bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
March 27, 2026
Morgan Rose Healey, Yaser Sanchez-Gama, Mengyuan Ding et al.
Abstract Self-transcendence, the reorientation of experience away from the self toward others, nature, or broader meaning, is a fundamental dimension of human psychology, yet its causal neural architecture remains poorly understood. Here we applied lesion network mapping to 88 neurosurgical patients with pre- and post-operative assessments of trait self-transcendence to identify the distributed...
bioRxiv
March 13, 2026
Brian Lord, Erica N. Lord, Jessica N. Schachtner et al.
preprint
Systematic focus training is increasingly recognized for its therapeutic benefits, with equanimity, the ability to maintain an open and accepting attitude towards all experience, identified as a critical mechanism for improving well-being. Physiologically, experienced meditators demonstrate reduced activity in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), a hub of the default mode network (DMN), and...
October 8, 2025
Sebastian Ehmann, Brian Lord, Erica Cook et al.
preprint
Emerging research suggests some of the most profound meditation-induced psychological transformations require mastery of mental skills that enable access to advanced meditative states, stages, and endpoints. Such development, however, often demands years of sustained practice and expert guidance. Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) offers a novel means of potentially supporting meditative...
British Journal of Pharmacology
May 13, 2025
Brian Lord, Sirak Simavorian, Ian Fraser et al.
2 citations
Non-selective NMDA receptor antagonism produces rapid symptom improvement in treatment-resistant depression; however, associated side effects necessitate medical oversight during administration. We hypothesised that selective GluN2A antagonism could provide similar efficacy with an improved side effect profile. Here, we report the pharmacology of JNJ-78911118, a brain-penetrant, GluN2A...
Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging
April 1, 2025
Brian Lord, John J B Allen, Shinzen Young et al.
4 citations
Mindfulness has gained widespread recognition for its benefits for mental health, cognitive performance, and well-being. However, the multifaceted nature of mindfulness, which encompasses elements such as attentional focus, emotional regulation, and present-moment awareness, complicates its definition and measurement. A key component that may underlie its broad benefits is equanimity-the...
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
2024
Brian Lord, Joseph L. Sanguinetti, Lisannette Ruiz et al.
28 citations
Transcranial focused ultrasound (TFUS) is an emerging neuromodulation tool for temporarily altering brain activity and probing network functioning. The effects of TFUS on the default mode network (DMN) are unknown. The study examined the effects of transcranial focused ultrasound (TFUS) on the functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), specifically by targeting the posterior...