Monthly Archive for January, 2008
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Linked to Genes
Scientists have recently pinpointed genes that can predict who is more likely to get Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease, meaning the body attacks itself, and to date it affects approximately 400,000 Americans. Every week about 200 people are diagnosed with this potentially debilitating disease in the US alone. Although the most common image of MS is an elderly individual in a wheelchair, the first signs of disease (periods of dizziness, double vision) often appear in the late teens or early twenties, and twice as often in women. The patient may recover completely, partially, or not at all after this first "relapse" episode, and it is a lifelong disease. Most MS patients will get some permanent disability later on in their lives.
Our Caveman Way of Avoiding Danger
You know the scenario. You are standing at a family get together lost in thought about a stressful situation in your life when a family member approaches and with a worried tone asks, "What's wrong?" Did you know that subconsciously they are reading the facial signals you are displaying? Why don't they have the same reaction when your mood is happy? Well, there is an evolutionary reason. A study looking at this phenomenon showed that we recognize fear on others' faces faster than we notice happiness.
The Science Behind Impulse Buying
The old adage, "Don't go grocery shopping on an empty stomach" has more validity than you may think. Researches have discovered at least some situations that trigger impulse buying -- and not just at the grocery store. Since consumers are the virtual "dead animals on the street" to marketing vultures, it pays to be one step ahead of the game. The ScienceDaily article, "Aroma Of Chocolate Chip Cookies Prompts Splurging On Expensive Sweaters," provides information that may keep you from the poor house.
Preventing Dementia with Salmon, Gardening and Sugar-Free Soda
Research in the field of dementia prevention and treatment is widespread, as people are living longer and thus developing dementia at a higher rate. Three recently published studies point to the importance of diet and exercise in the development of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, the two most common types seen in aging individuals.
Popular Posts
- The Love Drug
- Women After Sex
- Fatty Acids and Suicide Risk
- Mind Games - Science's Attempts at Thought Control
- Risks of Personalized Medicine
- Mental Health Disorders Prevalent Among Youth Worldwide
- Is Giftedness Nothing More than Good Genes?
- The Many Emerging Roles of Astrocytes
- Behind the Masks - The Mysteries of Dissociative Identity Disorder
- The NeuroSocial Network
Future Posts
- The Brain’s Buying Power
Latest Posts
- Aging Intelligently
- A Nicotine Patch a Day Keeps the Cognitive Impairment Away
- The Many Emerging Roles of Astrocytes
- Diabetes Impairs Cognition
- Media Violence Leads to Real Violence
- Intelligence – Are You Holding Back Your Brain?
- Childhood Aggression Predicts Health Care Use Later in Life
- The Brain’s Border Patrol – Blood Brain Barrier
- Risks of Personalized Medicine
- BED-head and Obesity – Food for Thought
Comments
- Sandi Sarabia: Definitely, what a splendid we
- : This article had great info on
- peter: I also see things the same way
- Scapadas Amorosas: Lets patent it, package, marke
- Emily Haines, MSc, PhD student: Thanks for your comments, Matt
- Emily Haines, MSc, PhD student: Thanks for your comments and s
- Alex: While we have our eyes glued t
- Richard Kensinger, MSW: Carla,You are absolutely c
- Soraya L. Valles: I'm interested in astrocytes.
- Raymond Tallis: Dear Kitty, I have come to you
- Steven: After smoking for 17 years dai
- Matt: I'm just interested in hearing
