The practice of meditation can sharpen our attention, strengthen memory and improve other mental abilities. In our latest Instant Egghead video, Scientific American editor Ferris Jabr examines the changes in brain structure behind some of these benefits.

More to explore (via Ferris Jabr):

Does mindfulness training improve cognitive abilities? A systematic review of neuropsychological findings. [Preview] (Clinical Psychology Review)

Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice (Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences)

Evidence builds that meditation strengthens the brain, UCLA researchers say (UCLA)

The underlying anatomical correlates of long-term meditation: Larger hippocampal and frontal volumes of gray matter (PMC)

Age effects on gray matter volume and attentional performance in Zen meditation [Preview] (Neurobiology of Aging)

Age effects on attentional blink performance in meditation [Preview](Conciousness and Cognition)

Mental Training Affects Distribution of Limited Brain Resources (PLOS Biology)

The American Psychological Association on the benefits of mindfulness (APA)

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Credits:

Written & presented by Ferris Jabr

Line art by Scott Brundage & Eric R. Olson

Production assistant: Joss Fong

Produced & edted by Eric R. Olson