How Keith Hearne, Stephen LaBerge and Paul Tholey turned dreams into data Lucid dreaming—the phenomenon of becoming consciously aware that you’re dreaming while dreaming—has long fascinated philosophers, mystics, and scientists alike. But for centuries, it remained speculative. That is, until the late 20th century, when lucid dreaming finally crossed the threshold into scientific legitimacy. So who actually proved lucid dreaming? Who was first? And how did we get here? Let’s

Right, so I wasn't planning to write this – I was halfway through playing fetch with Chikon the Cat (far more worthwhile use of my time, frankly) – but then I spotted yet another smug comment on one of my videos claiming that "lucid dreaming is purely about awareness," and how "you don't understand the brain if you think intelligence and awareness are related." Complete twaddle, delivered with that familiar patronising tone that pseudo-spiritual types (who somehow think they'

Ego death. You’ve heard of it. You’ve seen people claim they’ve had it. But what the hell is it actually? Some claim it’s a spiritual awakening, others treat it as a badge of honour, and a few even talk about it as though it’s a one-way ticket to godhood (which seems more than a little arrogant). But what actually is  ego death? Is it enlightenment? Is it brain damage? Is it just another way for people to pretend they’ve discovered the meaning of life after taking mushrooms i