http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/spirituality/ A scientific look at the nature of spirituality, including meditation, near death experiences, religion and altered states of consciousness. en-us Mon, 12 May 2008 21:05:01 EDT Mon, 12 May 2008 21:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/spirituality/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506163918.htm Gambling activity is widespread among US adolescents and young adults ages 14 through 21, according to a new study. Results of the first national survey of its kind show problem gambling -- described as gambling with three or more negative consequences (for example, gambling more than you intended or stealing money to gamble) in the past year -- occurring at a rate of 2.1 percent among youth 14 to 21. That percentage projects to approximately 750,000 young problem gamblers nationwide. Wed, 07 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506163918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501062745.htm Nearly one in three children admitted to pediatric intensive care will experience delusions or hallucinations, which put them at higher risk for post-traumatic stress symptoms, according to a new study of children's experiences in a pediatric intensive care unit. Thu, 01 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501062745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080429171000.htm New research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that commonalities do indeed exists across synesthaetes. In their own study of 70 synesthaetes, and a reanalysis of 19 more in previously published data, psychologists have found that synesthaetes share certain grapheme-color combinations. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080429171000.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417211539.htm Anticholinergic drugs, such as medicines for stomach cramps, ulcers, motion sickness and urinary incontinence, may cause older people to experience greater decline in their thinking skills than people not taking the drugs. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417211539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416114410.htm Older people remain vital and active members of society as they age, despite a popular notion that they are more likely to be socially isolated. A research team found that although older individuals have fewer intimate relationships, they may respond to social loss by becoming more likely to volunteer, attend religious services and spend time with their neighbors than those in their 50s. Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416114410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160731.htm A new study supports the idea that depression is truly a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease rather than a subtle early sign of its underlying pathology. The study found no evidence of an increase in depressive symptoms during the prodromal phase before the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172129.htm Discrimination against overweight people is as common as racial discrimination, according to a Yale analysis. The study also revealed that women are twice as likely as men to report weight discrimination and that weight discrimination in the workplace and interpersonal mistreatment due to obesity is common. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320205207.htm The use of continuous deep sedation for patients nearing death in the Netherlands is increasing, while cases of euthanasia have declined, according to a new study. Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320205207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215151215.htm Is nanotechnology morally acceptable? For a significant percentage of Americans, the answer is no, according to a recent survey of Americans' attitudes about the science of the very small. New survey results that show religion exerts far more influence on public views of technology in the United States than in Europe. Sun, 17 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215151215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080103090644.htm In the first study examining American physicians' use of placebos in clinical practice in the 21st century, 45 percent of Chicago internists report they have used a placebo at some time during their clinical practice. Fri, 04 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080103090644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080101093855.htm For many, religious activity changes between childhood and adulthood, and a new study finds this could affect one's mental health. Women who had stopped being religiously active were more than three times more likely to have suffered generalized anxiety and alcohol abuse/dependence than women who reported always having been active. Conversely, men who stopped being religiously active were less likely to suffer major depression when compared to men who had always been religiously active. Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080101093855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071219082600.htm The VCU Life Sciences Survey is the first poll to reflect the discovery reported internationally in November that human skin cells can be used to create stem cells or their near equivalents. When asked about the implications of this development, more than six in 10, or 63 percent, say that both embryonic and nonembryonic stem cell research is still needed, 22 percent say this development means embryonic stem cell research is no longer necessary. Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071219082600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071210163123.htm Although psychiatrists are among the least religious physicians, they seem to be the most interested in the religious and spiritual dimensions of their patients, according to survey data. Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071210163123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071114111135.htm For some families, the cancer diagnosis of a child strengthens existing religious ties or prompts new ones. Now, a new study reports that while most pediatric oncologists say they are spiritual, and many are open to connecting with the families of very sick children through religion or spirituality, they typically lack the formal healthcare training that could help them build such bridges. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071114111135.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106092013.htm Foregoing food for a day each month stood out among other religious practices in members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who have lower rates of heart disease than other Americans. Of several factors considered, "fasting was the strongest predictor of lower heart disease risk in the people we surveyed" according to one of the researchers. Thu, 08 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106092013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071105160221.htm How does the experience of traumatic stress in childhood affect one's life in subsequent years? One young scientist has achieved some remarkable results with mice, but cannot yet say anything about humans. Tue, 06 Nov 2007 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071105160221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071023104134.htm Research shows that religion and spirituality are linked to positive physical and mental health; however, most studies have focused on people with life-threatening diseases. A new study shows that religion helps many individuals with disabilities adjust to their impairments and gives new meaning to their lives. