PloS one
January 1, 2014
Attila Szabo, Attila Kovacs, Ede Frecska et al.
191 citations
The sigma-1 receptor, a protein found in the central nervous system and immune cells, can be activated by the psychedelic compounds N,N-dimethyltryptamine (NN-DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) to dampen inflammatory responses in human immune cells. When human dendritic cells were exposed to inflammatory triggers along with these compounds, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and chemokine IL-8 decreased, while the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased. The compounds also reduced the cells' ability to activate inflammatory T-cells. This suggests dimethyltryptamines may act as endogenous regulators of inflammation and immune balance, pointing toward potential treatments for autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions.
PloS one
January 1, 2014
Donal G Maccoon, Katherine A Maclean, Richard J Davidson et al.
97 citations
Eight weeks of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training did not improve sustained attention more than an active control program (Health Enhancement Program, HEP) in a randomized trial with 63 community participants. The study used a visual continuous performance task to measure attention. Although the main hypotheses were not confirmed, some evidence suggested improved visual discrimination similar to effects seen in other research. Attentional sensitivity was not affected by MBSR, and it remains unclear whether mindfulness might positively affect vigilance. The results highlight procedural modifications needed for future research on sustained attention in similar samples.
PloS one
January 1, 2021
Naomi Kakoschke, Craig Hassed, Richard Chambers et al.
49 citations
A 5-week mindfulness-based lifestyle course for first-year medical students was associated with improvements in mental health, perceived stress, study engagement, and dispositional mindfulness. Among 205 students who completed questionnaires before and after the program, all measured outcomes improved. Improvements were interrelated: reductions in perceived stress correlated with gains in other areas, and increases in mindfulness correlated with better mental health and study engagement. The amount of informal mindfulness practice (e.g., integrating mindfulness into daily activities) was positively related to all improvements, whereas formal practice (e.g., seated meditation) was only linked to increased mindfulness scores. The findings suggest that even a brief mindfulness program can benefit medical student wellbeing, especially when students engage in informal practice.
PloS one
January 1, 2013
Quinton Deeley, Eamonn Walsh, David A Oakley et al.
48 citations
Voluntary control and awareness of movement are central to selfhood and responsibility, yet can be lost in neuropsychiatric syndromes and dissociative states like spirit possession. Using suggestion and fMRI in 15 highly hypnotically suggestible subjects, loss of perceived control of movements was linked to reduced connectivity between the supplementary motor area (SMA) and motor regions. Reduced awareness of involuntary movements corresponded with less activation in parietal cortices and insula. These results suggest the sense of voluntary control may critically depend on SMA coupling with motor systems, offering a neural basis for narrowed awareness in pathological and culturally influenced dissociative phenomena.
PloS one
January 1, 2023
Edie L Sperling, Jennifer M Hulett, Leeanne B Sherwin et al.
38 citations
Mindfulness interventions reduce stress in medical students by a small-to-moderate amount. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 studies found that these interventions significantly improved stress levels in both two-arm studies (effect size 0.37) and one-arm pre-post studies (effect size 0.29). Trends from moderator analyses suggested that fewer hours and less required practice led to better stress improvement. The findings confirm that a wide variety of mindfulness programs worldwide produce consistent stress reduction in this high-stress population.
PloS one
January 1, 2024
Xiaohui Wang, Zhicheng Dai, Xinying Zhu et al.
36 citations
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials involving 1644 breast cancer patients found that mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy, compared with standard care, significantly reduces negative emotions including perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence. The therapy also improves patients' coping ability and emotional state. These findings support the use of mindfulness-based stress reduction to enhance quality of life in breast cancer patients by alleviating psychological distress.
PloS one
January 1, 2013
Tamara Antonio, Steven R Childers, Richard B Rothman et al.
