Why Are People Religious? A Cognitive Perspective
Researchers investigate both the cognitive and neurobiological basis of why so people have religious beliefs.... Read More...
neurotheology
Amazonian Psychedelic May Ease Severe Depression
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic drink made from Amazonian plants, may help relieve symptoms in those with treatment resistant depression, researchers report.... Read More...
Psychologists Asked Americans “What Does God Look Like?”
According to researchers, people perceptions on God depends upon their political stances and own demographic characteristics. Psychologist say liberal Christians tend to imaging God as looking more feminine and younger than conservatives, who see God as more Caucasian and powerful.... Read More...
Are Religious People Really, On Average, Less Smart than Atheists?
A new study addresses whether religiousity is associated with lower intelligence. Researchers report religious people appear to be predisposed to rely more heavily on intuition when it comes to decision making, over reasoning. They conclude cognitive training could allow religious minded people to maintain their believes without over relying on intuition when making decisions.... Read More...
How the God You Worship Influences the Ghosts You See
A new study looks at the psychological impact of religious teachings on death and reports the types of 'spiritual encounters' believers have differ, depending on their faith.... Read More...
Religious Belief Not Linked to Intuition or Rational Thinking
Researcher report religious beliefs are likely to be rooted in culture and spurred on by nurture, rather than primitive gut intuition.... Read More...
Studies Help Understand Why Some People Are So Sure They’re Right
Higher levels of critical thinking is associated with lower levels of dogmatism in both the religious and non-religious. Those who are most dogmatic are less likely to be able to look at issues from the perspective of others, a new study reports. ... Read More...
Researchers Rewire Brain of One Species to Have Connectivity of Another
Researchers have rewired the neural circuits of one species and given its connections to a new species. The study answers a number of questions about evolution of neural circuits and behavior.... Read More...
Who is Least Afraid of Death?
A new study reveals atheists and those who hold very religious beliefs are least afraid of dying.... Read More...
Neurological Link Between Epilepsy and Religious Experiences
A new study provides additional evidence that the tenancy for people to be drawn toward religious belief is neurologically based.... Read More...
Top 20 Neuroscience News Articles of 2016
2016 was a big year for neuroscience research. Here, we break down some of the top NeuroscienceNews articles of the year.... Read More...
Religious Beliefs Activate Neural Reward Circuits in Same Way As Sex and Drugs
Powerful spiritual feelings were associated with activation in the nucleus accumbens, an area of the brain associated with reward, a new study reports.... Read More...