Thinking about God inspires risk-taking for believers, study finds

Does thinking about faith make religious people more likely to take leaps? A new study says yes, finding that participants were more likely to take risks when thinking about God as a benevolent protector.  The study specifically looked at American Christians and 'morally neutral' risks. 

Meditation training can support wellbeing in older adults

Following an 18-month meditation program can improve the wellbeing of older adults, finds a new randomized controlled trial by an international team.

Distinct brain activity triggered by memories of trauma

It is well known that people who have lived through traumatic events like sexual assault, domestic abuse, or violent combat can experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including terrifying flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the incident. But what exactly happens in the brains of PTSD patients as they recall these traumatic events? Are they remembered the same way as, say, the loss of a beloved pet -- or, for that matter, a relaxing walk on the beach?

Simulating cold sensation without actual cooling

The perception of persistent thermal sensations, such as changes in temperature, tends to gradually diminish in intensity as our bodies become accustomed to the temperature. This phenomenon leads to a shift in our perception of temperature when transitioning between different scenes in a virtual environment. Researchers have now developed a technology to generate a virtual cold sensation via a non-contact method without physically altering the skin temperature.

Fresh light shed on mystery of infant consciousness

There is evidence that some form of conscious experience is present by birth, and perhaps even in late pregnancy, an international team of researchers has found. 

Awe-inspiring science can have a positive effect on mental wellbeing

Psychologists have revealed a profound connection between the spirituality of science and positive wellbeing, much like the benefits traditionally associated with religion.

Being a vegetarian may be partly in your genes

A person's genetic makeup plays a role in determining whether they can stick to a strict vegetarian diet, a new study has found. The findings open the door to further studies that could have important implications regarding dietary recommendations and the production of meat substitutes.

Curiosity about religion is viewed as morally virtuous, new research finds

People from diverse religious backgrounds in the United States view curiosity about religion as morally virtuous, according to new research. Atheists also view this curiosity as moral, although less moral than a lack of religious curiosity.

Where do we feel love?

New research sheds light on where and how we feel different kinds of love.

New evidence indicates patients recall death experiences after cardiac arrest

Up to an hour after their hearts had stopped, some patients revived by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) had clear memories afterward of experiencing death and had brain patterns while unconscious linked to thought and memory, report investigators.

Is digital media use a risk factor for psychosis in young adults?

A recent study of 425 Quebecers between the ages of 18 and 25 has found that young adults who have more frequent psychotic experiences also tend to spend more time using digital media. Interestingly, the study, which surveyed the participants over a period of six months, also found that spending more time on digital media did not seem to cause any change in the frequency of psychotic experiences over time.

Enter Sandman: Study shows dreams spill over into the workplace and can be channeled for productivity

Studies show that on any given morning, about 40 percent of the working population recalls its dreams. New research shows that when dreams are first recalled, people often draw connections between their dreams and waking lives, and the connections they draw alter how they think, feel and act at work.

How psychedelic drugs affect a rat's brain

Researchers have developed a technique for simultaneously measuring electrical signals from 128 areas of the brain in awake rats. They have then used the information to measure what happens to the neurons when the rats are given psychedelic drugs. The results show an unexpected and simultaneous synchronization among neurons in several regions of the brain.

Robot preachers get less respect, fewer donations

As artificial intelligence expands across more professions, robot preachers and AI programs offer new means of sharing religious beliefs, but they may undermine credibility and reduce donations for religious groups that rely on them.

In-person mindfulness courses help improve mental health for at least six months

In-person mindfulness courses help improve mental health for at least six months, study shows. Adults who voluntarily take part in mindfulness courses are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months after completing the programs, compared to adults who do not take part, a new analysis pooling data from 13 studies has confirmed.

Evidence of conscious-like activity in the dying brain

A new study provides early evidence of a surge of activity correlated with consciousness in the dying brain.

Is there a common path to the psychedelic experience?

A study takes a closer look at the neurobiology of psychedelic experiences caused by nitrous oxide, ketamine and LSD.

Positive experiences in close relationships are associated with better physical health, new research suggests

Social relationships influence physical health, but questions remain about the nature of this connection. New research suggests that the way you feel about your close relationships may be affecting the way your body functions.

Dizzy apes provide clues on human need for mind altering experiences

Great apes deliberately spin themselves in order make themselves dizzy -- findings which could provide clues about the role of altered mental states for origins of the human mind.