MedWorm: Neurologists

Brain science podcast #37: dr. john medina discusses “brain rules”

the Brain Science Podcast and Blog with Dr. Ginger Campbell — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:39:33 +0100

John Medina, PhD Episode 37 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Dr. John Medina, author of Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School. We talk about how exercise, sleep, and stress effect our brains with an emphasis on practical advice for healthier brain function. We also look at how research on memory, vision and the brain’s attention system suggests how we can improve our ability to learn and our ability to share ideas with others. Dr. Medina’s focus is on considering real world examples of how our schools and work environments could be reformed to utilize the growing knowledge of neuroscience. But he also stresses the importance of compiling sufficient experimental data before embarking on new programs. Listen to Episode 37 now (left click to listen, right click to download mp3). Links and References: Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School (Book & DVD) by John Medina The book’s website contain extensive references and instructive videos. YouTube™ video of John Medina speaking at Google™. Listen to Brain Science Podcast #37 Share your comments on the Discussion Forum Subscribe via iTunes™ Subscribe in a reader or podcatcher Subscribe to Brain Science Podcast with Dr. Ginger Campbell by Email Donations and Subscriptions are appreciated (Source: the Brain Science Podcast and Blog with Dr. Ginger Campbell)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Update: brain fitness seminars

SharpBrains — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:33:11 +0100

Here you are have the bi-monthly update with our 10 most Popular blog posts. (Also, remember that you can subscribe to receive our RSS feed, or to our newsletter, at the top of this page, if you want to receive this digest by email). We hope you have some time to share with us today. Just came back from a superb event on Brain Health Across the Lifespan...and many stimulating things are happening in the world of brain fitness. News and Events Exercise your brain in the Cognitive Age: The New York Times published two thought-provoking articles on brain and cognitive fitness, one of them featuring SharpBrains. Brain Fitness Webinar Series: Alvaro has been travelling a great deal over the last 2 weeks to speak at a number of conferences (Games for Health, Innovation Institute, Learning & The Brain) and universities (Harvard Business School), mainly to present the key findings from our market report. Now we launching a Brain Fitness Webinar Series to share the most important highlights of our work and field, helped by biologist and author John Medina: Webinar #1: “The State of the Brain Fitness Software Market, 2008,” (Tuesday May 27th, 11am PDT). Webinar #2: “Brain Rules for Thinking Smarter,” by guest speaker John Medina (Tuesday June 3rd, 11am PDT). Webinar #3: “The Science and Practice of Brain Fitness,” (Tuesday June 10th, 11am PDT). To learn more and register, click on Brain Fitness Webinar Series Research Can Intelligence Be Trained? Martin Buschkuehl shows how: These interview notes summarize a great conversation Alvaro had with Martin Buschkuehl, one of the University of Michigan’s researchers involved in the cognitive training study that has received lots of media attention (New York Times, Wired, Science News...) since late April. Understanding Brain Imaging: Spectacular post written by four of Dr. Daniel Lende's students, showing how brain imaging provides a window into the plasticity of our brains, and how our very own actions impact them. For better and for worse. Market Jack LaLanne and Dakim: Beautiful display of creativity... Resources Psychology of Intelligence Analysis: The CIA has posted the full text of one of its guidebooks, "Psychology of Intelligence Analysis". Fascinating overview. Brain and Cognition Expert Contributors: We profile some of our growing roster of Expert Contributors and link to their best articles with us so far. Enjoy! Directory of Websites: Here you have a variety of brain and brain-health resources, including many gems. Brain Teaser Word game: stimulate your temporal lobe: Teaser that targets the neurons in your language areas, by Dr. Pascale Michelon. And finally, you may enjoy these reflections on Golden Moments of Choice...and self-directed neuroplasticity by reading Neuroplasticity through Mind Hygiene. Enjoy! Brain exercises, brain fitness seminars, Brain health, Brain Health Across the Lifespan, Brain teasers, brain websites, CIA, cognition, Cognitive Age, Dakim, Exercise your brain, Games for Health, Harvard, Innovation Institute, LaLanne, Learning & The Brain, Mind Hygiene, mind teasers, new york times (Source: SharpBrains)

Orgasms everywhere!

Omni Brain — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:11:34 +0100

So what's the story with the big O? Scientific American has the full story. Here's the main points to get you warmed up though: Principles of Pleasure * Sexual desire and orgasm are subject to various influences on the brain and nervous system, which controls the sex glands and genitals. * The ingredients of desire may differ for men and women, but researchers have revealed some surprising similarities. For example, visual stimuli spur sexual stirrings in women, as they do in men. * Achieving orgasm, brain imaging studies show, involves more than heightened arousal. It requires a release of inhibitions engineered by shutdown of the brain's center of vigilance in both sexes and a widespread neural power failure in females. Here's the Scientific American article. Read the comments on this post... (Source: Omni Brain)

What happens at vision science society stays at vss (except in the blogging world)

Omni Brain — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:52:00 +0100

Well I'm finally done with VSS it was long and stressful... but mostly fun. Here's a couple pictures... After all this fun I had to get my game face on and do a talk. I've given a lot of talks in classrooms and even at a conference but after I saw the size of the room and how many people were going to be in it I was a weeee bit intimidated. After letting the stress stew for a couple days I finally gave my talk on Wednesday. I think it went well :) At least people complemented me on it. If you're interested in seeing what I presented with no explanation feel free to download the powerpoint presentation. I'm looking forward to next years conference already. Read the comments on this post... (Source: Omni Brain)

Yet another reason to exercise and eat right

Brain Waves — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:41:06 +0100

A new study suggests that heavy adults have higher rates of psychiatric disorders. Using data from a national health survey of more than 40,000 Americans, researchers found that obese adults were up to twice as likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions as normal-weight adults. (Source: Brain Waves)

14 open phd and post-doc positions in computational vision

Neurobot — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:19:32 +0100

The planned Frankfurt Bernstein Center for Neurotechnology offers a range of post-doc and PhD positions (14 in total, pending final approval) for theoretical research in: -computational neuroscience -computer vision -machine learning -developmental robotics (Source: Neurobot)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Blue brain project satellite meeting fens 2008

Neurobot — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:33:20 +0100

The Blue Brain Project is hosting a satellite meeting just before the FENS 2008 meeting at the PalEXPO center in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 10-11, 2008. (Source: Neurobot)

