Inside Paul Allen's Plan to Reverse-Engineer the Human Brain - Wired Science In 2003, Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen spent $100 million to build the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle. With laser-equipped microscopes and custom brain-slicers, the institute has mapped the brains of mice, monkeys, and humans, showing which genes are turned on—and where—to better understand vision, memory, autism, and other neural phenomena. Last year Allen ponied up another $300 million to aim the institute at a narrower but more ambitious goal: a complete understanding of how the mouse brain interprets visual information. To succeed, they’ll have to go beyond static gene maps and learn how to watch a living brain in action. The new method will track electrical activity in neurons—not just in one mouse but many. Of all the things you could have invested in, why brain research? Well, as a programmer you’re working with very simple structures compared to the brain. How do you think your investment has paid off so far? Oh, I think it’s had a real impact.
Researchers discover a link between autism and epilepsy Wed. Oct. 16, 2013 by Sima Ash, CHom, CNC (NaturalHealth365) Epilepsy occurs in 2-3% of the general population; however this number jumps to 30% if the person has autism. Some researchers believe that epileptic symptoms could be under recognized in children with autism who have moderate to severe developmental delay. The clinical diagnosis of epilepsy in autism is complicated by the fact that some of the symptoms can be mistaken for other childhood behaviors – failing to respond to one’s name, repetitive behaviors and tics – can be difficult to distinguish clinically from seizures. What is the risk of autism and epilepsy – in adults? Research conducted by the University of Bath found adults with epilepsy are more likely to have a greater number of characteristics of autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Are kids at a greater risk for autism and epilepsy? Children with autism who are older than 13 and having the following ‘symptoms’ were at greater risk: A closer look at moms with epilepsy
Dopamine regulates the motivation to act Printer friendly version Share 10 January 2013 Asociación RUVID The widespread belief that dopamine regulates pleasure could go down in history with the latest research results on the role of this neurotransmitter. The neuroscience journal Neuron publishes an article by researchers at the Universitat Jaume I of Castellón that reviews the prevailing theory on dopamine and poses a major paradigm shift with applications in diseases related to lack of motivation and mental fatigue and depression, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, etc. and diseases where there is excessive motivation and persistence as in the case of addictions. "It was believed that dopamine regulated pleasure and reward and that we release it when we obtain something that satisfies us, but in fact the latest scientific evidence shows that this neurotransmitter acts before that, it actually encourages us to act. Application for depression and addiction Attached files Dopamine
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Veterans What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? You feel on edge. Nightmares keep coming back. Sudden noises make you jump. You’re staying at home more and more. Could you have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? If you have experienced severe trauma or a life-threatening event — whether during a time of war or in a noncombat situation — you may develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress, or what is commonly known as PTSD. Some of the most common symptoms of PTSD include recurring memories or nightmares of the event, sleeplessness, loss of interest, and feelings of numbness, anger or irritability, or being constantly on guard, but there are many ways PTSD can impact your everyday life. “Even though I knew they were just fireworks on the Fourth of July, to me they still sounded like incoming mortars. Some factors can increase the likelihood of a traumatic event leading to PTSD, such as: What are the signs of posttraumatic stress disorder? Take the next step: Make the connection. Your doctor.
Alzheimer's breakthrough hailed as 'turning point' Media playback is unsupported on your device The discovery of the first chemical to prevent the death of brain tissue in a neurodegenerative disease has been hailed as the "turning point" in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. More work is needed to develop a drug that could be taken by patients. But scientists say a resulting medicine could treat Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and other diseases. In tests on mice, the Medical Research Council showed all brain cell death from prion disease could be prevented. Prof Roger Morris, from King's College London, said: "This finding, I suspect, will be judged by history as a turning point in the search for medicines to control and prevent Alzheimer's disease." He told the BBC a cure for Alzheimer's was not imminent but: "I'm very excited, it's the first proof in any living animal that you can delay neurodegeneration. "The world won't change tomorrow, but this is a landmark study." Cells starve 'Very dramatic' Side effects are an issue.
These foods HARM your brain - beware The #1 WORST Food that HARMS Your Brain (avoid!) Some foods you might be eating daily can actually DAMAGE your brain over time. In this article, we'll explore foods that HARM your brain vs foods that PROTECT your brain. by Mike Geary - Certified Nutrition Specialist Co-Author of the best seller: The Top 101 Foods that FIGHT Aging First, the BAD NEWS... Certain foods you eat can indeed harm your brain, both in impaired learning ability as well as impaired memory. A friend of mine just told me that her dad died of Alzheimers recently and it was just a terrible disease where he didn't even know who she was anymore towards the end. So let's dig in with the topic today of foods that harm your brain, and what you can do about it... Food #1 that HARMS your brain: Fructose In a 2012 UCLA study published in the Journal of Physiology, researchers found that a diet high in fructose over time can damage your memory and learning ability. Last thing to note about fructose... The good news is... Want more...
Humans, Version 3.0 Credit: Flickr user Suvcon Where are we humans going, as a species? If science fiction is any guide, we will genetically evolve like in X-Men, become genetically engineered as in Gattaca, or become cybernetically enhanced like General Grievous in Star Wars. All of these may well be part of the story of our future, but I’m not holding my breath. Genetic engineering could engender marked changes in us, but it requires a scientific bridge between genotypes—an organism’s genetic blueprints—and phenotypes, which are the organisms themselves and their suite of abilities. And machine-enhancement is part of our world even today, manifesting in the smartphones and desktop computers most of us rely on each day. Simply put, none of these scenarios are plausible for the immediate future. There is, however, another avenue for human evolution, one mostly unappreciated in both science and fiction. Neuronal recycling exploits this wellspring of potent powers. But how do I know this is feasible?
Tried everything? Three little-known natural remedies for Alzheimer's (NaturalNews) Medical science still has not figured out the puzzle of Alzheimer's disease, but there are some natural remedies that medical researchers say could offer substantial relief. Colostrum: There are those who argue that the mythical and elusive fountain of youth may actually exist, and that it can be found in something produced by every nursing mammal: colostrum. Also known as "first milk," colostrum is a form of milk that is produced by the mammary glands of mammals (humans included, of courses), later in pregnancy. Most species will generate colostrum just prior to giving birth. Colostrum contains antibodies that protect newborns against disease, and it also contains a higher concentration of protein than regular milk, and it is lower in fat as well. These protective benefits of colostrum have a long, rich history. In recent decades, there has been a renewed interest in colostrum and the benefits it provides. How does it work? But adults can also benefit from colostrum. Sources:
Scientific evidence that you probably don’t have free will I might note that you're citing experiments, which while not entirely debunked are in many circles considered to be highly flawed. For example, the "when did you decide to move your finger," experiment. This experiment is considered flawed because moving your finger is purely a motor response, and an incredibly simplistic one at that. The motion of our hands is one of the things we have the least control over, we're constantly twitching, scratching itches, or simply stretching our fingers out without realizing it. This however, is entirely different from decisions that by necessity require a great deal of forethought. Actually, I read up on this subject a little about a week ago, and found a fairly decent article on the subject. PS: io9, did you guys see that I was just arguing free will earlier today on another posts comment board?!