Five precepts of Buddhism may be linked to lower depression risk

A new study suggests that people with high levels of neuroticism and stress may be at greater risk for depressive symptoms, but those links could be buffered for people who observe the five precepts of Buddhism -- a fundamental system of ethics for the religion's followers.

Is ayahuasca safe? New study tallies adverse events

There is a high rate of adverse physical effects and challenging psychological effects from using the plant-based psychoactive ayahuasca, though they are generally not severe, according to a new study.

Even in kindergarten, gaps seen in extracurricular activities

It doesn't take long for gaps to appear between children who participate in extracurricular activities and kids who don't, a new study found.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction is as effective as an antidepressant drug for treating anxiety disorders, study finds

A guided mindfulness-based stress reduction program was as effective as use of the gold-standard drug -- the common antidepressant drug escitalopram -- for patients with anxiety disorders, new research finds.

Lucid dying: Patients recall death experiences during CPR

One in five people who survive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after cardiac arrest may describe lucid experiences of death that occurred while they were seemingly unconscious and on the brink of death, a new study shows.

Male and female travelers' 'transformations'

A new study has revealed men and women experience change while travelling in similar ways. Consumers are increasingly seeking activities that help them achieve new levels of enrichment and since the lift of COVID-19 travel restrictions, they are more conscious of the value they want to gain from their holidays.

New research shows link between workplace bullying and conspiracy beliefs

New research has shown that people who experience bullying in the workplace are more likely to engage in conspiracy theorizing.

People with paranormal beliefs spooked by science and the COVID-19 vaccine, sociologists suggest

Previous research has shown that people with conservative religious beliefs are more likely to lack confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine, but most studies have observed only mainstream or institutionalized religious forms. Researchers were curious whether paranormal beliefs -- beliefs in astrology and spirits, for instance -- would be associated with a similar lack of confidence.

New study expands range of potential Alzheimer's drugs

Alzheimer's disease is associated with a reduction of insulin receptors in brain microvessels, which may contribute to brain insulin resistance and the formation of amyloid plaques, one of the disease's hallmarks. The findings could affect the search for new Alzheimer's drugs.

Lower mortality rates for men 50-plus who attend religious services, study suggests

Can regularly attending religious services actually extend your life? A new study suggests that men of color are discovering life affirming -- and life extending -- rewards of belonging to a community of worship.

Teachers' turnover intentions, burnout and poor work climate are interlinked

The risk of burnout and poor experienced teacher-working environment fit is increased among teachers with persistent turnover intentions. However, positive experiences in the workplace seem to protect against cynicism and exhaustion, according to a new study.

Psychedelics may lessen fear of death and dying, similar to feelings reported by those who've had near death experiences

In a survey study of more than 3,000 adults, researchers compared psychedelic experiences with near-death experiences that were not drug related and found notable similarities in people's attitudes toward death.

Religiousness, spirituality linked to better heart health among African Americans

In a study of nearly 3,000 African American adults, those who reported more frequent church attendance, private prayer and 'feeling God's presence' were more likely to meet the American Heart Association's key metrics for optimal cardiovascular health, compared to others reporting less frequent religious participation or no such beliefs. Researchers note this is the first evidence that strong religious beliefs and spirituality may have beneficial effects on the heart health of African American men and women.

Study with military suggests 'blended' individual and team mindfulness is at least as effective as standard mindfulness training

New study suggests that a 'blended' eight-week mindfulness program that adds Team Mindfulness Training (TMT) to a shortened version of the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course for individual mindfulness is just as effective as the standard MBSR course alone. It may even offer further benefit by increasing collective stress management skills.

Risk of premature death in adulthood influenced by patterns of early childhood adversity

Poverty, combined with other types of adversity in early childhood, is associated with greater chances of premature death in adulthood, compared to other adverse childhood experiences, according to a study of more than 46,000 people.

Seeing through someone else's eyes: Proposing objective criteria to examine subjective experiences

Researchers propose objective criteria to examine subjective experiences and reveal their neuronal basis.

Pinpointing consciousness in animal brain using mouse 'brain map'

Science may be one step closer to understanding where consciousness resides in the brain. A new study shows the importance of certain types of neural connections in identifying consciousness.

