The biggest thing in Spirit Tech this week

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Boosts Meditation's Emotional Benefits

A randomized clinical trial published in BMC Medicine investigated whether non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation could improve the effects of mindfulness meditation on emotional regulation.

Researchers studied 63 men with alcohol use disorder over 10 days. Both groups practiced mindfulness meditation, but only one received active vagus nerve stimulation, while the other received sham stimulation. Those receiving active stimulation showed greater improvements in controlling impulsive responses to negative emotional cues, alongside earlier and greater reductions in anxiety and alcohol cravings.

The findings add to growing evidence that neuromodulation can complement contemplative practices. Combining meditation with technologies that influence the body's physiological state could offer new ways to improve emotional regulation and support addiction treatment.

Also this week

New computational method improves recognition of Jhana meditation states

A new arXiv preprint introduced a computational method that improves how machine-learning algorithms distinguish different Jhana meditation states using fMRI brain scans.

Jhana refers to a progression of deep meditative absorption states traditionally cultivated through sustained concentration. Analyzing brain scans from 22 experienced meditators, researchers combined information about communication between brain regions and patterns of brain activity over time. This improved their ability to distinguish earlier from later jhana states, although making finer distinctions remained challenging.

As computational methods become better at distinguishing advanced meditation states, they could pave the way for real-time feedback that helps practitioners better understand and cultivate these experiences.

Human psychics push back against AI-generated spiritual readings

A Guardian investigation explored how AI is reshaping the market for psychic readings, horoscopes and spiritual advice.

People are turning to these tools for personalized, real-time advice on relationships and major life decisions, treating them as modern oracles. In response, some human psychics are adopting no-AI policies and emphasizing the empathy, intuition and personal connection they believe automated readings lack.

The investigation also raises concerns about transparency, the handling of sensitive personal information and the risk of trusting AI-generated advice simply because it sounds convincing.

As AI-enabled spiritual guidance becomes increasingly cheap and accessible, the ability to discern what is trustworthy and genuinely helpful becomes more important. For Spirit Tech builders, can these tools be designed to strengthen users' own discernment while providing guidance, rather than becoming another authority to depend on?

US moves to restrict investments in foreign brain-computer interfaces

The US Treasury has proposed new investment regulations that would restrict American investors from funding companies developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) linked to six countries of concern: China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela.

The proposed rules would prohibit certain US investments in companies developing invasive and non-invasive BCIs and associated software. The restrictions aim to prevent US capital and expertise from supporting technologies that could strengthen foreign military, intelligence or surveillance capabilities. Public comments close on December 7.

The proposal signals that BCIs are increasingly being treated as strategically sensitive technologies with national security implications, not just medical or consumer devices. For neurotech companies seeking US investment, their ownership, location and international partnerships could become important factors in whether American investors can fund them.

Company Spotlights

• Aniwa: Global learning platform where 40+ lineage-holding Indigenous elders share their teachings, many publicly for the first time. Explore 50+ courses on ceremony, sacred chants and plant healing, plus live circles, 1:1 elder healings and retreats. Half of all proceeds go directly to the elders.

• Sigono: Indie video game studio behind OPUS, a series of narrative sci-fi adventure games about connection, loss and letting go, with over 9.5 million downloads.

Explore our Spirit Tech Organizations directory, a living map of 500+ orgs we track and update weekly.

New Jobs This Week

• Communications Lead @ Slingshot AI: Become the first in-house comms lead for Ash, "the first AI designed for mental health," turning the company's research and safety work into published content and press. New York.

• Customer Success Specialist @ Retreat Guru: Onboard and support the retreat centers running bookings, payments, and operations on Retreat Guru's platform. Remote · $55k–$65k.

• Project Manager, Creative Services @ Thatgamecompany: Keep the creative-request pipeline on schedule across marketing, community, and art at the studio behind Sky and Journey. Remote (US) · contract · $80/hr.

Browse the Spirit Tech jobs board for more roles, or to post one at your organization.