Positive thinking may boost immune response to vaccines Scientists from Tel Aviv University report that people who used positive‑mind training during brain‑exercise sessions produced higher antibody levels after receiving a hepatitis‑B vaccine. The study focused on stimulating the ventral tegmental area of the brain’s reward system. Volunteers completed four training sessions that encouraged hopeful thoughts and received the vaccine afterward. Blood samples taken two and four weeks later showed that those who maximised reward‑system activity had the strongest antibody response. Researchers emphasise the effect is modest and could serve as a complementary tool, not a replacement for vaccination. Comments from experts in Washington, St. Louis and Leicester suggest further research is needed to confirm clinical relevance.

Original article can be found here.