Books and Articles for Agents of The Universe

Books on Psychedelics:

• How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan (2018)
  • Explores the history, science, and cultural influence of psychedelics, examining their potential to alter consciousness, improve mental health, and deepen the understanding of the human mind.
• Magic Mushroom Explorer: Psilocybin and the Awakening Earth by Simon G. Powell (2015)
  • Highlights the cultural and spiritual significance of psilocybin mushrooms in altering human perspectives.
• Darwin’s Pharmacy: Sex, Plants, and the Evolution of the Noosphere by Richard M. Doyle (2011)
  • Examines how psychedelics have influenced human consciousness, culture, and ecological awareness, proposing they play a role in the co-evolution of humanity and the biosphere.
• The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys – James Fadiman (2011)
  • A practical and philosophical guide to using psychedelics for spiritual growth and healing.
• DMT: The Spirit Molecule by Rick Strassman (2000)
  • Explores the scientific and spiritual implications of the psychoactive compound DMT, investigating its role in human consciousness.
• Acid Dreams: The Complete Social History of LSD by Martin A. Lee and Bruce Shlain (1985)
  • Chronicles the historical and cultural impact of LSD on society and consciousness exploration.

Books on Mind Expansion:

• What We Owe the Future – William MacAskill (2022)
  • Advocates for long-term thinking and ethical responsibility, aligning with Agents of the Universe’s themes of interconnectedness and humanity’s duty.
• The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge – Jeremy Narby (1998)
  • Explores the connection between ancient shamanic knowledge and molecular biology, bridging mystical and scientific realms.
• The Divine Within: Selected Writings on Enlightenment – Aldous Huxley (1992)
  • Highlights mystical experiences and their transformative potential.

Books on Health & Longevity:

• Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever – Ray Kurzweil and Terry Grossman (2004)
  • Explores cutting-edge advancements in health and life extension, resonating with Agents of the Universe’s themes of evolving human potential.

Books on Fiction

• American Gods – Neil Gaiman (2001)
  • A mythic tale weaving ancient gods with modern America, mirroring Agents of the Universe’s themes of spirituality, archetypes, and the intersection of belief systems.

Books on Science and Philosophy:

• The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow (2010)
  • Reviews the laws of the universe and their implications for understanding existence without invoking a creator.
• Conversations on the Edge of the Apocalypse by David Jay Brown (2005)
  • Discusses emerging challenges and philosophical perspectives on the future of humanity.
• Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space by Carl Sagan (1994)
  • Explores humanity’s insignificance in the vastness of the cosmos, urging a cosmic perspective on our existence.
• The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins (1976)
  • Argues that genes drive evolution and behavior, emphasizing the gene-centered view of natural selection.
• The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra (1975)
  • Connects Eastern mysticism and modern physics, showing parallels between spiritual insight and scientific discovery.
• Man and His Symbols by Carl G. Jung (1964)
  • Introduces Jungian concepts, including how individuals project inner conflicts and meanings onto the external world.

Books on Entrepreneurism:

• Third Circle Theory by Secret Entourage (2013)
  • Offers insights into finding personal purpose and understanding entrepreneurial success.

• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries (2011)
  • Provides a methodology for startup growth and product development focused on rapid iteration and customer feedback.
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey (1989)
  • Explores foundational principles for personal and professional effectiveness.

Books on Personal Growth and Mental Health:

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson (HarperOne, 2016)
  • Challenges traditional self-help concepts, encouraging focus on meaningful values.
• Flourish – Martin E.P. Seligman (2011)
  • Examines the principles of positive psychology and their applications to personal well-being.
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown (Hazelden Publishing, 2010)
  • Encourages embracing vulnerability and authenticity as paths to personal growth and wholehearted living.
• Rewire Your Brain by John B. Arden (Wiley, 2010)
  • Provides practical methods to improve mental health and cognitive function.
• In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté (Knopf Canada, 2008)
  • Explores the roots of addiction and the interplay of biology, psychology, and social environments.
• Be Here Now by Ram Dass (Harmony Books, 1971)
  • A spiritual journey exploring mindfulness, consciousness, and the interconnectedness of existence.

