The Tox Lab

By The Tox LabScience

The Tox Lab episodes

May 19, 2025 Episode 28: Bicycle Day — Albert Hofmann and His Historic LSD Trip
What started as routine lab work led to one of the most iconic bike rides in scientific history. In this episode, we dive into the story of Albert Hofmann and the accidental discovery of LSD, tracing the events of the first intentional trip—now known as Bicycle Day. We explore LSD’s early promise in psychiatry, its rise as a recreational drug, and the reasons behind its prohibition. Finally, we examine its resurgence in modern research and what the future might hold for this powerful and controversial compound.

Hope you enjoy!

Link to Albert Hofmann's biography: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://maps.org/images/pdf/books/lsdmyproblemchild.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiro_yKx6yNAxWAVEEAHXSXBH4QFnoFCIABEAE&usg=AOvVaw2cVVcGZ3Mc8B9cfSVi0QTh

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.

Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab
Email us here: [email protected]
25 min
May 12, 2025 Episode 27: Ketamine - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
In this week’s episode, we explore the evolving role of ketamine in clinical practice—from its antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression to its potential use in opioid use disorder. But therapeutic promise comes with toxicologic concerns. We take a closer look at the consequences of chronic ketamine use, including ketamine use disorder, cognitive and urinary complications, and the broader impact on mental and physical health. Join us as we unpack the science, the risks, and the delicate balance between benefit and harm.
Hope you enjoy!
Links to the papers we discussed:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12040862/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10826084.2025.2497950?needAccess=true
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.70073
Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.
Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab
Email us here: [email protected]
26 min
May 05, 2025 Episode 26: Beyond Broscience: The Toxic Truth About SARMs
In this week’s episode, we explore the expanding role of SARMs in the performance-enhancing drug landscape. Often marketed in “research-only” products, these compounds are anything but risk-free. We delve into a recent systematic review outlining their adverse effects and take a closer look at a compelling case study of drug-induced liver injury and rhabdomyolysis linked to SARM use. Tune in as we unpack the toxicological truths behind these so-called “safer” anabolic alternatives.
Hope you enjoy!
Links to papers we discussed:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10204391/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8538264/
https://academic.oup.com/smoa/article/12/2/qfae018/7636151
Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.
Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab
Email us here: [email protected]
24 min
April 28, 2025 Episode 25: Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine – Uncovering Kratom’s Alkaloids
In this week's episode, we turn our focus to mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the primary active components of kratom. We explore what these alkaloids are, how they behave post-mortem, and what we know about their stability in biological matrices. We also discuss the evidence around 7-hydroxymitragynine’s role in respiratory depression, and the growing concern around kratom products in the U.S. that contain 7-hydroxymitragynine as their primary compound. Join us as we unpack the complexities surrounding these substances and their implications for toxicologists.

Hope you enjoy!

Links to papers we discussed:

https://academic.oup.com/jat/article-abstract/49/2/122/7934595?redirectedFrom=fulltext
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9314834/
https://www.cfsre.org/images/content/reports/public_alerts/7-Hydroxy_Mitragynine_NPS_Discovery_033125.pdf

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.

Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab
Email us here: [email protected]
23 min
April 21, 2025 Episode 24: What is in that Vape?
In this week’s episode, we delve into the growing issue of adulterated vapes. We explore a study uncovering synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) in THC vape products, and anabolic-androgenic steroids in e-cigarette cartridges seized from Scottish prisons. Join us as we unpack the toxicology behind these substances and what this emerging trend could mean for public health and the future of vaping.
Hope you enjoy!
Links to the papers we discussed:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.16671
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037907382400046X
Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.
Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab
Email us here: [email protected]
20 min
April 14, 2025 Episode 23: Death Coffee and Penconazole Toxicity
In this week's episode, we discuss a couple of interesting case reports including a case series on 'Death Coffee' and a complex suicide case involving penconazole.
Hope you enjoy!
Links to papers we discussed:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/npr2.70013
https://clinicaterapeutica.it/ojs/index.php/1/article/view/1195/812
Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.
Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab
Email us here: [email protected]
18 min
April 07, 2025 Episode 22: Harold Shipman Part 2: Exhuming the Truth
A suspicious will led to the exhumation of Kathleen Grundy—and toxicology revealed a shocking truth. In this week's episode, we examine the forensic testing that exposed Shipman’s crimes, from hair analysis to post-mortem drug screening and how this case changed the UK’s Coronial process forever.
Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.
Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab
Email us here: [email protected]
16 min
March 31, 2025 Episode 21: Harold Shipman - Dr Jekyll of Hyde
A trusted doctor. A quiet town. And a trail of unexplained deaths. In this episode, we trace Harold Shipman’s fall from promising physician to prolific killer. From his pethidine addiction to his use of diamorphine as a murder weapon, we uncover the early suspicions that could have stopped him—long before his final victim.
Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.
Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab
Email us here: [email protected]
19 min
March 24, 2025 Episode 20: Nitrous Oxide: No Laughing Matter
In this week's episode, we explore nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. We'll discuss its historical use, pharmacological effects, potential toxicities, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding its use. Join us as we uncover the complexities of this seemingly innocuous gas and its implications for public health.
Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.
Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab
Email us here: [email protected]
18 min
March 17, 2025 Episode 19: Poppy Seed Toxicity: The Truth Behind the Bagel
In this week's episode, we delve into the unexpected hazards associated with poppy seed consumption. We'll explore recent cases of thebaine poisoning in Australia linked to non-food-grade poppy seeds and the risks of opioid toxicity from unwashed seeds. Join us as we examine the chemistry behind these toxicities, share real-world cases, and discuss the implications for public health and safety.
Hope you enjoy!
Links to papers we've discussed:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2020.1866766?rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed&url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2023.2265053
Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.
Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab
Email us here: [email protected]
17 min

About The Tox Lab

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The Tox Lab is a podcast dedicated to exploring the science of toxicology and its real-world implications. Each week we aim to break down complex research, investigate real-life cases, and discuss emerging trends in toxicology.