Ninds cooperative program in translational research update

Brain Waves — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:17:00 +0100

I spoke with Joe Pancrazio yesterday who brought me up to speed on the the NINDS Cooperative Program in Translational Research. The program is intended to catalyze the development of partnerships between basic and clinical investigators, and to stimulate agreements between the academic and industrial sectors, so that translational research in neuroscience can flourish as a cooperative, iterative process leading to new and effective interventions for neurological disorders. The program in Translational Research is implemented through three coordinated cooperative agreements mechanisms, and NINDS program staff will have a significant, although not dominant, role in the planning and execution of the supported activities. It is intended for the extramural research community to use the translational research initiatives flexibly and creatively, and in whatever combinations are necessary, to achieve the most rapid and effective development of clinical interventions for neurological disorders. NINDS is the only neuroscience institute that participates in this program, although other institutes have some kind of translational activities. (Source: Brain Waves)

Huuuuuge sale of science books from columbia press

Omni Brain — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:31:01 +0100

There is a huuuuge sale on science books (and other categories...literature theory, anthro, whatever) at Columbia Press. They are all well above 50% off. It looks like there are a bunch of interesting titles. Check it out! Read the comments on this post... (Source: Omni Brain)

Damasio on emotion

Channel N — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:03:00 +0100

[Image: portrait of Antonio Damasio, from Conscious Entities.]title Advances on the Neurobiology of Emotion: Taking Stockdescription In a long, slightly muffled lecture, the legendary Antonio Damasio talks about issues to do with emotions and the brain, spanning his career and looking forward.producer Princeton Universityfeaturing Antonio Damasioformat Real Video or WMVdate 16/11/06length 01:44:30link http://www.princeton.edu/WebMedia/lectures/direct video link http://realserver.princeton.edu:8080/ramgen/lectures/20061116damasioVN350K.rm direct video link http://www.princeton.edu/WebMedia/lectures/20061116damasioVN350K.asxTags: brain video lecture neurobiology emotion neuroimaging lecture (Source: Channel N)

Back from hintertux

bjoern.brembs.net - a neuroscientist's blog : RSS feed of bjoern.brembs.net — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:19:39 +0100

Just got back late last night from a brief stint to the Austrian Alps (Hintertux) for a final snowboarding trip this season. I haven't been boarding since 2002 when I took the opportunity to watch some competitions of the Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah and went snowboardng there. Obviously, I was more than a little itching to go!The weather was perfect and the snow fantastic so it was a formidable trip. Now, of course, I'm sore as hell, but that's what you get for not going down the hills for 6 years! Here's a picture of what our resort looked like the past 4 days, taken with my Palm Treo: (Source: bjoern.brembs.net - a neuroscientist's blog : RSS feed of bjoern.brembs.net)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Unusual sources of lead leading to intoxication

neurologyminutiae — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:59:00 +0100

var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-3639768-12");pageTracker._initData();pageTracker._trackPageview();Lead was an ingredient of antibacterial ointments until the 20th century and are still sold in rural Switzerland. Traditional remedies including Asian plant products may be contaminated. Beauty ointments may be a culprit including lip balms (Fluri et al. Neurology 69:929 2007).Serum, not urine lead levels should be checked and porphoryns may be elevated. MRI may show hyperintensity in the basal ganglia. Encephalopathy and motor neuropathy both can occur in adult intoxications. (Source: neurologyminutiae)

Bacterial and fungal meningitis in patients with cancer

neurologyminutiae — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:20:00 +0100

var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-3639768-12");pageTracker._initData();pageTracker._trackPageview();Safdieh JE, Mead PA, Sepkowitz KA et al. Neurology 2008; 943-947. High points-- only five percent of cases had the triad of fever, nuchal rigidity and mental status changes. VP shunt patients usually presented with mental status changes. Most patients had had prior neurosurgery. organisms included more gram positive infections and a smattering of diverse other organisms. CSF response was often muted. (Source: neurologyminutiae)

Neurotheology rising - the neural buddhists

Brain Waves — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:29:19 +0100

David Brooks continues his quest to discuss everything in terms of neuroscience. This week in The Neural Buddhists he declares, "Just as 'The Origin of Species' reshaped social thinking, just as Einstein’s theory of relativity affected art, so the revolution in neuroscience is having an effect on how people see the world. He goes on, "This new wave of research will not seep into the public realm in the form of militant atheism. Instead it will lead to what you might call neural Buddhism." The implications of which he suggest will be the following. "First, the self is not a fixed entity but a dynamic process of relationships. Second, underneath the patina of different religions, people around the world have common moral intuitions. Third, people are equipped to experience the sacred, to have moments of elevated experience when they transcend boundaries and overflow with love. Fourth, God can best be conceived as the nature one experiences at those moments, the unknowable total of all there is." And he so aptly ends with, "We’re in the middle of a scientific revolution. It’s going to have big cultural effects." I think Brooks will be a fan of The Brain Wave when it is released next May. (Source: Brain Waves)

Incf music project: request for comments

Neurobot — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:16:09 +0100

The INCF has engaged in the development of software that allows large scale neuron simulators to communicate during runtime. An RFC - Request For Comments - document is now available and open for comments on the proposed design and prototype specifications. MUSIC (Multi-Simulation Coordinator) is a project under the INCF Program on Large-Scale Modeling of the Nervous System. (Source: Neurobot)

Programmer - sysadmin position at cu boulder

Neurobot — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:14:39 +0100

The Institute of Cognitive Science at the University of Colorado, Boulder is seeking applications for an experienced computer support specialist for system administration and programming related to neuroimaging (fMRI, ERP) and computational modeling work within the Institute. This person will help purchase and manage a large new computer cluster (and Mac & Linux desktop machines connected to it) for neuroimaging data analysis and neural network simulations, and write scripts and programs needed for these tasks. (Source: Neurobot)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Can intelligence be trained? martin buschkuehl shows how