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071023104134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070925092516.htm After a separation or divorce the chances of marrying or cohabiting again decrease. In particular, a previous marriage or children from a previous relationship reduce the chances of a new relationship. Moreover, the prospects are slimmer for women compared to men. A possible explanation for this negative impact of previous experiences might be that people are more cautious following a divorce. Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070925092516.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070918161553.htm A psychological phenomenon known as "grapheme-color synesthesia" describes individuals who experience vivid colors whenever they see, hear, or think of ordinary letters and digits. New research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that a particular commonality exists across synesthetes, who otherwise have very distinctive experiences. Thu, 20 Sep 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070918161553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070913132942.htm Common physical symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain and lower back pain are related to the perception of everyday smells, according to a health psychologist. Symptoms were reported to worsen at the same time as the intensity of odour, and levels of stress, increased. However, only the intensity of odour, not stress, predicted future symptom reporting over a short half-day interval. Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070913132942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070903094243.htm A survey of the religious beliefs and practices of American physicians has found that the least religious of all medical specialties is psychiatry. Among psychiatrists who have a religion, more than twice as many are Jewish and far fewer are Protestant or Catholic. The study also found that religious physicians, especially Protestants, are less likely to refer patients to psychiatrists, and more likely to send them to members of the clergy or religious counselors. Tue, 04 Sep 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070903094243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070829102048.htm Researchers investigated how thinking about God and notions of a higher power influenced positive social behaviour, specifically cooperation with others and generosity to strangers. They found that priming people with 'god concepts' -- by activating subconscious thoughts through word games -- promoted altruism. Fri, 31 Aug 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070829102048.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070823141057.htm A neuroscientist has devised the first experimental method to induce an out-of-body experience in healthy participants. The scientist outlines the unique method by which the illusion is created and considers the implications of its discovery. Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070823141057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070818180311.htm Shiite vs. Sunni. Red state vs. Blue state. Immigrant vs. native. While it may appear that conflict is an inevitable part of interaction between groups, research actually suggests that fighting, hating and contempt between groups is not a necessary part of human nature. Sun, 19 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070818180311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070817130107.htm A new study in Current Directions in Psychological Science finds that as we get older, loneliness plays a devastating role in our physical decline. When faced with similar challenges, the lonelier people appeared more helpless and threatened. And ironically, they were less apt to actively seek help when they are stressed out. Sat, 18 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070817130107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070812092719.htm The unusual case of a woman who heard voices with her own speech impairments in her head after a bicycle accident is examined in The Lancet. Four months after the accident she began to hear her own thoughts aloud and also hallucinated the voices of hospital staff -- in short sentences and single words, just as with her speech problems. She believed the voices to be external and real. Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070812092719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070731085614.htm Although most religious traditions call on the faithful to serve the poor, a large cross-sectional survey of US physicians found that physicians who are more religious are slightly less likely to practice medicine among the under-served than physicians with no religious affiliation. Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070731085614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070731094119.htm Many scientists assume people have sex for simple and straightforward reasons such as to experience sexual pleasure or to reproduce, but new research reveals hundreds of varied and complex motivations that range from the spiritual to the vengeful. Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070731094119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070725152040.htm A bedrock assumption in theories that explain and predict human behavior is people's motivation to pursue pleasure and avoid pain. How can this be reconciled with the decision to engage in experiences known to elicit negative feelings, such as horror movies? It certainly seems counterintuitive that so many people would voluntarily immerse themselves in almost two hours of fear, disgust and terror. Why do people pay for this? How is this enjoyable? Tue, 31 Jul 2007 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070725152040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070703172027.htm The number of UK veterans suffering the debilitating effects of war trauma is set to increase, according to a University of Nottingham academic. Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070703172027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070628160734.htm "There is an enormous amount of interest in using meditation as a form of therapy to cope with a variety of modern-day health problems, especially hypertension, stress and chronic pain, but the majority of evidence that seems to support this notion is anecdotal, or it comes from poor quality studies," say Maria Ospina and Kenneth Bond, researchers at the University of Alberta/Capital Health Evidence-based Practice Center in Edmonton, Canada. Mon, 02 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070628160734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070625091139.htm Latest research into health in medieval Europe -- taking in everything from demonic possession to miracles of healing -- is to be revealed at the University of Nottingham. Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070625091139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070620115415.htm Suicide bombers are not mentally ill or unhinged, but acting rationally in pursuit of the "benefits" they perceive from being part of a strict and close-knit religious enterprise, according to a University of Nottingham academic. Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070620115415.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070614085118.htm In a detailed study that served to investigate the actual nature and content of sexual dreams across a large sample of dream reports from men and women, approximately eight percent of everyday dream reports from both genders contain some form of sexual-related activity. Fri, 15 Jun 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070614085118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070510093223.htm When it comes to disclosing medical errors to patients, there is a gap between physicians' attitudes and their real-world experiences admitting such errors, according to a new study. From a survey of faculty physicians, resident physicians and medical students, researchers found that while nearly all respondents indicated that they would disclose a hypothetical error, less than half reported having disclosed an actual minor or major medical error. Fri, 11 May 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070510093223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070507154054.htm Unlike many traditional alcohol and drug dependence treatment programs, mainstream smoking cessation programs generally exclude spiritual practice and beliefs from the treatment process. But a recent study reveals many smokers are receptive to and may benefit from their own spiritual resources, when attempting to quit. Tue, 08 May 2007 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070507154054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070409164931.htm More than half of physicians believe that religion and spirituality have a significant influence on patients' health, according to a recent report. Physicians who are most religious are more likely to interpret the influence of religion and spirituality in positive ways. Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070409164931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070405170133.htm A new study in Journal of Personality shows that selfless and social behavior is not purely a product of environment, specifically religious environment. After studying the behavior of adult twins, researchers found that, while altruistic behavior and religiousness tended to appear together, the correlation was due to both environmental and genetic factors. Fri, 06 Apr 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070405170133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070322160730.htm Experience in the early development of new neurons in specific brain regions affects their survival and activity in the adult brain, new research shows. How these new neurons store information about these experiences may explain how they can affect learning and memory in adults. Mon, 26 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070322160730.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070314195638.htm Does God or some other type of transcendent entity answer prayer? The answer, according to a new Arizona State University study published in the March journal Research on Social Work Practice, is 'yes.' Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070314195638.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070305202614.htm Reading violent scriptures increases aggressive behavior, especially among believers, a new study finds. The study by University of Michigan social psychologist Brad Bushman and colleagues helps to illuminate one of the ways that violence and behavior are linked. Wed, 07 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070305202614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070305202657.htm Having an out-of-body experience may seem far-fetched to some, but for those with arousal system disturbances in their brains, it may not be a far off idea that they could sense they were really outside their own body watching themselves. Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070305202657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070223143009.htm New research published in the March issue of Psychological Science may help elucidate the relationship between religious indoctrination and violence, a topic that has gained renewed notoriety in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. In the article, University of Michigan psychologist Brad Bushman and his colleagues suggest that scriptural violence sanctioned by God can increase aggression, especially in believers. Sat, 24 Feb 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070223143009.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070212183543.htm The way in which individuals think, feel, and behave in their adult romantic relationships is governed not only by factors in their immediate surroundings, but is also a direct result of their past relationships and personal attachment extending all the way back to childhood. Wed, 14 Feb 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070212183543.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070208072325.htm Many physicians feel no obligation to tell patients about legal but morally controversial medical treatments or to refer patients to doctors who do not object to those treatments, report researchers from the University of Chicago in the Feb. 8, 2007, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Thu, 08 Feb 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070208072325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070201144857.htm Through an online survey of more than 2,000 people, psychologists at Harvard University have found that we perceive the minds of others along two distinct dimensions: agency, an individual's ability for self-control, morality and planning; and experience, the capacity to feel sensations such as hunger, fear and pain. Sat, 03 Feb 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070201144857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070115215501.htm Scientists at the Wellcome Trust Center for Neuroimaging, University College London, have shown that people with damage to the hippocampus, the area of the brain that plays a crucial role in learning and memory, not only have trouble remembering the past but also in imagining new and future experiences. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070115215501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070103201245.htm Breast cancer patients who pray in online support groups can obtain mental health benefits, according to a new study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center of Excellence in Cancer Communications Research that was funded by the National Cancer Institute. Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070103201245.htm