Why Dreaming Matters
Razi Berry Scientists have long wondered why almost all animals sleep, despite the disadvantages to survival of being unconscious. Now, researchers led by a team from the University of Tsukuba have found new evidence of brain refreshing that takes place during a specific phase of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is when you […]
What Are ‘Zombie Genes?’
Razi Berry In the hours after we die, certain cells in the human brain are still active. Some cells even increase their activity and grow to gargantuan proportions, according to new research from the University of Illinois Chicago. In a newly published study in the journal Scientific Reports, the UIC researchers analyzed gene expression in […]
Changes in Brain Activity While Studying a New Language
Razi Berry A study with first-time learners of Japanese has measured how brain activity changes after just a few months of studying a new language. The results show that acquiring a new language initially boosts brain activity, which then reduces as language skills improve. “In the first few months, you can quantitatively measure language-skill improvement […]
You Really Are on the ‘Same Wavelength’ as Your Baby
Razi Berry New research suggests that you might quite literally be “on the same wavelength,” experiencing similar brain activity in the same brain regions. Have you ever played with a baby and felt a sense of connection, even though they couldn’t yet talk to you? A team of Princeton researchers has conducted the first study […]
Gang’s all here: The benefits of the synergy of the essential oil in cannabis (Part 2)
Sarah LoBisco, ND, IFCMP (licensed in VT) In the first part of this article, I discussed the concept of the entourage effect of cannabis. This is reference to the fact that the synergy of all its components acting together has different and enhanced effects than any of its isolates. In this post, I will expand […]
Why Are Some People More Vulnerable to Hunger?
Razi Berry It’s next to impossible to avoid occasions where the smells and sights of food will tantalize and torment us. Part of the difficulty in resisting these delicious items is a hormone found in the stomach that signals hunger – ghrelin. This hormone is currently being studied as a factor in overeating and obesity. […]
Study: Effect of LSD on Communication Patterns Between Brain Regions
Razi Berry A recent study led by researchers from the University of Zurich and Yale University has shown that LSD changes the patterns of communication between various regions of the brain.1 This research may provide insights into how mental health conditions develop as well as how psychedelic medicines may provide treatment for these disorders. LSD […]
Neurophysiological Foundation for Mindful Breathing
Node Smith, ND Many claim that meditative practices concentrating on bringing awareness to the breath, such as pranayama, can increase focus, and attention. A study from Trinity College Dublin elucidates this link between the breath and attention. Breath-training through mindful meditation practices has myriad cognitive benefits Much like training other physical abilities, breath-training through mindful […]
Previously ignored Ultra-slow Brain Waves Directly linked to Consciousness
Node Smith, ND A new study, published in the journal Neuron, this month suggests that ultra-slow waves of brain activity may be the underlying foundation of consciousness.1 Seen on MRI scans, these ultra-slow waves create a rhythm that was recognized decades ago but thought to be an artifact of the MRI data, which is inherently […]
Active Children are Smarter
Node Smith, ND Activity May Increase Brain Function in Children Well, active children may not actually be more intelligent than non-active children, however their brains may function better. A recent study from the University of Granada, has shown, seemingly for the first time, that physical exercise in children may have an impact on brain structure.1 […]