NEUROPSYCHOLOGY: It works under the umbrella of both psychology and neuroscience based on principle of Basic science and Applied science .From psychological aspect -Some other branches like Biopsychology, Clinical psychology, Developmental psychology, Cognitive psychology come in to play different roles. Neuroscience aspect – some branches like cognitive science, Behavioural science, Affective neuroscience, works in co relation with psychology.

COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE: It studies the biological basis of cognitive functions of brain such as attention memory, learning, language and decision making by using various other scientific methods like Electrophysiology, Neuro imaging, Cognitive psychology.

NEUROANATOMY: It is the study of gross and microscopic structures of brain and spinal cord as well as nerve tissues.

NEUROPHYSIOLOGY: It studies the functioning of nervous system at cellular and molecular lavel. Studies focuses  mainly on electrical properties and signal system of neurotransmission.

NEUROIMAGING: Advanced technology like USG, MRI, fMRI, PET are applied utilising advanced  machines to  take images of structures and functioning of brain.

NEUROINFORMATICS: Principles of neuroscience and computer science are merged together to develop a tool  for collection and analysis and storages of data collected during research activities The vast no of data  comes from varieties of sources like neuroimaging, electrophysiological recordings, and behavioural experiments. The knowledge acquired there of can be utilised to develop new treatment for neurological disorders, to improve cognitive function, to create new technology [Robotic arms] to enhance human ability.

Another goal of this discipline is to build a test model of the brain. This model can be used to simulate brain function and know how different parts of the brain interacts with each other.

NEUROETHICS: Neuroethic is a field of study that examines the Ethical, Legal, Social implications of Neuroscience research and impact of technology which may endanger the whole human civilisation. It draws insights from Neuroscience, Philosophy, Laws and Ethics with an aim to understand Humane nature, and free will. It makes a guideline for the society on DO and DO-NOT .

Ethical issues pose a big dilemma for neuroscience to go un-Restricted For example:

• Should we allow people to use neurotechnology to enhance intelligence and memory?
• Should we develop drugs that can alter people’s moral judgement?
• What are the rights of the people who have brain implants and other technologies associated with?
• How neuroscience research influences and changes our understanding of Human responsibility and Free will?
• Is it ethical to identify the culprit before offence is done basing on advanced neuro imaging and computational projected data?

NEROTHEOLOGY: Neurotheology is fast growing field of research activities combining philosophy of mind, neuroscience and religion/spiritualism and tries to solve the unanswered age old concepts. It focuses on neural corelates of religious and spiritual experiences.

Researchers are trying to understand the biological basis of spirituality. They have made some breakthrough by identifying some area of brain responsible for those spiritual experiences. Most recent study was published in the journal of Biological psychiatry  in2021.Scientist used a technic called  ‘Lesion network mapping’ to identify the brain circuit for the purpose .They found that  Neuronal circuits centred  in the  PERIAQUEDACTAL GREY[PAG] is associated with self- reported  spirituality. Damage to the PAG  circuit are associated with both increase and decrease in spirituality depending upon specific nodes of the circuit that ware affected. They suggest that PAG plays a complex role in spirituality and different aspect of spirituality  may be mediated by different part of circuits.

In 2022 a study published in the journal of neuroscience found that PSILOCYBIN a psychodelic drugs increases the brain connectivity in the brain region responsible for spiritual experiences and open mindedness.

Another study published in the journal of frontiers in psychology in 2023, scientist found that spiritual experiences are associated with decrease activity in INFERIOR PARIETAL LOBE[IPL] IPL, of brain is responsible for perceptual processing and self awareness. Decrease IPL activity may allow people to have more open and receptive experiences of the world which ultimately lead to spiritual experiences. The researchers also reported  that spiritual experiences leads to increase in level of grey matter in prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for Executive functioning and  decision making.

“When activity in the net workof  superior parietal cortex [upper part of parietal lobe] or our prefrontal cortex  increases or decreases  our bodily bound  changes”

Prof. Giordano explain in ainterview  for medium.

A study published in the journal of PLOS, in 2023 found that meditation can reduce the activity in AMYGDALA, a brain region involved with fear and Anxiety.

In addition to these above studies there is fast growing studies to prove the link between spirituality and mental health. A review on such idea was published in journal JAMA psychiatry in 2022. They have found that spirituality is associated with a number of positive mental health outcome including lower level of Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

• However the neuroscience of religion is not straight forward. Many logical question do arises. For instance-How do we measure spirituality and religiosity?
• How can we account for individual difference ?
• How to measure cultural differences?

How to  avoid the Bias and    Reductionism.  Even in a reputed NLI institute they say “If you have a brain you have bias” so also in case of reductionism. Some biologist take reductionist approach at explaining life by reducing  organisms and biological functions down to a cellular level.

Neurotheology never explains or invalidates the very existence or meaning of spiritual or religious phenomena. Whether the is divine power behind the phenomena or it is mere interpretation of brain or mere a faith  or personal choice?

As ANDREW NEWBERG, the leading neurotheologist says “The most important part is that all neuroscientific studies  of religion are ultimately studies of human brain; they can not prove or disprove  the existence of God”

Age old Epistemological  question about nature of reality, consciousness and spirituality still unanswered. Untill we find some answer spirituality and religion are unlikely to go anywhere. The architecture of brain will not allow it.

It is pertinent to mention that the relationship between science and spiritualism/religion needs a separate discussion.