Researcher presents brain imagery evidence that meditation and yoga improve cognition at AAAS event. Researcher presents brain imagery evidence at AAAS event that meditation improves cognition.

A specific region of the brain appears to be larger in individuals who are good at turning their thoughts inward and reflecting upon their decisions, according to new research published in the journal Science. This act of introspection—or “thinking about your thinking”—is a key aspect of human consciousness, though scientists have noted plenty of variation in peoples’ introspective abilities.

The new study is published in the 17 September issue of the journal Science. Science is published by AAAS, the nonprofit science society.