Scientists uncover meditation’s hidden side effects

Meditation is widely praised for its mental health benefits, but new research shows that it can also produce unexpected side effects for some people—from anxiety and dissociation to functional impairment. Psychologist Nicholas Van Dam and his team found that nearly 60% of meditators experienced some kind of effect, and about a third found them distressing.

Resetting the body’s rhythm could protect the brain from Alzheimer’s

Researchers discovered that altering the body’s natural rhythm can help protect the brain from Alzheimer’s damage. By turning off a circadian protein in mice, they raised NAD+ levels and reduced harmful tau buildup. The findings suggest that adjusting the body’s clock may one day help prevent neurodegeneration.

Your IQ may determine how well you hear in a crowd

New research reveals that intelligence plays a key role in how well people process speech in noisy environments. The study compared neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals and found that cognitive ability predicted performance across all groups. This challenges the idea that listening struggles are solely due to hearing loss, emphasizing the brain’s role in decoding complex soundscapes.

Scientists just found a molecule that could stop Parkinson’s in its tracks

Researchers have designed a peptide that prevents the deadly misfolding of alpha-synuclein, the protein behind Parkinson’s and some dementias. In lab and animal tests, it stabilized the protein and improved motor function. The work demonstrates the power of rational drug design in tackling brain diseases that have long lacked effective treatments.

Can meditation apps really reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia?

Meditation apps are revolutionizing mental health, providing easy access to mindfulness practices and new opportunities for scientific research. With the help of wearables and AI, these tools can now deliver personalized training tailored to individual needs.

Powerful new painkiller ADRIANA shows promise in ending opioid dependence

Japanese scientists have developed ADRIANA, a non-opioid painkiller that could provide powerful relief without the dangers of addiction. With successful trials already completed, large U.S. studies are now underway, raising hopes for a safer future in pain treatment.

This overlooked trait could explain anxiety and depression in millions

Researchers analyzing 33 studies found strong evidence that highly sensitive people are more prone to depression and anxiety but also more likely to benefit from therapy. Since about 31% of the population is highly sensitive, experts argue that clinicians should consider sensitivity levels when diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.