36 citations
Iboga alkaloids, including ibogaine, its metabolite noribogaine, and the synthetic compound 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC), were tested for their ability to activate the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), a common target of opioid drugs. In rat thalamic membranes, all three compounds acted as antagonists, blocking the receptor rather than activating it, with functional Ke values ranging from 3 μM for ibogaine to 13 μM for noribogaine and 18-MC. None of the compounds stimulated MOR-related G protein activity in cells expressing human or rat MORs, and only limited partial agonist effects were seen in mouse MOR-expressing cells. The findings indicate that an opioid agonist mechanism does not explain these alkaloids' effects on opioid withdrawal, supporting a novel mechanism of action and justifying further search for alternative targets.
PloS one
January 1, 2023
Ahmed M Alzahrani, Ahmed Hakami, Ahmad Alhadi et al.
31 citations
An eight-week Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program delivered via audiovisual materials to medical students in Saudi Arabia did not show immediate differences between the MBSR and waitlist groups at post-program, but at three-month follow-up the MBSR group had a significant drop in anxiety. Attending more MBSR sessions was linked to lower depression and anxiety. Males in the MBSR group improved in stress, anxiety, and mindfulness; females improved only in stress. The study was interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak, but the findings suggest that MBSR can improve psychological outcomes when participants commit to the program.
PloS one
January 1, 2025
Eirini K Argyri, Jules Evans, David Luke et al.
27 citations
Psychedelic experiences can sometimes trigger long-lasting existential distress, marked by confusion about existence and purpose, alongside cognitive, emotional, social, and bodily difficulties. Interviews with 26 people who experienced such distress revealed that ontological challenges—struggles with understanding reality—were common. Participants alleviated distress primarily through 'grounding' practices: embodiment, social connection, and cognitive normalization of their experience. The findings suggest psychedelic experiences act as pivotal mental states that can facilitate transformative learning, challenging and expanding meaning-making. This work contributes to understanding how people reestablish coherence and grow after ontologically challenging psychedelic experiences.
PloS one
January 1, 2021
Shih-Han Hung, Ching-Yung Hwang, Chun-Yen Chang
23 citations
A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the relationship between the Qi experience and the flow experience found a high level of consistency between the two concepts (correlation coefficient r = 0.90). The Qi experience, described as a healthy energy gained from the environment and an inner feeling, was integrated into five orientations: the feeling of Qi; the mind; Qi and consciousness; physical, mental, and spiritual benefits; and the feeling of Tao. The results suggest that the flow experience in Qigong activity is the same as the Qi experience in East Asian disciplines.
PloS one
January 1, 2024
Mikael Rubin, Caitlin M Fischer, Michael J Telch
21 citations
A single-session mindfulness and compassion intervention, delivered via telehealth, reduced perceived stress, anxiety, and depression in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, but did not reduce loneliness. 91 adults were randomly assigned to a one-hour mindfulness-only session, a one-hour mindfulness and compassion session, or a one-week waitlist. Compared to the waitlist, the combined mindfulness and compassion intervention led to meaningful reductions in perceived stress, anxiety, and depression at one-week follow-up. The mindfulness-only session did not produce these effects. The findings suggest that a brief, scalable intervention can improve some aspects of mental health, though loneliness may require more sustained support.
PloS one
January 1, 2024
Omar Almahayni, Lucy Hammond
16 citations
A systematic review of nine studies on the Wim Hof Method (WHM)—combining breathing, cold exposure, and commitment—found that it may reduce inflammation by increasing epinephrine levels, which raises interleukin-10 and lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines in both healthy and non-healthy participants. Effects on exercise performance and respiratory parameters (minute ventilation, tidal volume, breathing frequency) were mixed. The review suggests WHM shows promise for modulating inflammatory responses, but more research is needed in people with inflammatory disorders and on the breathing method alone for exercise enhancement.
PloS one
January 1, 2023
Marco Schlosser, Harriet Demnitz-King, Thorsten Barnhofer et al.
13 citations
Older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) recruited from memory clinics are at higher risk for dementia and often have reduced well-being due to memory concerns and fear of dementia. A randomized trial compared an 8-week caring mindfulness-based approach for seniors (CMBAS) with a health self-management program (HSMP) in 147 participants. The mindfulness program showed a small advantage over HSMP in improving a sense of connection immediately after the intervention. However, overall psychological well-being, quality of life, and other composite measures did not increase in either group. The findings suggest that these brief non-pharmacological interventions had only limited effects on well-being in SCD.