SharpBrains — Wed, 14 May 2008 05:54:27 +0100

Today I had a great conversation with Martin Buschkuehl, one of the University of Michigan’s Cognitive Neuroimaging Lab researchers involved in the cognitive training study that has received much media attention (New York Times, Wired, Science News...) since late April, when the study was published at the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Reference: Jaeggi, S. M., Buschkuehl, M., Jonides, J., & Perrig, W. J. (2008). Improving Fluid Intelligence With Training on Working Memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 105(19), 6829-6833 (You can read it here, with subscription). Before you keep reading, let me clarify a couple of terms: - "Working Memory" is the ability to hold several units of information in our minds and manipulate them in real time. For example, imagine I ask you to remember, and then say backwards, the 7 digits of my phone number. - "Fluid intelligence" can be described as the ability to deal with new challenges and new problems, those that we encounter for the first time. Dr. Buschkuehl, nice to talk to you. Can you first provide us with some context on your research? My collaborator Susanne Jaeggi and I started our training work four years ago in the Lab of Prof. Walter Perrig at the University of Bern, Switzerland. Now we are both Post Docs in Prof. John Joindes’ Lab at the University of Michigan. We developed a complex computerized task and have tried it in a number of studies. We reported our results in two unpublished dissertations, but this is the first time it has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Could you please explain the training involved in this particular study? We recruited 70 students aged around 26 years and set half of them on a challenging computer-based cognitive training regimen, based on the so-called "n-back task." This is a very complex working memory task that involves the simultaneous presentation of visual and auditory stimuli. The experimental group watched a series of screens on their computers, where a blue square appeared in various positions on a black background. Each screen appeared for half a second, with a 2.5 second gap before the next one appeared. While this happened, the trainees also heard a series of letters that were read out at the same rate. At first, students had to say if either the screen or the letter matched those that popped up two cycles ago. The number of cycles increased or decreased depending on how well the students performed the task. The students sat through about twenty-five minutes of training per day for either 8, 12, 17 or 19 days, and were tested on their fluid intelligence before and after the regimen using the Bochumer-Matrizen Test (this is a problem-solving task based on the same principle as the very well known Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices. However, it is more difficult and therefore especially suited for academic samples). What were the results? Participants in the experimental group did significantly better on the fluid intelligence test (which was not directly trained) than participants in the control group. Those in the control group hadn’t gone through any training. The control group did improve slightly, but real “trainees” outperformed them (see Figure Xa). Furthermore, we found that the improvement was dose-dependent: the more they trained, the larger the gain on fluid intelligence. Images: PNAS. We just published a market report to cover the growing brain fitness software market. A common question we get is, “How are computerized programs like the one you used fundamentally different from, say, simply doing many crossword puzzles?” First, thank you for sending the report along. Fascinating to see what is starting to happen in this field. In terms of why our program worked, I could say that the program has some inherent properties that are at least in this combination unique to our training approach. Our program is: - Fully adaptive in real-time: The person using the program is truly pushed to his or her peak level all the time, thereby "stretching" the targeted ability. - Complex: We present a very complex task, mixing different forms of stimuli (auditory, visual) under time pressure. - Designed for Transferability: The tasks can be designed in a way that do not allow for the development of task-specific "strategies" to beat the game. One needs to truly expand capacity, and this helps ensure the transfer of to non-trained tasks. This is very different from enhancing task-specific capacities, such as memorizing lists of 100 numbers, which have been shown not to necessarily transfer to related domains. Can you give an example of the lack of transferability of other training methods? In Ericsson’s classic paper (Ericsson, K. A., & Delaney, P. F. (1998). Working memory and expert performance. In R. H. Logie & K. J. Gilhooly (Eds.), Working Memory and Thinking (pp. 93-114). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum), people who could memorize 100 numbers, using a variety of mnemotecnic techniques, could not get even close to 100 letters. Remembering numbers didn’t translate into remembering other things, so it wasn’t a general memory capacity that had been improved. What are the particular aspects of the University of Michigan study that surprised you the most? First, the clear transfer into fluid intelligence, that many researchers and psychologists take as fixed. Second, I was surprised to see that the more training the better the outcome. The improvements did not seem to peak early. Third, that all trained groups improved, no matter their respective starting points. In fact, students with lowest fluid intelligence seemed to improve the most. But that was not the main focus of our study, so we can not say much more about it. How did participants describe the experience, and their benefits? Many liked the training. They saw the challenge, and tried hard to push themselves through the training to see how far they could go. We did not analyze how the fluid intelligence gains transferred into real life. But from an anecdotal point of view, many participants have shared stories of how they perceive a major benefit. Now they can follow lectures more easily, understand math better etc… There is a degree of artificial controversy these days in the media and the scientific community on the respective benefits of physical or mental exercise. Your thoughts? We obviously need both. Physical exercise keeps the body in a good shape but especially in older people also leads to cognitive benefits. Mental exercise, like the one we used, can enhance important abilities and is most likely the most efficient way to improve a specific cognitive process but also generalizes to a broader range of skills, as we showed. Research will need to help clarify who needs what type of exercise more. Some people may get enough mental exercise through very complex jobs and what they need is physical exercise. For others, it may be the opposite. What are your plans now? First, to conduct follow-up research to analyze the neural basis of the improvement via neuroimaging studies and try to measure benefits in real life. But our main hope is to be able to investigate and develop applications for people who need it most: children with development problems, stroke/ TBI rehab, and older adults. Also, let me note that there is a cross-platform application available (Note: Here), that allows to train with the dual n-back task and several other training tasks that we developed for other studies. Although the application is available in English, the Manual and the BrainTwister Website are not at the moment. We are about to release an English version, but unfortunately I cannot give you a release date right now. If the training program is used for research (i.e. a training study), it is provided free of charge. Martin, many thanks for sharing your time and insights with us. Please keep us informed of new developments. My pleasure. We will. ---------------------------- Reference: Jaeggi, S. M., Buschkuehl, M., Jonides, J., & Perrig, W. J. (2008). Improving Fluid Intelligence With Training on Working Memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 105(19), 6829-6833 (You can read it here, with subscription). For related interviews on working memory training, see Memory training and attention deficits: interview with Notre Dame's Bradley Gibson Working Memory Training: Interview with Dr. Torkel Klingberg Working Memory Training from a pediatrician perspective And, if you want to try the task yourself before the official website mentioned above is ready (and we'll keep you updated), you can do so Here. BrainTwister, cognitive benefits, Computerized cognitive training, fluid intelligence, John Joindes, Martin Buschkuehl, mental exercise, n back task, Physical Exercise, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, psychologists, Susanne Jaeggi, Working memory (Source: SharpBrains)

Neuroscience and health blogs

SharpBrains — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:13:38 +0100

This week's editions of two excellent blog carnivals. Enjoy! - Encephalon #45 - Life Is Good, Brains Are Better - Grand Rounds 4:34 at the Health Business Blog Blog Carnivals, brains, encephalon, Grand Rounds, healt, Health blogs, Neuroscience blogs (Source: SharpBrains)

Announcing the 34th annual meeting of the society for philosophy and psychology

Omni Brain — Wed, 14 May 2008 02:40:54 +0100

Announcing the 34th annual meeting of the Society for Philosophy and Psychology June 26-29, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Registration is now open; deadline Thursday, June 5 -- 12:00pm EST Note that early registration is suggested, as the reserved hotel block is likely to fill quickly. The 2008 conference will feature presentations by: George Ainslie, Michael L. Anderson, Louise Antony Peter Carruthers, Louis Charland, Anjan Chatterjee David Danks, Felipe De Brigard, Michael Devitt Marthah Farah, Evelina Fedorenko, Owen Flanagan, Jerry Fodor, Kenneth R. Foster, Lila R. Gleitman (President of SPP) George Graham, Bryce Huebner, Bertram F. Malle, Barbara Malt, Christopher Meacham, Dominic P. Murphy Thomas Nadelhoffer, Kenneth Norman, Mike Oaksford Erik Parens, Nancy Petry, Jeffrey Poland Zenon Pylyshyn, Sarah Robins, Paul Rozin, Laurie R. Santos (the 2008 Stanton Prize winner) Michael Strevens, Justin Sytsma, Kelly Trogdon Charles Wallis, Deena Weisberg, Daniel Weiskopf Fei Xu, Carlos Zednik. . . among many others On topics including: -Addiction and Responsibility -Concepts and Categorization -Consciousness -Bayesian Inference and Rationality -Foundational Issues in the Philosophy of Cognitive Science -Language & Mental Representation -Moral Psychology -Neuroethics -Theory of Mind Note that this year the conference will be preceded June 25-26 by a workshop on experimental philosophy http://www.socphilpsych.org/workshop.html More information on both the 2008 SPP conference and the Experimental Philosophy Workshop can be found on the website http://www.ircs.upenn.edu/spp/ Read the comments on this post... (Source: Omni Brain)