Books on Technology and Society:

• The Future is Faster Than You Think by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler (Simon & Schuster, 2020)
  • Examines rapidly advancing technologies—like AI, robotics, and virtual reality—and how their convergence will disrupt industries, reshape economies, and transform human lives.
• The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff (PublicAffairs, 2019)
  • Analyzes how big data and tech giants extract and commodify personal data, reshaping society and autonomy.
• Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari (Harper, 2017)
  • Examines humanity’s future as we evolve beyond biological constraints, delving into artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and the pursuit of happiness.
• The Fourth Industrial Revolution by Klaus Schwab (Currency, 2016)
  • Explores how emerging technologies are reshaping economies, industries, societies, and the human condition.
• The Third Wave by Alvin Toffler (Bantam Books, 1980)
  • Explores the transformation from industrial society to the information age, highlighting the evolution of power, values, and institutions.
• Future Shock by Alvin Toffler (Random House, 1970)
  • Analyzes how rapid technological and societal change leads to a sense of overwhelming disorientation, urging humanity to adapt to an accelerated future.

Books on Nature and Ecology:

• The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben (Greystone Books, 2015)
  • Reveals the intricate social networks of trees and how they communicate, cooperate, and survive together.
• Nature and the Human Soul: Cultivating Wholeness and Community in a Fragmented World – Bill Plotkin (2008)
  • Explores human development through a nature-based lens, advocating for a deeper connection with the natural world as a path to personal and societal transformation.
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Milkweed Editions, 2013)
  • Combines indigenous knowledge and botanical science to explore the reciprocal relationship between people and nature.
• Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education by Michael Pollan (Grove Press, 1991)
  • Shares reflections on gardening as a means to connect with the natural world and cultivate personal growth.

Books on History and Society:

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari (Harper, 2011)
  • Provides a comprehensive narrative of human history, connecting past trends to modern challenges.
• Property and Freedom by Richard Pipes (Alfred A. Knopf, 1999)
  • A libertarian examination of the role of the state, individual rights, and the ideal structure of society.
• Anarchy, State, and Utopia by Robert Nozick (Basic Books, 1974)
  • Examines the history and philosophy of private property, linking it to liberty and economic development.

---

Articles on Psychedelics and Mental Health

• Stress, Social Support, and the Buffering Hypothesis by Sheldon Cohen and Thomas A. Willis (1985)
  • Explores how social support buffers against the adverse effects of stress on mental health.
• Ibogaine: A Review by Kenneth Alper (2001)
  • Reviews research on ibogaine, focusing on its potential as a treatment for addiction.
• Psilocybin with Psychological Support for Treatment-Resistant Depression: An Open-Label Feasibility Study (2016).
  • Explores the feasibility and potential benefits of psilocybin therapy for depression resistant to conventional treatments.
• Trends in DMT and Other Tryptamine Use Among Young Adults in the United States by Joseph J. Palamar and Austin Le (2019).
  • Analyzes patterns and demographics of DMT and tryptamine use in young adults.
• Of Molecules and Minds: The Science of Ayahuasca” by Thomas Varley (2020)
  • Discusses the biochemical effects and therapeutic potential of ayahuasca.
• 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action by DrugBank Online (2021)
  • Examines the properties, interactions, and therapeutic potential of 5-MeO-DMT.
• Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics by Cato M. H. de Vos, Natasha L. Mason, Kim P. C. Kuypers (2021).
  • Summarizes research on psychedelics’ influence on neuroplasticity and mental health treatment.
• What Is DMT? by Tracy Pedersen (2022)
  • Provides an overview of DMT’s properties, uses, and potential risks.
• Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity by Abigail E. Calder and Gregor Halser (2022)
  • Reviews how psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin promote neuroplasticity for mental health benefits.
• Psychedelics and Neural Plasticity: Therapeutic Implications by Steven F. Grieco, Eero Castrén, Gitte M. Knudsen, Alex C. Kwan, David E. Olson, Yi Zuo, Todd C. Holmes, Xiangmin Xu (2022).
  • Highlights the role of psychedelics in promoting structural and functional brain changes.
• Everything You Need to Know About The Hallucinogenic Drug, DMT by Tom Rush and Adrienne Santos-Longhurst (2023)
  • Summarizes the uses, risks, and effects of DMT in recreational and therapeutic settings.
• Psychotherapy and Psychedelic Drugs by Gregor Hasler (2023).
  • Explores integrating psychedelics into psychotherapy to enhance mental health outcomes.
• Psychedelics Promote Plasticity by Directly Binding to BDNF Receptor TrkB by Rafael Moliner, Mykhailo Girych, Cecilia A. Brunello (2023).
  • Describes how psychedelics bind to TrkB receptors to stimulate neuroplasticity and therapeutic effects.
• A Comprehensive Review of the Current Status of the Cellular Neurobiology of Psychedelics by Blerida Banushi and Vince Polito (2023).
  • Details how psychedelics influence neural pathways to treat psychiatric disorders.
• Psilocybin Desynchronizes the Human Brain by Joshua S. Siegel, Subha Subramanian, Demetrius Perry, et al. (2024).
  • Investigates psilocybin’s effects on brain activity and altered perceptions.
• Ayahuasca: What You Need To Know by Cleveland Clinic (2024)
  • Provides an in-depth look at ayahuasca’s cultural, psychological, and therapeutic effects.
• Updates from MAPS by MAPS Official Website (2024).
  • Features recent findings, legislative updates, and MAPS organizational news on psychedelics.

