bioRxiv Preprint Server
October 30, 2019
Aviva Berkovich-Ohana, Edna Furman-Haran, Rafael Malach et al.
2 citations
preprint
Meditation research has rarely examined how brain structure, function, and self-reports relate. This study demonstrates such a relationship for Mindfulness meditation (MM), which aims to reduce thought-related processes and enhance bodily awareness, thereby reducing identification with thought content and deconstructing maladaptive self-schema. The authors hypothesized that the structure of default mode network (DMN) regions, associated with spontaneous thoughts and self-representation, would negatively correlate with MM experience and self-reported positive affect, while positively correlating with DMN resting-state function.
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
March 1, 2024
Tim Bayne, Anil K. Seth, Marcello Massimini et al.
New tests for consciousness (C-tests) are urgently needed to resolve uncertainty about when consciousness arises in human development, when it is lost due to neurological disorders and brain injury, and how it is distributed in nonhuman species. This need is amplified by recent developments in AI, neural organoids, and xenobot technology. Existing C-tests are of limited use, and no tests exist for many critical populations. The paper identifies challenges facing any attempt to develop C-tests, proposes a multidimensional classification of such tests, and identifies strategies for validating them.
Data in brief
September 1, 2016
Aviva Berkovich-Ohana, Michal Harel, Avital Hahamy et al.
Functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) and visual network was higher in control participants than in long-term mindfulness meditators. Meditators showed increased connectivity between the DMN and visual networks compared to controls. During meditation, connectivity both within and between these networks decreased relative to resting-state. A significant negative correlation existed between DMN connectivity and meditation expertise, indicating that more experienced meditators had lower DMN connectivity.
Neuroimage
July 15, 2016
Aviva Berkovich-Ohana, Michal Harel, Avital Hahamy et al.
Long-term mindfulness meditation practitioners show opposite changes in two brain networks compared to non-meditators: heightened spontaneous fluctuations in the visual cortex and reduced fluctuations in the default mode network (DMN) during rest. During a visual recognition memory task, meditators had stronger visual cortex responses and weaker negative responses in the DMN, and they performed the task significantly faster. These findings support the spontaneous trait reactivation hypothesis, which proposes that resting-state brain activity patterns can reflect individual differences in personality, talents, and lifestyles.
Brain and Behavior
July 1, 2015
Aviva Berkovich-Ohana, Meytal Wilf, Roni Kahana et al.
Repeating a single word silently for a short period reduces brain activity broadly, especially in the default mode network, which is linked to self-related thoughts. This reduction occurred without the usual compensatory increase in other brain networks. A behavioral test confirmed that participants experienced fewer spontaneous thoughts during the repetition task compared to rest. The findings suggest that simple repetitive speech can trigger a global inhibitory effect in the brain, which may explain the calming effects reported in mantra meditation practices.