Superstition at the exploratorium

Omni Brain — Wed, 14 May 2008 02:35:08 +0100

Tempt Fate, and Take a Risk Superstition Obstacle Course Opens Friday, June 13th Are You Scared? June 13 - September 1, 2008 For many people, Friday the 13th suggests bad luck -- but is it really tempting fate or taking a risk to break a mirror? Are you courting disaster by walking under a ladder? And what really happens if you step squarely on that crack in the sidewalk? Challenge these and other superstitions at the Exploratorium's new Superstition Obstacle Course. Experience how your own superstitions, your own emotions, and your own judgment come into play. Although none of the beliefs represented have a scientific basis, many believe such behaviors are taboo and invite bad luck. Regardless of their truth, superstitions are a part of human culture, and offer a rich source of understanding why we believe and act as we do. Go to: http://www.exploratorium.edu/pr/documents/08-6Superstition.html Thought Graffiti A Special Interactive Event in Conjunction with the New Mind Exhibition Saturdays, June 14, June 28, and July 12 Noon-3pm What do your thoughts sounds like, look like, feel like? Find out what everyone's thinking in this family-friendly experiment. Come to the Exploratorium and, using sidewalk chalk, create a giant thought bubble on the museum floor. Anyone can contribute a thought in words, doodles, or pictures. Ask a question that comes to mind, respond to your neighbor's thoughts, or collaborate with a friend. Help contribute to the invention of -- who knows? For ages 6 and up. Chalk provided. Go to: http://www.exploratorium.edu/pr/documents/08-6Thought.html Read the comments on this post... (Source: Omni Brain)

“all in the mind” looks at nicotine and the brain

the Brain Science Podcast and Blog with Dr. Ginger Campbell — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:06:07 +0100

The May 10th episode of All in the Mind is an excellent discussion of the latest research about nicotine addiction. It includes a very balanced look at the controversy over the new smoking cessation drug, varenicline, which is sold in the US as Chantix. Nicotine has a unique effect on certain neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. Varenicline works as a partial agonist, which means it mimics some of the effects of nicotine, but it also blocks the receptor so that when a person smokes the experience is not rewarding. However, since the receptors involved also have other functions (they aren’t there to respond to the nicotine in cigarettes just like the opiate receptors are not there to respond to man-made narcotics), using the drug can lead to a wide variety of side effects. Balancing the risks and benefits of the drug is one of the topics discussed in the podcast. I have to admit that addiction is a subject in which I have little personal interest, but obviously addiction to smoking effects millions of people. I highly recommend this podcast to everyone who smokes or loves some who does. Be sure to go to the site for both the show’s transcript and links to everyone featured on the show. http://www.abc.net.au/rn/allinthemind/stories/2008/2235816.htm (Source: the Brain Science Podcast and Blog with Dr. Ginger Campbell)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Another reason to eat right and exercise

Brain Waves — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:37:57 +0100

Being obese can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 80 percent, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (Source: Brain Waves)

Neupro patch for parkinson’s disease recalled by fda

Sarasota Neurology — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:27:34 +0100

Neupro patches were approved by the FDA for Parkinson’s disease treatment in September 2007. They proved to be very effective in the control of Parkinson symptoms, as compared to the effects of other dopamine agonists including Mirapex and Requip. Unfortunately, in March, the FDA recalled Neupro due to problem with the patch delivery of the medications. What they found posed no imminent danger to patients. Rather what was happening was that the active drug, rotigotine, was crystallizing in the patch therefore not delivering the full dosage of medication to the patient. What would happen is that affected patients’ Parkinson symptoms would not be as well controlled. It is not clear if Neupro patches will be brought back to market as reported on Emaxhealth. Dopamine agonists remain one of the main Parkinson treatment medication groups available to control Parkinson symptoms. These can be used as first line medications for early Parkinson’s disease, showing as good as an effect as Sinemet - the gold standard for treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Many feel that it is beneficial and studies have shown that starting early treatment with dopamine agonists can limit the long term side effects of starting Sinemet early. This is particularly true for delaying development of dyskinesia, which are involuntary movements of arms, legs and head. Dopamine agonists can also help to suppress tremor associated with Parkinson disease. If you are still using Neupro patches, you should contact your treating neurologist or Parkinson specialist to get the weaning patches and titrate off this drug. Many other excellent treatments for Parkinson’s disease are available. For more information visit: Parkinson Doctor. (Source: Sarasota Neurology)

Brain fitness webinar series

SharpBrains — Tue, 13 May 2008 05:08:45 +0100

I have been travelling much over the last 2 weeks to speak at a number of conferences and universities. I promised I would be sharing some of the key highlights, but we have decided to do something better to do justice to the richness and complexity of the field we cover. We are going to launch an experiment: a Brain Fitness Webinar Series. This inaugural Brain Fitness Webinar Series will consist of 3 free live sessions. The series covers the most fundamental advances in cognitive science and their implications for individuals, companies and organizations. And we are honored to have John Medina lead of the sessions! Each event is independent, in topic and in registration process. Webinar #1: In “The State of the Brain Fitness Software Market, 2008,” I will provide an overview of the science, market, and vendor landscape of the emerging brain fitness software market, based on our recent market report on this growing category. - Target audience: Executives, professionals, investors, reporters and bloggers interested in learning more about the brain fitness market. - More information: Market Report. - Date and time: Tuesday May 27th, 2pm EDT/ 11am PDT Register: Here Webinar #2: In “Brain Rules for Thinking Smarter,” John Medina, developmental molecular biologist and author of Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Striving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School will emphasize the importance of physical exercise, stress management…and avoiding multitasking altogether. - Target audience: Anyone who wants to learn more about brain health and performance. - More information: The Science of Thinking Smarter, by John Medina. - Date and time: Tuesday June 3rd, 2pm EDT/ 11am PDT Register: Here Webinar #3: In “The Science and Practice of Brain Fitness,” I will provide an overview of the Brain 101, latest research findings and implications for how to improve brain health and performance based on my classes and speaking engagements. - Target audience: Anyone who wants to learn more about brain health and performance - Date and time: Tuesday June 10th, 2pm EDT/ 11am PDT Register: Here I hope you find this series stimulating. Just pick the event that sounds more relevant to your interests! alvaro fernandez, bloggers, brain 101, Brain Fitness, brain fitness software, Brain health, brain performance, brain rules, Executives, investors, John Medina, professionals, reporters, webinars (Source: SharpBrains)

