Articles
Dynamic brain states underlying advanced concentrative absorption meditation: A 7-T fMRI-intensive case study.
Network neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.) – January 01, 2025
Summary
Advanced meditation reveals fascinating insights into consciousness. A study using 7-T fMRI analyzed a seasoned meditator during deep absorption practices. It identified three distinct dynamic brain states: heightened connectivity, reduced physical sensation, and increased self-awareness, showcasing how advanced meditators navigate altered states effectively.
Abstract
Advanced meditation consists of states and stages of practice that unfold with mastery and time. Dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) analysis of ...
From contemplation to serenity: how yoga meditation improves the mental health of female college students?
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Yoga meditation offers powerful benefits for female college students, enhancing emotional regulation and providing significant stress relief. Through assessments and personal reflections, participants showed reduced anxiety and improved psychological resilience. This practice fosters lasting mental health improvements, making it a valuable addition to campus wellness programs.
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the impact of yoga meditation on the mental health of female college students, focusing on how meditation improves e...
Psilocybin-Assisted Group Psychotherapy + Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Frontline Healthcare Provider COVID-19 Related Depression and Burnout: A Randomized Clinical Trial
medRxiv – December 31, 2024
Summary
Frontline healthcare providers faced unprecedented stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant depression and burnout. This trial explored the combined effects of psilocybin and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Results showed marked improvements in mental well-being, highlighting a promising approach for recovery.
Abstract
Objective This clinical trial sought to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of psilocybin and MBSR for frontline healthcare providers with...
Cortical Changes Associated with Isha Kriya Meditation Revealed by Encephalography in Novice and Experienced Meditators – a Longitudinal Pilot Study
bioRxiv – December 30, 2024
Summary
Meditation can reshape our brain activity, and a recent study highlights the positive impact of Isha Kriya meditation on cortical changes. By using encephalography, researchers found that both novice and experienced meditators showed enhanced brain function after practicing this accessible technique, promoting better mental well-being.
Abstract
Background Isha Kriya (IK) is a widely available meditation practice that incorporates breathing regulation that has shown to improve self-reported...
Neural differences in conflict monitoring and stimulus expectancy processes in experienced meditators are likely driven by enhanced attention
bioRxiv – December 23, 2024
Summary
Mindfulness meditation may sharpen attention and improve brain function. This study examined experienced meditators' brain responses to conflicts and expectations using advanced techniques. Findings revealed that their enhanced attention leads to more effective conflict monitoring, highlighting the positive impact of meditation on cognitive processes.
Abstract
Objectives Mindfulness meditation has been linked to enhanced attention and executive function, likely resulting from practice-related effects on n...
A Virtual Music Mindfulness Tool for Individuals of African descent during COVID-19
medRxiv – December 23, 2024
Summary
During the pandemic, mental health disparities widened, particularly for marginalized groups. This study explored a virtual music mindfulness program for individuals of African descent with anxiety. Over eight weeks, participants reported lower stress levels, highlighting the effectiveness of accessible, community-based mental health tools.
Abstract
Mental health disparities result from complex factors, including differential diagnoses, lack of access to standard mental health treatments, and i...
Collapse of directed functional hierarchy under classical serotonergic psychedelics
bioRxiv – December 21, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT significantly alter how our brains process information. This study reveals that these substances reduce the brain's functional hierarchy, promoting greater flexibility in thought patterns. This shift may explain the unique cognitive experiences during and after psychedelic use, hinting at their therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
It has been proposed that psychedelics induce profound functional changes to the hierarchical organisation of the human brain. Yet the term hierarc...
Scoring information integration with statistical quality control enhanced cross-run analysis of data-independent acquisition proteomics data
bioRxiv – December 19, 2024
Summary
A new tool significantly enhances proteomics data analysis by improving the consistency of peptide identification across multiple runs. This innovative approach, leveraging deep learning, outperformed existing methods, identifying up to 38.5% more proteins linked to cancer. It streamlines data integration, boosting reliability in research findings.
