Summary: Researchers found that Buddhist jhāna meditation and Christian speaking in tongues, despite their differences, share a common cognitive feedback loop. This process, called the Attention, Arousal, and Release Spiral, creates a cycle where focused attention leads to joy, making concentration effortless and deepening the experience.The study gathered firsthand accounts...
Unlocking Cellular Youth: The Protein That Changes Aging
Summary: Scientists have identified a key protein, AP2A1, that may hold the secret to reversing cellular aging. The study found that suppressing AP2A1 in older cells led to rejuvenation, while overexpressing it in young cells accelerated senescence. This protein interacts with integrin β1, which strengthens cell adhesion and contributes to...
15 Essential Motives Drive Human Behavior
Summary: Researchers analyzed human motivation from an evolutionary perspective, identifying 15 key motives that drive behavior. These motives, grouped into five categories—environmental, physiological, reproductive, psychological, and social—reflect adaptations that helped early humans survive.The study used network analysis of survey responses to reveal how these motives interconnect and influence one another....
Career Expectancy Gains Have Stalled: Poor Diet and Obesity to Blame
Summary: A new study finds that life expectancy improvements across Europe have slowed significantly since 2011. Key factors include rising obesity, poor diets, and physical inactivity, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deaths from cardiovascular diseases played a major role in this decline, particularly in the UK.Countries with...
Why Some Persons Consider Goals, While Others Do Not
Summary: A new study explores why some people vividly recall dreams while others forget them. Researchers found that dream recall is influenced by personality traits, sleep patterns, and even seasonal changes. People who frequently daydream and have a positive attitude toward dreams were more likely to remember them.Lighter sleep stages...
Brain Circuit Identifies What’s Common, Important, or Only Background
Summary: Scientists have identified a previously unknown brain circuit that rapidly evaluates sensory information by integrating memories and emotions. This direct feedback loop between the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus allows the brain to prioritize important sights and sounds almost instantly.Unlike the slower, previously known pathway, this circuit may help distinguish...