Pbs: not so neuroscience-savvy

neurodudes — Tue, 13 May 2008 04:25:08 +0100

Salon has an interesting piece condemning a recent PBS show purportedly on Alzheimer’s treatment but really more of a sketchy informercial. The program concerns a neurologist with tenuous ties to UC Irvine who advocates SPECT (single photon emission computed tomograpy, a technique which, similar to PET, uses a radiotracer) and some unfounded preventative treatments for Alzheimer’s. The neurologist Bill Amen has appeared on many big-name media outlets including CNN, the Today Show, and Fox News (and the real sign of media success — Oprah) although his approach to Alzheimer’s detection and treatment is lacking in scientific credibility: “SPECT scans are not sufficiently sensitive or specific to be useful in the diagnosis of A.D.,” neurologist Michael Greicius , who runs the Stanford University memory clinic, and has a special interest in the use of functional brain imaging in the diagnosis of A.D., tells me. “The PBS airing of Amen’s program provides a stamp of scientific validity to work which has no scientific validity.” Continued pontification on neuroethics issues after the jump. Looking at Amen’s website, you can find all sorts of “neuro supplements” (many of them seem to be similar to basic multivitamins, probably not harmful but not really neuro treatments in any specific way) and more intriguing products like the $4.95 online Amen Brain System Test which “is a valuable tool to help determine if there are problems in the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, basal ganglia, temporal lobes or deep limbic system.” Really? Anterior cingulate? Deep limbic system? Hmmm. Although people are certainly getting duped by Amen who is out for a quick buck, he is likely indicative of a larger trend. Namely, cashing in on the public’s desire to apply modern neuro research to improving their own health. (After all, that is how/why a lot of neuroscience is funded.) Some of this type of stuff is legitimate and that’s fine, but a lot of it won’t be. How could Amen get promoted through many “respectable” media outlets? Didn’t anyone try to check out his claims? Amen’s response to the critical Salon article makes no headway in providing scientific support for his treatment. As Stephen Colbert might say, his response smacks of truthiness. Where are the neuroethicists and neuroscientists on this one? Shouldn’t they be complaining to the news outlets and reminding them of their duty to fact-check the reports made on their shows? And yes, I mean interviewed guests too. General popularity should not be conflated with scientific approval. People who make scientific claims need to be checked on! This issue seems to be a pertinent one these days, as demonstrated by this front page NYT article (NYT, login) on the absurd use of ex-military as news analysts and their propagandistic use by the Pentagon. Truthiness seems to be all the rage right now. Let’s hope facts come back into the picture before bad neuroscience leaves a lasting bad impression. On a more positive note, I’d be curious to hear any opinions on what kinds of products based on preliminary results from neuro research should be allowed and how the scientific community can become more active in approving what’s good and what’s not. I do think that we will soon have many neuroscience entrepreneurs and not all of them are going to have PhDs. What products can be trusted? Maybe we need a forum for reviewing and rating these products — even one based on feedback from users. Ideas? (Source: neurodudes)

Cervical radiculopathy

neurologyminutiae — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:05:00 +0100

Carette S, Phil M, Fehlings MG. Clinical practice. NEJM 2005; 353:392-399.The etiology in 70-75% is encroachment of the foramen due to cervical spondylosis or other cause of degeneration, whereas HNP is much less frequent (20-25 %) and tumors and other causes even less frequent. Pain occurs only if the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is compressed. Hypoxia of the nerve root and DRG exacerbates the pain. Inflammatory mediators including MMP's, PGE2, IL6 and NO. Nonsurgical management resolution correlates with imaging improvement. Neck and arm pain predominate. Sensory symptoms (burning, tingling) follow a dermatomal distribution, but pain follows a myotomal pattern. C7 pain for example includes radicular pain to forearm, and N/T to the third digit. Pain is relieved by looking to opposite contralateral side and holding hand on top of the hand and exacerbated by turning the head towards the pain. Red flags including systemic signs of illness (fever, chills, weight loss), diffuse hand numbness attributed to CTS, clumsiness, urinary urgency or frequency not retention or incontinence. Provocative tests for radiculopathy are mostly unreliable. C7 is most commonly affected followed by C6. Signs of C5 involvement include pain in the medial scapular border radiating to the elbow, weakness of the deltoid, supraspinatus and infraspinatus, sensory loss in the lateral arm, and loss of the supinator reflex.Signs of C6 involvement include pain in lateral forearm, thumb and index finger, weak biceps, b-r, and wrist extensors, thumb and index finger sensory loss and loss of biceps reflex.Signs of C7 involvement ae pain in medial scapula, posterior arm, dorsum of forearm, third finger, weak triceps, wrist flexors, finger extesnors, sensory loss in posterior forear and third finger, and loss of triceps reflex.Signs of C8 involvementare pain in shoulder, ular side of forearm, fifth finger, weak thumb flexors, abductors, and intrinsic hand muscles,and sensory loss of the fifth finger.Treatment is not proved in large trials. Analgesics including opiates and NSIAA's are first line sometimes with prednisone. Epidural injections result in relief that is longstanding in many patients but complications include spinal cord and brainstem infarction. Hard/soft cervical collar for short term or cervical pillow at night are used. Cervical traction is unproved. Exercise therapy including active AROM, aerobic conditioning with isometric and progressive resistive exercises are usually recommended after initial period. Indications for surgery include cervical root compression on imaging, concordant pain or dysfunction, persisting pain, or functional motor deficit, or compression of the cord. Anterior decompression with strut reconstruction is common. (Source: neurologyminutiae)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Differential diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy

neurologyminutiae — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:05:00 +0100

var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-3639768-12");pageTracker._initData();pageTracker._trackPageview();1) Peripheral nerve entrapment (eg CTS)- see positive Phalen's and Tinel's sign, typical distribution, abnormal nerve conduction studies v. normal in cervical radiculopathy2)Rotator cuff abnormal-- pain in shoulder or arm, rarely below elbow, worse with shoulder movements, normal sensation and reflexes.3) Acute brachial plexitis-- (Parsonage Turner)-- see pain in neck shoulder and arm followed within days to weeks by weakness especially in C5-6 region as pain recedes (whereas in radiculopathy pain and weakness coincide).4) Thoracic outlet syndrome-- Pain in shoulder and arm, intermittent paresthesia, C8-T1 symptoms (rare in radiculopathy), reproduction with provocative tests including Roo's test (rapid flexion and extension of fingers with arms abducted at 90 degrees and externally rotated 90 degrees), normal neuro exam, decreased radial pulse with vascular compression (rare) and usually normal NCS.5) Herpes zoster-- neuropathic pain in dermatomal distribution followed by vesicular rash.6) Pancoast syndrome-- Pain in shoulder/arm due to plexus compression, paresthesia is in C8-T1 distribution (intrinsic hand muscles), ipsilateral ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis.7) Sympathetic mediated syndromes-- pain and burning in arm with swelling, hyperesthesisa, allodynia, and vasomotor changes (temperature and color) with normal neurologic examination.8) Referred somatic pain from neck-- such as discs, joints, usually segmental C5-6 felt in posterior neck and supraspinatus fossa, normal neuro exam. (Source: neurologyminutiae)

