The Dalai Lama’s presence at last November’s meeting of the Society for Neuroscience may have been controversial, but it was also monumental. The spiritual leader succeeded in

Dalai Lama controversy or not, scientists at last week's Society for Neuroscience meeting presented findings from a new study that shows that the brains of those who meditate regularly are shaped differently.

It's all about the cerebral cortex. Parts of this outer layer of the brain are thicker in those with a regular meditation practice, which may be why meditation leads to less stress and better overall health.