Some things are better in person: comparing online and in-person mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation has received increasing research interest over the last 20 years. Thanks to mindfulness apps, stress relief is available to everyone, at our fingertips. But how does this experience compare to ‘old-school’ mindfulness meditation?

Change the world by meditating

“Modern problems require modern solutions”. In a rapidly changing world we face many challenges, from climate change to pandemics, famine, and wars. They all require us to invent, create, and think outside the box: a process referred to as divergent thinking.

Who gets caught by the emotion?

Have you ever stepped in front of an audience and immediately spotted this person who didn’t seem happy with your talk? Or are you someone who is drawn to an encouraging face? What is it that makes people more likely to attend to different emotional expressions?

Can your brain sense things? Why and how to co-create science communication with youth

Many examples of amazing science communication exist, but they often remain uni-directional. To connect with society, science communicators need to interact with their audience and ask what they want to learn. This holds especially for communication with youth.

Words matter, especially at the front of a lecture hall

“Words matter.” That was the theme of a recent symposium on Diversity and Inclusion, here at Leiden University. How seemingly casual language can sustain or emphasize exclusion of groups that are marginalized within society.

Are autistic people unsocial? Or is it in the eyes of the non-autistic people?

Depression and the potential of targeting the immune system for personalised health care

A person goes to the doctor feeling down and sleeping poorly. The doctor diagnoses depression and prescribes antidepressants. A few months later, the person is no longer depressed. Six out of 10 patients can recommend this approach, but what about the rest?

Improve your academic success: It is all a matter of balance

We students have all been there. We’re unsatisfied with our achievements and our grades plummet halfway through the year. Resolution: do better this year and make studying a priority. This goal initially seems achievable, but it’s harder than you think. Why?

Mindfulness for psychosis: healing or harmful?

Mindfulness has transformed the treatment of many mental illnesses, but people with schizophrenia have been left out. It’s time clinicians forget the frightening images of meditation-induced psychotic relapse and embrace mindfulness for treating psychosis.