The Vital Crosstalk between Breath and Brain
The rhythm of respiration influences a wide range of behaviors, as well as cognition and emotion. By Greg MillerScience Writer and Editor Introduction If you’re lucky enough to live to…
Spicy Food Might Burn in the Moment, but it Likely Won’t Harm Your Health in the Long Term
After a 14-year-old died doing a viral spicy chip challenge, many parents have called for more awareness about the risks of these challenges. By Dr. Paul D. TerryProfessor of EpidemiologyUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center…
Gaia Theory: Is It Science Yet?
James Lovelock’s “Gaia hypothesis” has challenged conventional thinking about the nature of the earth as an integrated system. By Ian Enting Honorary Senior Associate, Faculty of ScienceThe University of Melbourne Introduction…
Positive Energy: Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
How a positive outlook may buffer us from stress and ward off health problems. By Dr. Bob HolmesScience WriterEcologist and Evolutionary Biologist A sunny disposition isn’t just good for your…
How an American Lama Finds Joy in Turbulent Times
She hopes to to explore ways a greater spiritual awakening can transform our world. By Sarah van GelderCofounder and ColumnistYES! Magazine How can a spiritual awakening improve the chances that…
Chemical Adventurers: the Science of the Mind Has a Long, Colourful History of Psychedelic Exploration
A new history tells of the Romantic rebels who first sampled psychoactive substances. By Dr. Nick HaslamProfessor of PsychologyThe University of Melbourne Introduction There is a delirious moment in the 1988 documentary Cane Toads: An Unnatural History when…
What I Learned About Living From Dying of Cancer
The author describes her journey to what she calls “livingly dying”—facing her death by living in the moment with grace and mindfulness. By Marcy Westerling ROP Founder Dying inevitably follows…
How Death Doulas Ease the Final Transition
A shift in thinking about death as natural and not traumatic. By Dr. Cynthia R. GreenleeJournalist and Historian Vivette Jeffries-Logan and Omisade Burney-Scott are friends for life—and collaborators in death.…
The Importance of Meditating Even When You’re Happy
Think of it as preventative medicine for the likely event of stress. By Dr. Richard J. DavidsonWilliam James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin–MadisonFounder and Director,…
Science Says Happiness Can Change Your Brain
By Matthieu RicardBuddhist Monk, Humanitarian, Author and Photographer Introduction After 2,000 years of practice, Buddhist monks know that one secret to happiness is to put your mind to it. What…
