Soon to be published research is set to reveal details of what happens in the brain during meditation and will also provide new insights into the structure and function of  the brain itself, in both health and illness.

Since 2008, neuroscientist Zoran Josipovic has been has been studying the brains of Tibetan Buddhist monks at New York University, where he is a research scientist and adjunct professor. What makes his work so interesting and revealing is that he has been using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner to look at real time changes in the brains of the monks while they are meditating.

The ancient Eastern practice of meditation has become increasingly popular in the West over the past half century as both individual practitioners and scientists have discovered its potential to promote, not only happiness and a sense of spiritual peace and "oneness", but also good physical and mental health. Josipovic's findings, by illuminating previously poorly understood ways in which the brain behaves, could help provide a better understanding of numerous mysterious chronic and degenerative conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia (FMS), multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), autism,  and Alzheimer's disease. 

A major research and advocacy group known for its work relating to health and the environment has released its findings from an investigation into bottled water.

The public commonly see bottled water as the healthy choice but information gathered by the Washington D.C.-based Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests many companies do not reveal the sources of their water and how it is treated, while also failing to disclose results of purity testing.

According to Jane Houlihan, Senior Vice President of Research at EWG, "Bottled water companies try hard to hide information you might find troubling."   This undoubtedly puts a question mark over the the assumption that bo ttled water is the healthiest option.

Liga SFC (CFS/ME League, Spain) - As of yesterday, July 26, 2010, Professor Servando Perez, President of Mercuriados Spain (people affected by chronic mercury intoxication), has began a hunger strike.

Prof Perez was diagnosed two years ago as having Chronic Mercury Intoxication and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). His case went to the highest court in Spain and a judged ruled that Prof Perez had chronic mercury intoxicaton due to dental fillings and that the Spanish public health care system (Social Security) should treat his condition with chelation or refer him to a private clinic to do so and pay the costs. This was an incredible legal precendent.

Needless to say that Professor Perez has not been treated yet and the Social Security has been doing everything possible to make sure that him, as with other MCS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephylitis and Fibromyalgia patients in Spain, do not receive proper medical services from the public health care system.

Annie Hopper, who healed herself from the disabling condition multiple chemical sensitivity using techniques based on the latest findings from neuroscience, shares some other success stories from her recent workshop in Montreal and describes her meeting with Dr. Norman Doidge, author of 'The Brain That Changes Itself'.

Annie developed the Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS) which she now teaches at workshops internationally, often with dramatic results.

Her work is based on the concept of 'neuroplasticity' - the brain's ability to change the way neurons interconnect and how the central nervous system functions. The concept is relatively new but may have profound implications for the way we think about the brain and its relationship to health. Annie hopes her talk with Dr. Norman Doidge will help foster interest in the neuroscientific community regarding multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia and other environmental illnesses.