Clinical feature and prognostic factors in adults with bacterial meningitis

neurologyminutiae — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:56:00 +0100

var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-3639768-12");pageTracker._initData();pageTracker._trackPageview();van de Beek B, de Gans J, Spanjaard L et al. NEJM 2004; 351: 1849-59. Dutch study analysed 696 cases of community acquired acute bacterial meningitis seen 1998-2002. The classic triad of neck stiffness, fever, and change of mental status was seen in only 44 %, but 95 % had two of the four symptoms (the fourth symptom being headache). Mortality was 21 % and much higher with pc meningitis than mc meningitis (30 v. 7 %). Risk factors (negative risk) were advanced age, present otitis or sinusitis, absent rash, low GCS on admission, tachycardia, positive blood culture, elevated sed rate, thrombocytopenia, and low CSF WBC. Worst risk thus was with systemic compromise, low level of consciousness and infection with SC. In more detail, HA occurred in 83 %, fever in 77 %, change in mental status in 69 % (GCS (Source: neurologyminutiae)

Habc hypomyelination of basal ganglia nad cerebellum

neurologyminutiae — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:38:00 +0100

van der Kmaap MS, Linnannkivi T, Paetau A et al. Hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum: followup and pathology. Neurology 2007; 69: 166-171.A report of 11 new patients is made. Typically a pediatric population presented with normal or delayed psychomotor development, with increasing extrapyramidal movement disorders, spasticity and ataxia. The putamen was small or absent, the caudate often atrophic with normal thalamus and globus pallidus. The cerebellar granular layer was typically affected. All known patients were sporadic. This is a recently described syndrome (2002) with less than 20 reported cases.var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-3639768-12");pageTracker._initData();pageTracker._trackPageview(); (Source: neurologyminutiae)

National neurotechnology intiative act introduced in both house and senate

Brain Waves — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:40:20 +0100

I am extremely happy to share that the NNTI was introduced into the House and Senate last week! This is a major milestone for the industry and for those suffering from brain-related illnesses. BIPARTISAN GROUP OF SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES INTRODUCE BILL TO BATTLE BRAIN-RELATED ILLNESS National Neurotechnology Initiative Act seeks to accelerate development of new treatments for brain and nervous system ailments SAN FRANCISCO & WASHINGTON, D.C., May 7, 2008 – A bipartisan team of prominent members of both houses of Congress introduced today the National Neurotechnology Initiative (NNTI) Act, a bill designed to foster new discoveries and accelerate the development of new and safer treatments for the one in three Americans living with a brain-related illness, injury or disease. Championing the NNTI, Senators Pete V. Domenici (R-NM) and Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representatives Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI 1st) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL 18th) have called upon Congress to reverse the growing economic burden generated by brain-related illness, which has reached $1.3 trillion per year in the U.S. due to healthcare costs and lost income. "The sheer numbers speak for themselves: There are 100 million Americans suffering from a brain-related illness, with an enormous economic burden that continues to grow as the population ages," said Zack Lynch, Executive Director of the Neurotechnology Industry Organization. "For a modest investment, Congress has the opportunity to streamline research efforts, accelerate the development of new treatments, promote innovation by small businesses and have a meaningful impact on the lives of those suffering from devastating diseases and injuries.” Designed to increase the speed at which discoveries reach the market, the NNTI employs targeted increases in funding to improve Federal research coordination and ease bottlenecks that inhibit the development of treatments for brain-related illnesses. The bill accomplishes these goals with less than 4 percent of the total Federal neuroscience research budget - $200 million – and reflects a more balanced disease-cost to research-dollars-expended ratio. “With nearly one in three Americans suffering from some kind of neurological illness, disorder, or injury, I believe it is time we take a serious look at how we approach and fund research into neuroscience and neurotechnology,” Senator Domenici said. “Neuroscience dovetails nicely with the work I’ve long advocated for greater research on the brain and nervous system disease and disorders, particularly in relation to mental health. This new legislation, I believe, offers an excellent vehicle for us to make greater advances in this area.” "While our ability to understand how the brain works grows each day, our ability to understand and repair brain illnesses remains limited," said Senator Murray. "For the millions of Americans that suffer from a brain-related illness, and the thousands of Americans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan with Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD, a new federal commitment to research and treatment can't wait. This bill will place a premium on sharing the information researchers gain everyday and will support ongoing but underfunded programs at NIH.” “With so many Americans suffering from brain-related illnesses, it is crucial for us as a society to maximize our efforts and continue learning about the many facets of the brain, leading to a healthier life for all Americans,” said Congressman Patrick Kennedy. “The time has arrived to offer a serious and comprehensive legislative approach to help the countless Americans struggling and living with brain and nervous system illnesses,” said Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen. “To not act on this important issue is to relegate millions of our citizens to second class status and a lifetime of disabilities. This legislation would develop a comprehensive federal response to research and treatment for brain related diseases. I urge my colleagues to join us in this most noble endeavor.” Download and Read NNTI Act (H.R. 5989 / S. 2989) (Source: Brain Waves)