Brain imaging reveals how mindfulness program boosts pain regulation

Research has isolated the changes in pain-related brain activity that follow mindfulness training -- pointing a way toward more targeted and precise pain treatment.

Spirituality linked with better health outcomes, patient care

The study is the most rigorous and comprehensive analysis to date of scientific literature on health and spirituality. Overlooking spirituality in health care leaves patients feeling disconnected from the health care system and from the clinicians caring for them. Asking about a patient's spirituality should be part of patient-centered, value-sensitive care, new research suggests.

Mindfulness meditation reduces pain by separating it from the self

Mindfulness meditation is effective in reducing pain relief; a new study reveals the underlying neural circuitry.

Link between recognizing our voice and feeling in control

Being able to recognize our own voice is a critical factor for our sense of control over our speech, according to a new study. If people think they hear someone else's voice when they speak, they do not strongly feel that they caused the sound. This could be a clue to understanding the experience of people who live with auditory hallucinations and could help to improve online communication and virtual reality experiences.

Being mindful can improve your interactions with co-workers, new study finds

Although mindfulness originates within an individual, a new study has found the benefits do not end with this person. The real payoffs emerge when an individual's mindfulness is translated into mindful interactions and relationships. Such interactions -- infused with intentionality, compassion and presence -- can bring about more harmonious and healthy organizations.

New research shows no evidence of structural brain change with short-term mindfulness training

A team found flaws in previous research that purported to show meditation could alter the brain's structure.

Making sure workers have a 'good' day gives companies a competitive advantage

Researchers have identified five types of daily workplace experiences that influence employees' creative performance.

How is it possible to remember selfless experiences?

People who practice intensive meditation report memories of states in which their sense of self dissolves. Is this at all possible?

Links between paranormal beliefs and cognitive function described by 40 years of research

In a review of 71 studies that explored links between belief in paranormal phenomena and cognitive function, most of the findings align with the hypothesis that such beliefs are associated with cognitive differences or deficits.

The ethics of research on 'conscious' artificial brains

Authors lay out an ethical framework that assumes brain organoids already have consciousness. The paper argues that this framework is not exclusive to brain organoids and can be applied to anything that is perceived to hold consciousness.

Recalled experiences surrounding death: More than hallucinations?

Scientific advances in the 20th and 21st centuries have led to a major evolution in the understanding of death. At the same time, for decades, people who have survived an encounter with death have recalled unexplained lucid episodes involving heightened consciousness and awareness. These have been reported using the popular -- yet scientifically ill-defined -- term 'near-death experiences'.

New study explores relationship between psychedelics and consciousness

A new study addresses the question of whether psychedelics might change the attribution of consciousness to a range of living and nonliving things.

Audio files are being used as 'digital drugs', survey suggests

A new study sheds light on the little-known phenomenon of binaural beats, where sounds purportedly evoke psychoactive effects.

Spirituality can improve quality of life for heart failure patients, study finds

Numerous studies have shown that spirituality can help improve quality of life for people with chronic diseases like cancer. According to a literature review, spirituality can also have a positive impact on quality of life for heart failure patients.

Largest ever psychedelics study maps changes of conscious awareness to neurotransmitter systems

In the world's largest study on psychedelics and the brain, a team of researchers have shown how drug-induced changes in subjective awareness are anatomically rooted in specific neurotransmitter receptor systems.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy benefits people with depression through promoting self-kindness

New research shows that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can help promote self-kindness in people with a history of depression, thereby putting their bodies in a state of safety and relaxation.

Mindfulness meditation can reduce guilt, leading to unintended negative social consequences, study finds

Mindfulness meditation is a stress-management practice with ancient lineage that cultivates nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment, often by directing attention to the physical sensations of breathing. But there may be an unanticipated downside to secular mindfulness meditation practices, according to new research.

Mindfulness therapy reduces opioid misuse and chronic pain in primary care, according to new research

Results from a new clinical trial demonstrate that an eight-week mindfulness-based therapy decreased opioid use and misuse while reducing chronic pain symptoms, with effects lasting as long as nine months.