Beliefs in scientifically unsubstantiated ideas were investigated with a study that contrasted college students' attitudes toward paranormal phenomena before and after exposure to skeptical arguments concerning these events. Specifically, students enrolled in 2 sections of a psychological statistics course were exposed to illustrations of statistical concepts that were either paranormal-themed or not, with a 3rd group of participants completing a class that focused on the critical analysis of believer-and skeptic-based ideas surrounding paranormal phenomena. Results revealed that skepticism increased, over time, only when direct exposure to paranormal phenomena was included in one's course work. Results are discussed in terms of the educational and societal implications for encouraging skepticism of scientifically questionable claims.

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Objectives: To determine if Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) changes with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in treatment resistant major depressive disorder (MDD).Methods: Serum from a naturalistic population of 15 patients with MDD was collected at baseline and after standard TMS treatment. VEGF concentration was determined via Enzymelinked Immunosorbent Assay. Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self Report and Patient Health Questionnaire were used as a measure of depression symptom severity, clinical response and remission. Mann-Whiney U and Kendall's Tau Correlation were used for continuous variables.Results: VEGF increased from pre-to post-TMS (+30.3%) in remitters whereas VEGF decreased in nonremitters (−9.87%) (p<0.05). This same pattern was observed when comparing mean %change in VEGF between responders (+14.7%) and non-responders (−14.9%) (p=0.054). Correlation was present between change in VEGF concentration (baseline to post) and change in IDS-SR at Tx30 (r=−.371, p<0.054), reflecting greater increases in VEGF linked to greater improvement in depressive symptoms following the standard 6-week course of TMS. Conclusions:Patients with a successful treatment with TMS had significantly greater increase in VEGF from baseline to after treatment compared to non-responders/non-remitters and a larger increase in VEGF was associated with greater improvement in depressive symptoms after TMS. This is the first report examining VEGF levels in depressed patients receiving TMS. This study provides correlative data supporting further investigation into VEGF's role as an important

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