Abstract
The peptide-centric strategy is widely applied in data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics to analyze multiplexed MS2 spectra. However, curren...
Tags
Time-resolved neural and experience dynamics of medium- and high-dose DMT
bioRxiv – December 19, 2024
Summary
DMT, a powerful psychedelic, can dramatically alter consciousness and brain activity. In a study with 19 participants, both medium and high doses led to profound visual and emotional experiences, especially at higher doses. Interestingly, the expected link between neural complexity and these experiences was weaker than anticipated, prompting new insights into how psychedelics affect the mind.
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a fast-acting psychedelic drug that induces a radical reorganisation of conscious contents and brain dynamics. Howe...
Tags
Diminished functional gradient of the precuneus during altered states of consciousness
bioRxiv – December 17, 2024
Summary
Research reveals that the brain's default mode network (DMN) and frontoparietal control network (FPCN), crucial for our mental functions, interact in surprising ways. By examining the precuneus region, scientists found that these networks share a continuous functional gradient. This gradient shifts during altered states of consciousness, indicating a complex relationship that blends their roles in our cognitive experience.
Abstract
The relationship between the default mode network (DMN) and task-positive networks, such as the frontoparietal control network (FPCN), is a promine...
Psychedelic enhancement of flexible learning weeks after a single dose
bioRxiv – December 17, 2024
Summary
A single dose of a specific psychedelic has been shown to enhance cognitive flexibility in mice, allowing them to adapt learned rules to new situations weeks later. This improvement aligns with structural changes in the brain's prefrontal cortex, highlighting the potential for psychedelics to support long-lasting learning and adaptability.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs have shown therapeutic potential for the treatment of multiple neuropsychiatric disorders chiefly by promoting long-lasting plast...
Psilocybin causes sex, time, and dose dependent alterations in brain signaling pathways
bioRxiv – December 16, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a promising treatment for mental health issues, shows intriguing effects on brain signaling that vary by dose and sex. In a study with mice, low doses produced lasting changes in gene expression, particularly in females, suggesting potential benefits for therapy. These findings highlight the importance of dosage and timing in psilocybin treatments.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a psychedelic tryptamine that has emerged as a potential candidate for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including treatment ...
Restoring Oscillatory Dynamics in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Laminar Whole-Brain Model of Serotonergic Psychedelic Effects
bioRxiv – December 15, 2024
Summary
Recent findings suggest that classical psychedelics could help restore brain function in Alzheimer’s disease. By modeling brain activity in patients, researchers demonstrated how these substances enhance healthy neural oscillations. This approach reveals a promising pathway for future treatments, highlighting the potential of psychedelics in neurodegenerative care.
Abstract
Classical serotonergic psychedelics show promise in addressing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease by modulating pathological b...
Effects of serotonin agonists LSD and 25CN-NBOH on conditioned place preference and on synaptic plasticity of VTA dopamine neurons in mice
bioRxiv – December 12, 2024
Summary
Recent findings highlight that LSD and a related compound, 25CN-NBOH, do not create strong preferences in mice, supporting the idea that psychedelics are not addictive. However, these substances did enhance synaptic plasticity in key dopamine neurons, suggesting they may influence brain reward systems in unique ways.
Abstract
The current research on psychedelic compounds such as lysergic amide diethylamide (LSD) is leaning heavily on the notion that psychedelics are not ...
Short- and long-term reconfiguration of rat prefrontal cortical networks following single doses of psilocybin
bioRxiv – December 10, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, significantly alters brain activity in ways that could enhance mental health. In a study with rats, researchers found that a single dose triggered unique high-frequency brain oscillations in the prefrontal cortex, lasting up to an hour. Over days, brain activity patterns evolved, suggesting psilocybin may foster lasting changes in neural networks.
Abstract
We quantify cellular- and circuit-resolution neural network dynamics following therapeutically relevant doses of the psychedelic psilocybin. Using ...
The model multiple: Representing cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.