Popping in and out of existence... what i'm doing right now in florida

Omni Brain — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:28:48 +0100

Right now I'm about to, or already am, standing at a podium to give a talk at the Vision Sciences Society annual meeting (better known as VSS) in Naples Florida. Wish me luck! Here's the exciting abstract: Popping in and out of existence: The effect of gradual and abrupt occlusion on object localization. J. Stephen Higgins1,2, Daniel Simons1,2, Ranxiao Wang1,2 1Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 2Beckman Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign The human visual system typically tracks the position of objects as they move. However, when disruption occurs (e.g., as objects are occluded and disoccluded, an eye movement occurs, or when objects spontaneously disappear and reappear), we must determine whether or not the objects have moved. In most real-world perception, stable aspects of the surrounding environment provide landmarks for this recalibration process. Previous studies showed that when two objects are briefly viewed and then removed from view, the object reappearing first serves as a landmark for the object reappearing later. This results in the misperception that the second object has moved when, in fact, only the first one (the landmark) actually did. We explored whether this "landmark bias" was due to the objects' abrupt onset/offset by removing and revealing the objects more naturally. If the landmark bias represents a general process in which people treat the first object to reappear as the stable object, then observers should continue to see the second object as having moved. Alternatively, if the landmark bias results from a disrupted initial representation after sudden onset/offset, then the landmark bias should be eliminated. To test this hypothesis, two objects appeared side by side after which a moving occluder entered from one of the four edges of the screen, temporarily covering the objects before exiting. The objects could be occluded simultaneously (top/bottom entrance) or sequentially (left/right entrance), and revealed simultaneously (top/bottom exit) or sequentially (left/right exit) to mimic the traditional landmark test procedure. When the objects disappeared and reappeared more naturally, observers showed no landmark bias to misperceive the second object as having moved. This pattern also held for invisible occluders which provide no location cues, demonstrating that vanishing objects are treated differently than objects that gradually disappear. Read the comments on this post... (Source: Omni Brain)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Memory for facts and events takes time to develop

Eide Neurolearning Blog — Mon, 12 May 2008 07:01:00 +0100

From the Gabrieli lab, declarative memory pathways require the prefrontal cortex, so no surprisingly, declarative memory pathways take time to fully mature. In this new report, fmri changes develop quite late, with even teens not fully developed as subjects in their 20's. Interestingly though, medial temporal lobe systems (important for both episodic and declarative memory) were fairly mature by the age of 8.Developmental studies such as this may be helpful in designing the most efficient ways of using children's memory systems (they may also be helpful in deciding reasonable expectations). Immaturity of the PFC in children was felt to "limit the episodic specificity of memories such that memories are less likely to be subjectively vivid or objectively detailed."These are very general conclusions, of course. There are many precocious children with prodigious memories for facts and events, and this may help us understand why these children need differentiation in their educational program. Differences in the right vs. left PFC maturation raises interesting questions about optimizing educational approaches for middle and high school students.Developmental Changes in Declarative Memory pdfEide Neurolearning Blog (Source: Eide Neurolearning Blog)

Jack lalanne and dakim

SharpBrains — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:03:22 +0100

What a beautiful display of creativity: Physical Fitness 'Godfather' Jack LaLanne Turns to Brain Fitness, Becoming Ambassador for Dakim's [m] Power System - Dakim, Inc., announced today that 93-year-young Jack LaLanne, the world's most iconic figure in health and fitness, has signed on as a "brain fitness motivational coach" on behalf of the company's [m]Power Cognitive Fitness System, joining the company's efforts to help seniors fight against dementia. - "I've spent my life preaching the importance of physical fitness with the understanding that your brain doesn't die of old age, it dies of inactivity," LaLanne said. - Widely known as the godfather of physical fitness, LaLanne has been a fitness innovator for more than 75 years and is recognized as the inventor of modern physical fitness and weight training. He designed many of the exercise machines that are now fitness industry standards, and he introduced several generations of people worldwide to the benefits of frequent exercise and improved nutrition from 1951 to 1985 on "The Jack LaLanne Show," the longest-running television program devoted to exercise. We mentioned close to a year ago a very fun interview with Jack and Elaine LaLanne by Dave Bunnell: read it at Meet Fitness Legends Jack and Elaine LaLanne | ELDR.com. See some quotes: - In 1936, Jack opened America’s first health club in Oakland, California, called the “Jack LaLanne Physical Culture Studio.” - Through television shows, public appearances, and books—and by selling health-related products—they have been the most vocal and effective evangelists for preventive health the world has ever known. - “Elaine works out,” Jack replies, “but I work out eight days a week. I spend an hour and a half in the gym, and then a half hour in the pool, and I change my routine every 30 days completely.” - “You’ve got to go at it hard and work on different muscles,” he continues. “You know how you stay young, don’t you? You work your butt off. Anything you do in life that’s worthwhile, there’s a price to pay.” Jack recently celebrated his 92nd birthday...and yet he could say "I change my routine every 30 days completely.” Inspiring attitude. No Tags (Source: SharpBrains)

