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Depersonalization/derealization (DPDR) involves feeling detached from one’s body, thoughts, or emotions and is often triggered by trauma, stress, mental health issues, or drug use, typically causing high distress. Similar experiences are also reported in meditation contexts, where they are often described as positive, insightful, and meaningful. However, no study has systematically compared DPDR-like experiences across these contexts. This preregistered, cross-sectional study addresses this gap. Participants who had experienced DPDR-like states triggered through meditation (MEDT, n = 60) or through other triggers (NMEDT, n = 61) completed five questionnaires and provided additional information about their DPDR experience and meditation practice. The two groups significantly differed on all questionnaires except the Cambridge Depersonalisation Scale, including its subscales covering different DPDR aspects. The MEDT group rated their experiences as substantially more positive than NMEDT, though most participants in both groups described them as mixed. In MEDT, these experiences were reported across meditation types and experience levels. Overall, meditation can induce states phenomenologically similar to DPDR, but these are often experienced as more welcome, pleasant, and spiritually meaningful than those triggered by trauma, stress, or cannabis, although distress is not uncommon. These findings suggest contemplative approaches may inform clinical support for DPDR, while highlighting the need for recognition and guidance within meditation settings.

Drawing on more than 20 years of data, an independent review found strong evidence that HPV vaccines safely prevent cervical cancer.

Spanish authorities on Friday were preparing to receive more than 140 passengers and crew members on board a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship headed for the Canary Islands, where health officials have said they will perform careful evacuations.

A large review of existing literature shines a light on the little-known condition and points to the need for a better understanding of who is at risk and how to prevent and treat it.

About 12 countries have so far been linked to the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, as the UN health agency confirms at least five cases.

A highly promising vaccine for Hanta virus is being developed by researchers from the University of Bath. The team is led by Professor Asel Sartbaeva, Chemistry researcher at the University and co-founder of University spinout company Ensilitech.

Metformin is a versatile biguanide drug primarily prescribed for type II diabetes. Despite its extensive use, the mechanisms underlying its clinical effects, including attenuated postprandial glucose excursions and elevated intestinal glucose uptake, remain unclear. Here we map these and other effects of metformin to intestine-specific mitochondrial complex I inhibition. Using human metabolomic data and an orthogonal genetics approach in male mice, we demonstrate that metformin suppresses citrulline synthesis, a metabolite generated exclusively by small intestine mitochondria, and increases GDF15 by inhibiting the mitochondrial respiratory chain at complex I. This inhibition co-opts the intestines to function as a glucose sink, driving the uptake of excess glucose and its conversion to lactate and lactoyl-phenylalanine. We also find that glucose lowering by metformin is due to repeated bolus exposure rather than a cumulative chronic response. Notably, the efficacy of phenformin, another biguanide, and berberine, a structurally unrelated nutraceutical, similarly depends on intestine-specific mitochondrial complex I inhibition, underscoring a shared therapeutic mechanism. Metformin is shown to exert its glucose-lowering and additional clinical effects through inhibition of mitochondrial complex I in the intestinal epithelium in mice.

Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine shows superior effectiveness over standard shots in trials, pending FDA approval by August 5.

Discover foods with more fiber than brown rice to help you get enough of this crucial nutrient that supports digestion, cholesterol, and blood sugar management.

The federal government says three people with connections to the cruise are isolating at home in Ontario and Quebec, but they aren't showing symptoms.