Neuroskeptic
Theory of relativity
The theory of relativity, or simply relativity in physics, usually encompasses two theories by Albert Einstein: special relativity and general relativity.[1] Concepts introduced by the theories of relativity include: Measurements of various quantities are relative to the velocities of observers. The term "theory of relativity" was based on the expression "relative theory" (German: Relativtheorie) used in 1906 by Max Planck, who emphasized how the theory uses the principle of relativity. Scope[edit] The theory of relativity transformed theoretical physics and astronomy during the 20th century. In the field of physics, relativity improved the science of elementary particles and their fundamental interactions, along with ushering in the nuclear age. Two-theory view[edit] The theory of relativity was representative of more than a single new physical theory. Third, special relativity was accepted in the physics community by 1920. On the theory of relativity[edit] Special relativity[edit]
Can't relax? It's all in your mind: Research shows stopping a thought puts more strain on the brain
(PhysOrg.com) -- Turns out, relaxing is exhausting—which could by why so many people struggle to unplug from work during vacation. According to mathematicians at Case Western Reserve University, stopping a thought burns more energy than thinking-like stopping a truck on a downhill slope. "Maybe this explains why it is so tiring to relax and think about nothing," says Daniela Calvetti, professor of mathematics and one of the authors of a new brain study published in an advanced online publication of the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism. Since opening up the brain for detailed monitoring isn't exactly practical, Calvetti teamed up with fellow mathematics professor Erkki Somersalo and Rossana Occhipinti, a postdoctoral researcher in physiology and biophysics, to create a computer model of brain metabolism. Calvetti and Somersalo created a software package specifically designed to study the complex metabolic systems.
Neuroplasticity Revisited
A fascinating case report details a remarkable recovery from serious brain injury: Characterization of recovery and neuropsychological consequences of orbitofrontal lesion. The patient "M. S." was a previously healthy 29 year old Israeli graduate student who suffered injuries in a terrorist attack. These areas are known to be involved in emotion and decision making. One year after the injury... M.S.’s complaints included a sense of general fatigue, loss of taste and smell, difficulty concentrating and emotional changes including irritability, lability, depression and social isolation. These personality and mood changes are reminisicent of those Phineas Gage suffered. Anyway, that was after 1 year, and if that were the end it would be a rather sad story, but there's a happy ending. Her mood, attention-span and so forth were reported as normal. Overall, though, she had made a "magnificent" recovery despite losing a large chunk of her brain.
Einstein [History Channel]
Body of Thought: How Trivial Sensations Can Influence Reasoning, Social Judgment and Perception
Why do we look up to those we respect, stoop to the level of those we disdain and think warmly about those we love? Why do we hide dirty secrets or wash our hands of worries? Why do we ponder weighty subjects and feel a load lift after we have made a decision? Such turns of phrase, invoking a physical reality that stands in for intangible concepts, might seem like linguistic flights of fancy. Select an option below: Customer Sign In *You must have purchased this issue or have a qualifying subscription to access this content
Do Antidepressants Work? The Internet Says...
..."yes and no". A while back I blogged about some researchers who analysed internet discussions of antidepressants to work out what users thought about them. Now a new paper's just come out, doing much the same thing but focussed on a single comment thread: Miracle Drug, Poison, or Placebo. Back in 2008, MSNBC ran this article, prompted by the recent publication of the famous Kirsch paper. In the new paper, author Michael Montagne presents an analysis of the thread. He first looked to see how many people thought antidepressants were "miracle drugs, poisons, or placebos", which was the title of the original article. Users employed a range of metaphors to describe the experience. 45 people described them as "livesaving" and 8 said they were a "Godsend". Even more salt is required for this graph I made from the table showing the number of positive, negative and mixed judgements on each antidepressant. Montagne M (2011).
Osho Talks
Osho or Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh was born in 1931 in Central India. He was a charismatic and gifted speaker who became the leader of a worldwide new spiritual movement. It is said that at the age of 21 he attained enlightenment or Samadhi. At the time he was studying philosophy at the University of Saugar. On receiving a masters degree he taught philosophy at the University of Jabalpur for nine years. As well as teaching philosophy he also began to attract disciples to follow his own eclectic mix of philosophy and religion. In 1970 he settled for a while in Mumbai. In 1981, Osho relocated to the United States and his followers established an intentional community, later known as Rajneeshpuram, in the state of Oregon. Osho was arrested shortly afterwards and charged with immigration violations. Watch the lectures now (playlist)
Brain Games & Brain Training
If mind is related to consciousness and neurotheology relates to both, insights into human behavior could be revealed. by lennysupak Nov 16
Yes, it is absolutely necessary that progress be made by integrating our knowledge of the brain with that of theology...... spirituality (Man's search for God). Until we are more fully able to understand the relationship between these two basic realms, we will never truly (scientifically, that is) understand what it means to be a human being. by dougsoderstrom Nov 16