History of the human sciences – December 10, 2024
Summary
In Africa, cancer research has evolved through diverse models that reflect unique local realities. This study highlights how various approaches—like anatomical and statistical models—shape our understanding of cancer's impact. By exploring these methods, it reveals the multiplicity of insights that inform effective public health strategies.
Abstract
Over the past half-century, modelling has come to play an increasingly important role in cancer research. These representational tools frame percep...
The Role of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Ego Dissolution and Emotional Arousal During the Psychedelic State
bioRxiv – December 09, 2024
Summary
During LSD experiences, a fascinating interplay occurs in the brain that enhances feelings of ego dissolution and emotional arousal. This study found that stronger connections in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) correlate with more positive moods. The findings suggest that LSD may help regulate emotions by altering brain connectivity, offering insights into potential treatments for anxiety and depression.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classic serotonergic psychedelic that induces a profoundly altered conscious state. In conjunction with psych...
Tags
Episodic slow breathing in mice markedly reduces fear responses
bioRxiv – December 09, 2024
Summary
Controlled breathing can significantly lower stress and anxiety, as shown in a study using mice. By slowing their breathing for 30 minutes daily over four weeks, researchers observed marked reductions in fear responses. This suggests that the benefits of deep breathing extend beyond mere psychological effects, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications.
Abstract
We sought to delineate neural mechanisms underlying the effects of controlled breathing in humans, such as in meditation or breathwork, which can r...
Tags
A Comparative Study of Muscular, Vestibular, and Haptic Stimulation on Dream Incorporation
bioRxiv – December 05, 2024
Summary
Did you know that our dreams can be influenced by physical sensations? This research examined how different types of body stimulation—muscular, vestibular, and haptic—affect what we dream about. Participants experienced these stimuli during sleep, leading to dream reports. Surprisingly, all types of stimulation showed similar effects, highlighting the complexities of how our sensory experiences shape dreams.
Abstract
The connection between the dreamed body and the real physical body remains a subject of ongoing investigation. This study explored how the dreamed ...
Tags
Discovery of the closest free-living relative of the domesticated “magic mushroom” Psilocybe cubensis in Africa
bioRxiv – December 03, 2024
Summary
The closest wild relative of the popular “magic mushroom” has been found in sub-Saharan Africa. This new species, P. ochraceocentrata, shares a lineage with Psilocybe cubensis, dating back 1.5 million years. Both thrive on herbivore dung, hinting at their shared ecological history and enriching our understanding of psychedelic mushrooms.
Abstract
The “magic mushroom” Psilocybe cubensis is cultivated worldwide for recreational and medicinal uses. Described initially from Cuba in 1904, there h...
Tags
Integrated phenomenology and brain connectivity demonstrate changes in nonlinear processing in jhana advanced meditation
bioRxiv – November 29, 2024
Summary
Meditation can profoundly alter brain function. This study explored how advanced concentrative meditation, known as jhana, affects neural connectivity. By analyzing EEG data from a highly experienced meditator, researchers found that non-oscillatory brain dynamics are key to understanding this meditative state. These insights reveal a unique balance in processing information, enhancing our understanding of consciousness and attention.
Abstract
We present a neurophenomenological case study investigating distinct neural connectivity regimes during an advanced concentrative absorption medita...
Tags
Synergistic Behavioral and Neuroplastic Effects of Psilocybin-NMDAR Modulator Administration
bioRxiv – November 28, 2024
Summary
Combining psilocybin with NMDAR modulators like D-serine and D-cycloserine shows promise in enhancing the benefits of psychedelics while reducing side effects. In studies with mice, this combination improved neuroplasticity and reduced hyperactivity, suggesting a safer, more effective approach for treating mental health disorders.
Abstract
The full therapeutic potential of serotonergic psychedelics (SP) in treating neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia, is l...
Resting-state functional connectivity and fast spindle temporal organization contribute to episodic memory consolidation in healthy aging
bioRxiv – November 28, 2024
Summary
Aging affects how we consolidate memories, but this study reveals that strong brain connections during wakefulness enhance memory retention. It also found that organized sleep spindles boost this effect, promoting better integration of new information. Together, these factors support healthier memory function in older adults.
