Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Neurobiological Substrates of Altered States of Consciousness Induced by High Ventilation Breathwork

2025-08-28

A new study investigates the neurobiological mechanisms underlying altered states of consciousness (ASCs) induced by high-ventilation breathwork (HVB) combined with music. Researchers conducted three experiments (remote, MRI, and psychophysiological lab) measuring participants' subjective experiences, brain blood flow, and heart rate variability. Results showed HVB caused reduced brain blood flow, particularly in the posterior insula and parietal operculum, correlating with the intensity of 'Oceanic Boundlessness' (a key aspect of ASCs). Increased blood flow in the amygdala and hippocampus also correlated with this experience. This research offers valuable insights into the neural mechanisms of HVB-induced ASCs and potential therapeutic applications for mental health disorders.

(journals.plos.org)

Tech altered states of consciousness high-ventilation breathwork neurobiology

Cats Can Smell the Difference: How Feline Olfaction Distinguishes Between Humans

2025-05-30

A new study reveals that domestic cats utilize olfaction to differentiate between familiar (owners) and unfamiliar humans. Cats spent significantly longer sniffing the scent of an unknown person, displaying nostril use lateralization similar to other animals responding to novel scents. The study also found correlations between feline personality traits and sniffing behavior, but no association with the strength of the cat-owner bond. This research illuminates the complexity of feline olfactory social cognition, offering new insights into cat-human interactions.

(journals.plos.org)

AI cats olfaction social cognition

Night Owls and Depression: Mindfulness May Hold the Key

2025-03-23

A study of young adults reveals a strong link between evening chronotypes (night owls) and higher rates of depressive symptoms. Researchers investigated mindfulness, rumination, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality as potential mediators. The results show these factors significantly mediate the relationship, with 'acting with awareness'—a facet of mindfulness—offering particular protective effects against depression. This research suggests new intervention strategies for improving young adult mental health.

(journals.plos.org)

AI Chronotype Mindfulness

Cold Water Immersion and Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2025-02-08

A new systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the health effects of cold water immersion (CWI). Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 3177 participants were included. Results showed CWI caused an immediate increase in inflammation but decreased stress after 12 hours. The impact on immunity was inconclusive. While some evidence suggests CWI may improve sleep quality and quality of life, more high-quality research is needed to confirm benefits and determine optimal applications.

(journals.plos.org)

Tech cold water immersion meta-analysis

Human Nose Shape and Climate Adaptation: A Genetic Investigation

2025-01-30

A study published in PLOS Genetics investigates whether variations in human nose shape across populations are linked to climate adaptation. Researchers used Qst-Fst comparisons to analyze the genetic differentiation of nose shape traits and neutral markers. They found that nares width correlates with temperature and absolute humidity, suggesting that some aspects of nose shape may have been driven by local adaptation to climate. However, the study acknowledges that this is a simplified explanation, potentially involving other factors like sexual selection.

(journals.plos.org)

Tech Human Genetics Climate Adaptation Nose Shape

Non-invasive Analysis Unveils Secrets of the Alexander Mosaic

2025-01-27

This PLOS ONE study employed non-invasive analytical techniques to thoroughly investigate the world-renowned Alexander Mosaic. Researchers used portable microscopy, infrared thermography, multispectral imaging, portable X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy to characterize the mosaic's constituent materials, mineral components, and old protective materials. Findings revealed the geological origins of ten colors used in the mosaic and provided crucial scientific insights for its restoration. The research highlights the immense potential of non-destructive analysis in cultural heritage preservation.

(journals.plos.org)

Tech non-destructive analysis Alexander Mosaic

Study Reveals Misperception of Opposite-Sex Facial Preferences

2024-12-13

A PLOS ONE study reveals that both men and women overestimate the opposite sex's preference for sexually dimorphic facial features (masculine or feminine traits). Using interactive 3D head models, participants chose their own ideal face shape and the face shape they believed the opposite sex would find most attractive. Women overestimated men's preference for feminine faces, while men overestimated women's preference for masculine faces. This misperception correlated with the discrepancy between participants' own and ideal facial dimorphism (an index of appearance dissatisfaction). The study suggests that misperceiving opposite-sex preferences contributes to appearance dissatisfaction.

(journals.plos.org)

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AI facial attractiveness sexual dimorphism appearance dissatisfaction