---

Articles on Neuroscience and Technology

• Nano-Bioelectronics by Anqi Zhang, Charles M. Lieber (2016)
  • Explores the development of nanotechnology for bioelectronic interfaces.
• Nanomaterial-Based Microelectrode Arrays for In Vitro Bidirectional Brain–Computer Interfaces: A Review by Yaoyao Liu, Shihong Xu, Yan Yang, Kui Zhang, Enhui He, Wei Liang, Jinping Luo, Yirong Wu, Xinxia Cai (2022).
  • Reviews advancements in nanomaterials for improving brain-computer interface functionality.
• Advanced Machine Learning Approaches for Brain Mapping by Jianwen Tao, Di Zhou (2023)
  • Explores machine learning techniques for analyzing brain anatomy and neural function.
• Artificial Intelligence and Psychedelic Medicine by Jerome Sarris, Andreas Halman, Anna Urokohara, Mathew Lehrner, Daniel Perkins (2024).
  • Examines AI applications in psychedelic research, including drug discovery and personalized therapy.
• “Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity” by the National Institutes of Health (n.d.)
  • Highlights research on the role of psychedelics in enhancing neuroplasticity and brain function.

---

Articles on Science and Innovation

• Carbon Quantum Dots and Their Applications by Shi Ying Lim, Wei Shen, and Zhiqiang Gao (2015)
  • Highlights the synthesis, environmental benefits, and applications of carbon quantum dots in various industries.
• Mycelium Bio-Composites in Industrial Design and Architecture: Comparative Review and Experimental Analysis by Noam Attias, Ofer Danai, Tiffany Abitbol, Ezri Tarazi, Nirit Ezov, Idan Pereman, Yasha J. Grobman (2020).
  • Explores the use of mycelium-based materials as sustainable alternatives for industrial design and architecture.
• Synthesis and Applications of Fungal Mycelium-Based Advanced Functional Materials by Sehrish Manan, Muhammad Wajid Ullah, Mazhar Ul-Islam, Omar Mohammad Atta, Guang Yang (2021).
  • Discusses mycelium’s potential in biomedicine, packaging, and other industries as a sustainable material.
• Material Function of Mycelium-Based Bio-Composite: A Review by Libin Yang, Daekwon Park, Zhao Qin (2021).
  • Reviews the properties and potential applications of mycelium-based bio-composites for sustainable design.
• MycelioTronics: Fungal Mycelium Skin for Sustainable Electronics by Martin Danninger and Martin Kaltenbrunner (2022).
  • Introduces mycelium-based skins as eco-friendly alternatives for electronic components.
• Emerging Trends in Smart and Sustainable Nano-Biosensing: The Role of Green Nanomaterials by Shima Jafarzadeh, Nazila Oladzadabbasabadi, Mohammed Ali Dheyab, Maryam Azizi Lalabadi, Samira Sheibani, Mehran Ghasemlou, Yasaman Esmaeili, Colin J. Barrow, Minoo Naebe, and Wendy Timms (2024).
  • Examines advancements in nano-biosensing using green nanomaterials for diagnostics and environmental applications.
• Mushroom Blueprint Scores Biotech Breakthroughs by ASTAR Research (2024)
  • Highlights how fungi-inspired biotechnology innovations can aid industrial production of biofuels and perfumes.
• MIT Scientists Use a New Type of Nanoparticle to Make Vaccines More Powerful by Anne Trafton
  • Highlights nanoparticles that boost vaccine efficacy while lowering doses.
• Utilization of Fungal and Bacterial Bioremediation Techniques for the Treatment of Toxic Waste and Biowaste (2024).
  • Reviews the effectiveness of fungi and bacteria in detoxifying pollutants through bioremediation.
• Fungal Bioluminescence: Past, Present and Future by Wenhua Lu, Alviti Kankanamalage Hasith Priyashantha, Mahesh Chathuranga Abraham Galappaththi, Saowaluck Tibpromma, Dong-Qing Dai, Nimesha Madushani Patabendige, Bhagya M. Premarathne, Dinesh M. Kulasuriya, Aseni N. Ediriweera, Thilina Nimalrathna, Nakarin Suwannarach, Saisamorn Lumyong, Alvin M.C. Tang, Shi-Cheng Shao, and Samantha C. Karunarathna (2024)
  • Examines fungal bioluminescence’s mechanisms and industrial applications.
• Mycelium-Based Biomaterials as Smart Devices for Skin Wound Healing by Marco Ruggeri, Dalila Miele, Marco Contardi, Barbara Vigani, Cinzia Boselli, Antonia Icaro Cornaglia, Silvia Rossi, Giulia Suarato, Athanassia Athanassiou, Giuseppina Sandri (2023).
  • Details mycelium’s applications in regenerative medicine.
• Mycelium Materials in Product Design: A Sustainable Approach by Elise Elsacker, Evelien Peeters, Eveline K. P. Fransen (2021).
  • Explores mycelium’s role in eco-friendly, sustainable product design.
• Self-Regenerating Living Material Made of Printed Fungi by Martin Danninger, Martin Kaltenbrunner (2023).
  • Introduces 3D-printed fungal mycelium as a self-healing material.
• New Generation Nano-Biomaterials and Their Potential Application in Drug Delivery and Bio-Sensing by Bijayananda Panigrahi, Suresh K. Verma, Sourav Das, and Abhishek Kumar (2023)
  • This editorial introduces a collection of articles focusing on innovative nano-biomaterials designed for advanced drug delivery systems and bio-sensing technologies, highlighting recent developments and future prospects in nanotechnology for biomedical applications.
• Exploring the Frontiers of Nanotechnology by Scientific American Editorial Team
  • This dedicated section provides in-depth coverage of nanotechnology advancements, including applications in medicine, energy, and materials science, and its potential to revolutionize industries by operating at the atomic and molecular scale.

