collegial relationships among scientists were forged and solidified across national boundaries, a development which augers well for both research quality and chances of approval. In all, it was one of MAPS' finest moments. |
