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neurotheology

·August 31, 2021·4 min read

Mapping the Brain Circuitry of Spirituality

Researchers find a region of the brain stem called the periaqueductal gray may mediate religiosity and spirituality in humans.

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 1, 2021·5 min read

Brain Circuit for Spirituality Identified

A new study has identified a specific brain circuit centered in the periaqueductal gray that is linked to spiritual acceptance and religiosity.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 11, 2021·5 min read

Meditative Practice and Spiritual Wellbeing May Preserve Cognitive Function in Aging

Kirtan Kriya, a simple meditation practice that centers on psychological and spiritual wellbeing, may help to reduce some Alzheimer's related risk factors and improve cognition in older adults.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·February 24, 2021·4 min read

Atheists and Believers Both Have Moral Compasses, but With Key Differences

Atheists are more likely to believe the morality of an action is based on its consequences, while theists are more inclined to endorse moral values that promote group cohesion. Both believers and non-believers share moral values related to protecting vulnerable individuals and liberty versus oppression, a new study concludes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 11, 2021·4 min read

Study Examines Religious Experiences and Depression

While attending religious services is generally associated with improvements in mental wellbeing, a new study reports spiritual experiences and belief in divine leading can lead to an increased risk of depression, especially in men.

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Featured Neuroscience

·January 30, 2021·5 min read

Are the Brains of Atheists Different to Those of Religious People?

Study reviews differences in cognitive processes between atheists and those who believe in a deity.

This shows the Fox sisters, believed to be the originators of the Victorian era Spiritualist movement

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·January 18, 2021·5 min read

How and Why Some People Report “Hearing the Dead”

Spiritualist mediums, those who believe they can hear and communicate with the dead, are more prone to immersive mental activities and unusual auditory experiences in early life.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 30, 2020·5 min read

Is Belief in God a Delusion?

A new study examines the relationship, and differences, between religion and delusion.

Featured Psychology

·October 22, 2020·2 min read

Is Spirituality a Component of Wisdom?

Researchers report spirituality may be a component of wisdom, but pro-social behaviors such as empathy and compassion are more critical elements.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 9, 2020·4 min read

Unconscious Learning Underlies Belief in a God

People whose brains are more predisposed to implicit pattern learning are more likely to believe in a deity, researchers report.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 25, 2020·3 min read

Silicon Valley’s latest fad is dopamine fasting – and that may not be as crazy as it sounds

Advocates of dopamine fasting claim it can help curb addictive behaviors and make daily life more pleasurable. Researchers explore the potential benefits of this new Silicon Valley trend.