Articles on Sustainability and Design

• Mushroom® Packaging: Sustainable, Home-Compostable Protective Solutions
  • Features mycelium-based packaging as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic foams.
• Mushroom Leather Is Now a Scalable Alternative to Animal Leathers, Poised for Market Disruption by Brooke Roberts-Islam (2021)
  • Discusses the scalability and eco-friendly potential of mycelium-based leather in the fashion industry.
• A Review of Recent Advances in Fungal Mycelium-Based Composites by Chathura Madusanka, Dhanushka Udayanga, Renuka Nilmini, Suranga Rajapaksha, Choolaka Hewawasam, Dimuthu Manamgoda, and Juliana Vasco-Correa (2024)
  • Explores the sustainable production and industrial applications of mycelium composites.
• Mycelium as a Material for 3D Printing by Madeleine P. (2024).
  • Highlights mycelium’s potential as a biodegradable and renewable material for additive manufacturing.
• Lighting the Way: Danielle Trofe’s Fungus-Fueled Fixtures by Tanja Heuchele (2024)
  • Showcases sustainable lighting designs using mycelium by Danielle Trofe’s MushLume Lighting brand.

---

Articles on AI and Creativity

• Psychedelics and Creativity: A Review of the Quantitative Literature by Matthew J. Baggott (2015)
  • Evaluates studies on the effects of psychedelics on creativity, highlighting the challenges in measuring outcomes.
• AI in Music Production: Enhancing Human Creativity or Replacing It? by Musicians Institute (2023)
  • Discusses AI’s transformative impact on music production, balancing its potential benefits and challenges.
• How Has 3D Printing Revolutionized the Music Industry? by Madeleine P. (2023).
  • Explores 3D printing’s contributions to instrument customization and sustainability in music.

---

Articles on Social Interaction and Mental Health

• Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis by Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985)
  • Examines how social support reduces stress and protects against mental health issues.
• Social Support and Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Perceived Stress by Evelyn F. Acoba (2024).
  • Analyzes how social support helps mitigate stress and improve mental health outcomes.

Articles on Vietnamese Culture

• Culture of Vietnam: 7 Fascinating Cultural Insights by Mr. Linh’s Adventures (2018).
  • Provides an overview of Vietnam’s diverse cultural practices and traditions.
• Cultural Differences Between Asia and The Netherlands by Tiffany, Ruby, Yiqing (2020).
• Compares cultural practices between Asian countries and the Netherlands in social and professional contexts.
• Vietnamese Culture, Language, Customs and Etiquette by VietnamOnline.com (2023).
  • A comprehensive guide to Vietnam’s language, traditions, and cultural symbols.
• “Fear and Loathing in Vietnam: My Voyage into Psychedelics” — The Vietnamese Psychedelic Community — First Interview: Huy Nguyen, Triet Hoc Duong Pho by Minh Tu Le (2023).
  • Chronicles the evolving psychedelic community in Vietnam through interviews and cultural analysis.

---

For more books please visit: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/184188218