Neuroscience & Neurology | August 20, 2008 | By Jennifer Gibson, PharmDcloseJennifer Gibson, PharmD Name: Jennifer Gibson
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About: Jennifer Gibson, PharmD, is a practicing clinical pharmacist and freelance medical writer and editor with experience in researching and preparing scientific publications, developing public relations materials, creating educational resources and presentations, and editing technical manuscripts. Her clients include academic research institutions, international authors, pharmaceutical companies, professional organizations, and public advocacy groups. | 1 Comment

Is Seeing Into the Future More Than an Optical Illusion?

Most humans do not have the power to predict the future, but we can see it. At least we can see one-tenth of a second of it. The May-June issue of the journal Cognitive Science published a review by Mark Changizi of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, claiming that the human visual system has evolved to allow us to see fractions of a second into the future.

When light hits our retina, it takes approximately 100 milliseconds, or one-tenth of one second, for our brain to perceive an image. While it seems insignificant, the delay is consequential when dealing with moving objects. Read more →

Opinion | August 20, 2008 | By JC, MDcloseJC, MD Name: J C
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About: Dr. JC is a medical doctor who has a passion for health promotion and education. | 0 Comments

Malignant Medicine

There is a culture to medicine that I alluded to in my previous post about how everyone in the hospital is your boss. In essence, medicine is a profession like no other where “scutwork,” “malignancy” and “bad-mouthing” colleagues is standard practice. In the academic world this continues on in full force even after becoming an attending. In the private medical world it still exists. There is always a “Chief” or “Chair” of the department or division in which you practice. Most professions have hierarchy or levels of the ladder on which people sit. In medicine, I submit that the personalities are very strong due to the history of malignant medicine. Read more →

Health & Healthcare | August 19, 2008 | By Nirupama Shankar, PT, MHScloseNirupama Shankar, PT, MHS Name: Nirupama Shankar
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About: Nirupama Shankar, PT, MHS is a physical therapist by profession, and has over 7 years of clinical experience in the field of neurological rehabilitation. She has treated individuals with stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amputations. She has also completed training modules and community education projects in Michigan and North Carolina. | 1 Comment

Putting an End to Medicare Fraud

When Medicare was signed in to law by President Johnson in 1965, it was intended to serve as a central funding resource for persons over 65 years, and people with disabilities. Over the years millions of people have benefited from the financial medical pool that Medicare is — providing healthcare resources to innumerable people in need. There is no denying that the founders’ vision and efforts are truly commendable. However, every coin has two sides to it, and of late the ugly side of Medicare has been rearing its head. Fraudulent healthcare practices by healthcare companies and individuals abusing their benefits have contributed greatly to the depletion of Medicare reserves. Senate Republicans estimate that frauds cost Medicare and Medicaid approximately 60 billion dollars annually. Read more →

Opinion | August 17, 2008 | By Sajid Surve, DOcloseSajid Surve, DO Name: Sajid Surve
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About: Dr. Sajid Surve is a physiatrist, acupuncturist, and osteopath who specializes in musculoskeletal medicine and integrative medicine. | 1 Comment

The Gift of Life - Part 1

I’m going to make a departure from the usual Brain Blogger content today to discuss an event that has arisen in my personal life which I wanted to share.

When I was in college, there was a student on campus who had leukemia, and the campus held a drive asking students to donate some blood to be tested as a possible match. Figuring it was the right thing to do, I went and volunteered. The techs drew a few vials of blood, and that was the end of it. Not surprisingly, that student didn’t end up finding a match on campus, and I completely forgot about the whole event. Read more →