Billions of people across the world and throughout time have held strong metaphysical beliefs—whether religious in nature, or more supernatural or spiritual. This year’s World Science Festival dared to ask what science can tell us about religion, spirituality and our belief instinct—without passing judgement.

Billions of people across the world and throughout time have held strong metaphysical beliefs—whether religious in nature, or more supernatural or spiritual. This year’s World Science Festival dared to ask what science can tell us about religion, spirituality and our belief instinct—without passing judgement.

Some surprises from the updated results of a famous psychological test involving marshmallows—and, when it comes to mood and happiness, teens of today may be on the brink of a mental health crisis—due to the widespread use of smart technology.

Some surprises from the updated results of a famous psychological test involving marshmallows—and, when it comes to mood and happiness, teens of today may be on the brink of a mental health crisis—due to the widespread use of smart technology.

All in the Mind would like to share with you a story from the ABC podcast Tall Tales and True. Vanessa O'Neill tells the story about being with her father as he gradually declined due to Alzheimer's disease. It was a long, drawn-out period of grief, for the sufferer and for the whole family. Vanessa's story is a heartfelt, first-hand account of losing a parent. And note that the story also contains some strong language.

All in the Mind would like to share with you a story from the ABC podcast Tall Tales and True. Vanessa O'Neill tells the story about being with her father as he gradually declined due to Alzheimer's disease. It was a long, drawn-out period of grief, for the sufferer and for the whole family. Vanessa's story is a heartfelt, first-hand account of losing a parent. And note that the story also contains some strong language.

The placebo effect demonstrates that the mind-body interaction can be powerful. Placebos can turn on the body’s natural biological processes to relieve a range of conditions, and in the future deception may not even be necessary.

The placebo effect demonstrates that the mind-body interaction can be powerful. Placebos can turn on the body’s natural biological processes to relieve a range of conditions, and in the future deception may not even be necessary.

How far would you go to reveal your true, super-smart inner self? Athletes have used substances and techniques to enhance their performance physically. Now there are ways to boost your intelligence—which we don’t suggest you try it at home. But David Adam did—to try and cheat his way into Mensa using smart pills and brain hacks. But this also brought moral dilemmas.

How far would you go to reveal your true, super-smart inner self? Athletes have used substances and techniques to enhance their performance physically. Now there are ways to boost your intelligence—which we don’t suggest you try it at home. But David Adam did—to try and cheat his way into Mensa using smart pills and brain hacks. But this also brought moral dilemmas.