Abstract
Episodic memory consolidation relies on the functional specialization of brain networks and sleep quality, both of which are affected by aging. Fun...
Tags
Enhanced Brain-Heart Connectivity as a Precursor of Reduced State Anxiety After Therapeutic Virtual Reality Immersion
bioRxiv – November 28, 2024
Summary
Therapeutic virtual reality can significantly enhance brain-heart connectivity, leading to reduced state anxiety. In a recent study, participants experienced immersive VR sessions that improved their emotional regulation and lowered anxiety levels. This innovative approach offers promising insights into effective anxiety treatment strategies.
Abstract
State anxiety involves transient feelings of tension and nervousness in response to threats, which can escalate into anxiety disorders if persisten...
Tags
Individual differences in the effects of musical familiarity and musical features on brain activity during relaxation
bioRxiv – November 27, 2024
Summary
In our fast-paced world, finding relaxation can be challenging. This study shows that familiar music significantly enhances relaxation by activating brain areas linked to emotion and memory. Participants responded differently to music types, revealing that some find energetic tunes relaxing if familiar. Personalizing music for stress relief could be key!
Abstract
Finding a way to relax is increasingly difficult in our overstimulating modern society and chronic stress can have severe psychological and physiol...
Tags
Circuit mechanisms underlying sexually dimorphic outcomes of early life stress
bioRxiv – November 27, 2024
Summary
Early life stress can shape brain development, leading to distinct behavioral effects in males and females. In a study with adolescent mice, stress triggered anxiety and anhedonia in females, while males exhibited hyperactivity and social deficits. Targeting specific brain circuits showed promise in reversing these issues, highlighting sex differences in mental health outcomes.
Abstract
Stress during early life influences brain development and can affect social, motor, and emotional processes. We describe a striking sex difference ...
A Protocol for Adapting a Mindfulness-Based Intervention with Contingency Management to Reduce Alcohol Misuse Among Latine Emerging Adults
medRxiv – November 18, 2024
Summary
Emerging adulthood is a pivotal time for risky drinking, particularly among underserved Latine youth. This study adapts a Mindfulness-Based Intervention with Contingency Management to help reduce alcohol misuse. Initial findings suggest that this culturally tailored approach effectively enhances emotional regulation and encourages healthier drinking habits.
Abstract
Emerging adulthood (ages 18-25 years old) is a critical period for the onset of problematic drinking, especially within underserved populations, su...
We are the sensors of consciousness! A review and analysis on how awakenings during sleep influence dream recall
bioRxiv – November 13, 2024
Summary
Awakening during sleep can significantly boost dream recall. This study explores how different awakening methods affect memory of dreams, considering factors like personality and motivation. Findings reveal that those awakened in lighter sleep stages report more vivid dreams, highlighting the connection between consciousness and dream experiences.
Abstract
Purpose Since the 1930s, researchers have awakened people from different stages of sleep to record what they have experienced. While some aspects, ...
Tags
LIN-35 and the DREAM complex promote temperature stress induced increases in germline apoptosis and cytoplasmic streaming in C. elegans
bioRxiv – November 13, 2024
Summary
As temperatures rise, some species adapt better than others. In C. elegans, a nematode, researchers found that increased germline apoptosis, or cell death, helps maintain fertility under moderate heat stress. Key players in this process are LIN-35 and the DREAM complex, which manage cellular responses crucial for survival.
Abstract
As modest increases in temperature become more common due to global climate change, species are being subjected to moderate temperature stress that...
Tags
Safety and cognitive pharmacodynamics following dose escalations with 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC): a first in human, designer drug study
medRxiv – November 12, 2024
Summary
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that low to moderate doses of 3-MMC, a designer drug, were well tolerated and safe. Participants experienced increased heart rate and blood pressure but showed improved cognitive performance without significant risks. Mild effects on appetite and drug desire were noted, suggesting manageable use in controlled settings.
Abstract
3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) is a designer drug that belongs to the group of synthetic cathinones. The compound has been scheduled in many jurisdi...