PloS one
January 1, 2024
Khamisi Musanje, Rosco Kasujja, Carol S Camlin et al.
11 citations
A mindfulness and acceptance-based group intervention reduced depression, anxiety, and internalized stigma among adolescents with HIV in Uganda. In an open-label randomized trial with 122 participants aged 15–19, those who attended four weekly 90-minute sessions showed significantly greater decreases in depression, anxiety, and stigma compared with those receiving standard care. The intervention appears to help young people cope with the dual challenges of adolescence and HIV-related stigma, potentially improving adherence to treatment.
PloS one
January 1, 2025
Nicholas K Canby, Elizabeth A Cosby, Roman Palitsky et al.
10 citations
Childhood trauma and PTSD symptoms are linked to worse depression outcomes and more meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programs. Across two clinical trials, total childhood trauma and childhood sexual abuse consistently predicted poorer depression outcomes. Childhood sexual abuse also predicted dropout in one study. Multiple forms of trauma and PTSD symptoms predicted meditation-related side effects, while total trauma, emotional abuse, and subclinical PTSD predicted lasting adverse effects. These findings suggest that trauma-sensitive modifications, safety monitoring, screening, and provider education are needed when implementing mindfulness programs for depression.
PloS one
January 1, 2023
Qi Wang, Siu-Man Ng, Xiaochen Zhou
9 citations
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience stressful daily events and psychological distress. Mindfulness can buffer this distress, but its mechanisms are unclear and standard interventions are not tailored to real-life needs. This proposed randomized controlled trial will test a mindfulness-based intervention delivered via a smartphone app with ecological momentary assessment and intervention. The study will recruit 670 parents, randomly assigning 335 to the intervention group and 335 to a control group receiving standard audio instructions. The primary outcome is psychological distress measured by the depression anxiety stress scale; secondary outcomes include subjective well-being and resilience. The intervention is expected to improve cognitive appraisal of stressful events and reduce distress.
PloS one
January 1, 2024
Matthew Shardlow, Piotr Przybyła
8 citations
A pretrained large language model (LLM) such as LaMDA or ChatGPT cannot be conscious or sentient. Analyzing the Transformer architecture through Integrated Information Theory shows no basis for consciousness. Claims of sentience reflect a tendency to use anthropomorphic language in NLP reporting, not genuine advances. The discussion is an opportunity to evaluate progress in language modeling and its ethical implications, with background provided for non-specialists.
PloS one
January 1, 2025
Dahee Wi, Rachel Y Lee, Ira Kantrowitz-Gordon
7 citations
A six-week online mindfulness-based intervention (OPTIMISM) improved subjective sleep quality and reduced psychological distress in pregnant women with sleep deficiency. In a pilot randomized trial, 59 women were assigned to either mindfulness training or an education-only control. After the intervention, the mindfulness group reported significantly better sleep quality (score 5.4 vs. 7.6 in controls) and similar improvements in sleep-related impairment, fatigue, and depressive symptoms. No differences were seen in actigraphy measures or other outcomes. Satisfaction was slightly higher in the mindfulness group. The findings suggest the intervention is feasible and beneficial, warranting larger trials with longer follow-up.
PloS one
January 1, 2025
Sylwia Sumińska, Andrzej Rynkiewicz
6 citations
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training reduces stress, eating disorder symptoms, and intrusive ruminations. Adding a smartwatch that provides physiological feedback during MBSR increases mindfulness but does not reduce anxiety or improve general mental functioning. In a randomized controlled trial with 72 participants assigned to MBSR, MBSR plus smartwatch, or a control group, both MBSR groups showed significant reductions in perceived stress, eating disorder symptoms, and rumination compared to controls.
PloS one
January 1, 2025
Jizhao Li, Dongling Wang, Shuang Bai et al.
