Do you see what I see?

As a child, did it ever occur to you that your perception of color differed from that of others? It's quite common to have this thought, but it turns out that the human color experience may be more universal than we previously believed. In psychology and neuroscience, the relationship between subjective experience, such as how we perceive color, and physical brain activity has remained an unresolved problem. Furthermore, due to their limited language abilities, studying conscious experiences in children has posed a particular challenge. This inspired a team of researchers to establish a methodology for evaluating conscious experiences, or qualia, in young children. Focusing on their experience with color, the team developed a touch panel interface that requires only minimal language skills, making it accessible for children as young as 3 years old.

Yawn! Many people are bored by spiritual practice

We commonly consider spiritual practices sources of peace and inspiration. A recent study shows that they can also be experienced differently: Many persons feel bored during these practices -- and this can have far-reaching consequences. The results open up an entirely new field of research and provide fascinating insights into a phenomenon that has received only scant attention so far.

Scientific insights into how humans access deep spiritual states

Two seemingly opposite spiritual practices -- Buddhist jhana meditation and the Christian practice of speaking in tongues -- have more in common than previously thought, a new study suggests. While one is quiet and deeply focused, and the other emotionally charged and expressive, both appear to harness the same cognitive feedback loop to create profound states of joy and surrender.

Meditation induces changes in deep brain areas associated with memory and emotional regulation

Findings provide insight about its potential as a noninvasive therapy.

Psychotic-like experiences in adolescents linked to depression and self-destructive behavior

Psychotic-like experiences, such as suspiciousness and unusual thoughts, are common among adolescents who are referred to adolescent psychiatric care. The symptoms are often associated with depression and self-destructive behavior. Researchers emphasize the importance of their systematic assessment as part of adolescent care.

Egyptians drank hallucinogenic cocktails in ancient rituals, study confirms

Scholars for the first time identified chemical signatures of the components of a liquid concoction contained in a Bes mug. A new technique helped identify a sample flavored with honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice and grapes -- commonly used to make the beverage look like blood.

Only certain paranormal beliefs may be linked with more stress and distress

In a new study, feelings of distress and reduced ability to cope with stress were associated with traditional paranormal beliefs, but not with new age philosophy.