Author(s): Jo Marchant

Science

Can meditation protect against depression and dementia? Can the mind boost or calm the immune system? Can the experience of a 'Snow World' virtual reality reduce the pain of burns? Yes. Yes. Yes. Cure is a rigorous and sceptical look at the science behind the mind's extraordinary ability to heal the body. Award-winning science writer Dr Jo Marchant travels the world to meet the researchers, physicians and patients at the forefront of a new approach to medicine that could revolutionise the way we treat a huge swathe of illnesses. Drawing on the very latest research, she explores the neurological, hormonal and physiological processes connecting the brain with all aspects of our health. And she explains how we can apply these findings in our own lives. 'This is popular-science writing at its very best, Cure beautifully describes the cutting-edge research going on in the fascinating - and, until now, often unexplored - area of mind-body medicine.' Henry Marsh, author of Do No Harm