6 citations
An eight-week program of mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan (MTCC) reduced mobile phone addiction in male college students. The intervention group's post-program addiction score was 46.09, compared to 56.55 in the control group, a significant difference. Mindfulness levels and specific executive functions—inhibition and shifting accuracy—also improved significantly, while updating showed no change. Changes in inhibition partially mediated the reduction in addiction, accounting for 40% of the effect. The findings suggest that MTCC enhances cognitive control, which may help prevent addictive behaviors.
PloS one
January 1, 2025
Masume Bakhtiari, Mojtaba Habibi Asgarabad, Fahimeh Dehghani et al.
6 citations
Adolescents with Internet addiction often experience anxiety and depression that can reinforce their addictive behaviors. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for children (MBCT-C) is an adaptation of traditional MBCT designed for emotional problems in youth. This protocol describes a planned randomized controlled trial with 80 Iranian adolescents aged 12 to 15 diagnosed with Internet addiction. Participants will be randomly assigned to either 12 sessions of MBCT-C group therapy or 12 sessions of life skills training. Assessments will occur before, after, and three months following the intervention, measuring mindfulness, satisfaction, depression, anxiety, adherence, and Internet addiction. The study aims to evaluate whether MBCT-C reduces Internet addiction, anxiety, and depression in this population.
PloS one
January 1, 2024
Kristian Elersič, Anamarija Banjac, Marko Živin et al.
6 citations
Ketamine's antidepressant potential is limited by side effects such as motor impairment. In rats, repeated low doses of ketamine enantiomers produced distinct behavioral changes. S-ketamine at 15 mg/kg caused initial locomotor stimulation and ataxia, while repeated administration led to locomotor sensitization and tolerance to ataxia. R-ketamine at 15 mg/kg also stimulated locomotion and caused sensitization but did not induce ataxia or reduce natural behaviors like grooming and rearing. Higher doses of racemic ketamine (30 mg/kg) produced both stimulation and ataxia. Overall, S-ketamine had stronger behavioral effects than R-ketamine, suggesting R-ketamine may have a more favorable side-effect profile.
PloS one
January 1, 2024
Marianna Graziosi, Julia Sarah Rohde, Stephanie Lake et al.
6 citations
A short-form version of the AWE-S (AWE-SF) was developed and validated within psychedelic samples to measure awe while reducing participant burden. Across five studies, the original six-factor structure was replicated, and the 12-item AWE-SF showed strong associations with positive emotions and openness to experience. It effectively predicted both mystical-type and challenging psychedelic experiences, as well as long-term well-being outcomes like life satisfaction and psychological richness. Connection and vastness facets were linked to positive emotional states and mystical-type experience, while accommodation and self-loss were linked to negative emotional states and challenging psychedelic experience. The AWE-SF is a robust and reliable tool for measuring awe.
PloS one
January 1, 2024
David L Lentz, Trinity L Hamilton, Stephanie A Meyers et al.
6 citations
A ritual bundle buried beneath a Late Preclassic ballcourt at the Maya city of Yaxnohcah contained four medicinal and psychoactive plants, identified through environmental DNA analysis. The plants included xtabentun (Ipomoea corymbosa), a hallucinogen reported for the first time in Maya archaeology; chili pepper (Capsicum sp.), used in divination; jool (Hampea trilobata); and chilcahuite (Oxandra lanceolata), both linked to ceremonial artifact manufacture. The discovery provides direct evidence of ritual practices that have remained elusive, showing that ancient Maya ceremonies incorporated plants with medicinal and mind-altering properties.
PloS one
January 1, 2023
Marco Schlosser, Olga M Klimecki, Fabienne Collette et al.
6 citations
An 18-month meditation training program for healthy older adults aged 65 to 84 improved a composite measure of well-being encompassing awareness, connection, and insight, compared to an active control of English language training. The meditation group also showed significant increases in psychological quality of life, awareness, insight, and the global score from the start to the end of the study. However, meditation did not outperform the active control on the Psychological Well-being Scale total score, and improvements in psychological quality of life were no longer significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. The trial, involving 137 participants, represents the longest randomized meditation training study to date.