Can a mouse meditate? Why these researchers want to find out

A new study suggests the answer is ... kind of. Researchers from the University of Oregon in Eugene have replicated some of the same brain patterns exhibited by human meditators in the brains of mice -- no tiny meditation cushions or squeaky "oms" required. Still, experiments show that the "meditating mice" were more relaxed and less stressed than those with no rodent meditation training. The authors say the work, published Monday in PNAS, provides a proof of concept that will allow them to learn more about how meditation affects the brain. Previous research has shown that just one month of mindful meditation can have a significant impact on humans both physically and psychologically.