Understanding brain imaging

SharpBrains — Mon, 12 May 2008 02:55:42 +0100

Daniel Lende and Greg Downey run the though-provoking Neuroanthropology blog. Daniel also teaches a class at University of Notre Dame, and he asked his students to submit group-based blog posts in lieu of the traditional final essays. He explains more on Why A Final Essay When We Can Do This?. Below you have a spectacular post written by 4 of his students. They show how brain imaging is starting to provide a window into the plasticity (glossary here) of our brains, and how our very own actions impact them. For good and for bad. Understanding Brain Imaging --- By Chris Dudley, Matt Gasperetti, Mikey Narvaez, and Sarah Walorski Do you remember the anti-drug public service announcement from the 1980s that showed an egg frying in a hot pan which represented your brain on drugs? During the 1990s, brain imaging moved beyond fried eggs as computer technology allowed researchers to process large amounts of data required for functional imaging approaches. As a result, the PSA mentioned above no longer provides the most accurate analogy illustrating what happens to the brain when exposed to drugs. Today, brain imaging research has helped create a sophisticated “disease model” of chemical dependence related to changes in the function of neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain. These circuits are responsible for reward processing, memory and learning, motivation and drive, in addition to control (Nora Volkow describes these circuits in a 2004 literature review). This particular post focuses on the techniques used most commonly to study the brain’s role in addiction and other mental health problems. We will cover the principle behind each method, advantages and limitations of each, and provide an example of the results that can be obtained. Beyond the Frying Pan: EEG and CT Electroencephalography (EEG) and Computed tomography (CT) were two of the first methods used to study the brain. EEG utilizes electrodes placed on the scalp that measure electrical impulses, whereas CT creates a three-dimensional image of the brain with two-dimensional x-rays. EEG is a non-invasive procedure with high temporal resolution; it is often used to record the brain’s response to a stimulus (e.g. an individual ingests a drug and the change in brain activity is recorded). EEG is limited because it can only record data from the surface of the brain. In addition, EEG does not produce images of the brain—it only measures electrical impulses. CT is used to create three-dimensional images. Unfortunately, CT cannot produce high-resolution images of soft tissue (i.e. the brain) and requires high levels of radiation. While CT is still used, predominately to create images of the body, it has to be used infrequently to avoid excessive radiation exposure. Although EEG and CT did not teach us much about addiction, these methods were the technological precursors to more egg-cellent brain imaging methods. Unscrambling the Mysteries of the Brain with MRI and fMRI Ever wonder what it’s like to have radio waves sent through your brain? Well, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be for you! MRI produces high quality images of the brain by using a large, cylindrical magnet to create a magnetic field around the head. Radio waves are sent through this field and alter hydrogen nuclei in the brain. These detectable changes are subsequently transmitted to a computer and used to generate a series of images. Using these images, scientists are able to determine minute changes in the brain that occur over time by comparing different MRI scans. MRI is useful because it can produce higher resolution images than CT scans and does not expose patients to excessive radiation. On the contrary, MRI is limited because there is no way to produce high-resolution images measuring temporal change. This leads to the recent development of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). This technique, developed only recently, has allowed scientist to use MRI technology to capture images of various brain functions. Functional MRI focuses on the flow of oxygenated blood within the brain. To simplify things, when an area of the brain is stimulated, oxygenated blood rushes to that area. Functional MRI is able to capture this flow of blood because of the slight difference in magnetism between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. This method is advantageous because it allows researchers to capture a series of images every second. These images can be used to create “movies” monitoring changes in brain activity. By producing sequential images, fMRI records the areas of the brain that are activated. In addition to detecting substance use, fMRI is also a good lie-detecting device, as it senses activity in certain regions of the brain associated with specific behaviors. Like all good things, including eggs, which contain a great deal of cholesterol, there is a downside to fMRI: blood flow is only an indirect measure of neuronal activity and fMRI only shows where activity takes place—not exactly what is going on. PET: Great Acronym, Great Images Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is another commonly used brain imaging technique. PET, which is derived from CT, was the first functional imaging technique. This method utilizes small amounts of radiotracers (i.e. molecules with a short-lived radioactive constituent atom such as carbon-11 or oxygen-15), which are localized by sensors that create computer-compiled images. These images depict the relative amount of radiotracer present by using a color gradient—red being the highest concentration and blue the lowest. Like fMRI, PET can be used to study regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) via radio-labeled water in the bloodstream. Additionally, PET can look at glucose metabolism that shows regional neuronal activation. Unfortunately, PET cannot achieve the temporal or spatial resolution possible with fMRI, and uses trace amounts of radiation: only one PET scan is allowed per year due to concerns regarding radiation exposure. PET is most useful when studying neurotransmitter function and holds an advantage in temporal and spatial resolution over SPECT (discussed below). By using a radio-labeled neurotransmitter, it is possible to study the location a neurotransmitter’s action, the amount of neurotransmitter release, and abundance of receptor levels. This has relevance in addiction studies, which have shown that dopamine receptor levels decrease with long-term cocaine use, leading to tolerance to low drug doses. The only downside is that it takes time to develop appropriate radiotracers. Currently, the dopamine, GABA, and cannabinoid circuits can be examined, but suitable radiotracers for other neurotransmitters are still lacking. It is likely that future research will solve this problem. Egg SPECT to Be Amazed The name Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) sounds impressive because it is. This method utilizes tracers that are directly injected into the body’s blood flow to highlight the level of neuronal activity in the brain. After tracers are injected, a “gamma” camera rotates around the head to record data, and a computer uses the data to construct 2D or 3D images of active brain regions—inactive areas of the brain show up as dark voids. SPECT confirms areas of the brain that correspond with a person’s neural activity, and can be used to identify symptoms associated with drug use or mental illness. It can track the effects of counseling and medications: as an individual gets better, brain areas will change in activity level. Although SPECT can’t create images as detailed as a PET scan, images can be viewed in both 2D and 3D. This method is not very expensive, and the procedure doesn’t need as many technical and medical staff to complete. The following SPECT images illustrate the effect of drug use on brain function. SPECT not only shows damage, but also shows improvement when substance use is discontinued. To see more examples of how the brain is affected by drug and alcohol use using SPECT, click here: http://www.amenclinics.com/bp/atlas/ch15.php Beyond Brain Imaging We have come a long way since the frying pan days. Clearly, the results of brain imaging studies are very useful in that they help researchers better understand what happens to a brain that has been fried by drugs. Additionally, potential drug therapy treatments have been suggested based on the “circuits” model. The general aim of this approach includes decreasing a drug’s reward value, dissociating drug use from pleasurable memories, and restoring normal brain activity. While brain imaging is a very useful tool, it does not provide a complete understanding of addiction. Each technique has limitations, as described above, but future developments are sure to strengthen these technologies. In addition, treating addiction purely as a brain disease has its own limitations, in that it ignores the powerful socio-cultural factors that contribute to drug use. And just like anything else within the scientific realm, it is crucial that all hypotheses be rigorously tested: quality of research methods, and restraint when interpreting results, must not be sacrificed in order to draw exciting conclusions. Finally, it is important to note that brain imaging is only able to show correlations in data, not causations: as a wise professor once said, “lines drawn on a map cannot show you why countries wage war.” However, in the future, increased scientific understanding of brain addiction, as well as the results of future imaging studies, may be able to show how borders change as a result of war. ---- Remember, this blog post was written as part of a Neuroanthropology class. You can find the other seven blog posts by clicking on Why A Final Essay When We Can Do This?. Enjoy! addictions, alcohol abuse, brain functions, Brain Imaging, Brain Plasticity, correlation causation, CT, Daniel Amen, drug abuse, EEG, fMRI, MRI, Neuroanthropology, neurotransmitter, PET, University of Notre Dame (Source: SharpBrains)

Brain resources and websites

SharpBrains — Sun, 11 May 2008 03:06:49 +0100

We recently prepared a Directory of Web Sites as part of our Resources section. You will find some gems here, in a variety of areas: >> The Dana Foundation offers several excellent online resources: - Brainy Kids Online offers children, teens, parents and teachers links to games, labs, education resources and lesson plans. - BrainWeb: general information about the brain and current brain research, as well as links to validated sites related to more than 25 brain disorders. - Brain Resources for Seniors provides older adults and their caretakers with links to sites related to brain health, education and general information. >> PBS's The Secret Life of the Brain: fun website including a history of the brain, anatomy, illusions, brain scanning, and development from child through adulthood. >> Brain Awareness Week 2008: an international series of events to increase public awareness about the brain. >> Society for Neuroscience: neuroscience information for scientists, the general public, the press, legislators, and educators. >> Healthy Brain Initiative: policy initiative led by the CDC to develop a comprehensive Cognitive Health roadmap. >> Brain Health: resources and lifestyle advice provided by AARP. >> NeuroInsights: a market research and advisory company focused on the neurotechnology sector. >> Maintain Your Brain: resources and lifestyle advice provided by the Alzheimer's Association. >> Attention Research Update: great source of information for research and treatments regarding Attention Deficits, published by Dr. David Rabiner, a Senior Research Scientist at Duke University. AARP, Alzheimers Association, brain, brain awareness week, Brain health, brain resources, brain websites, Brainy Kids Online, CDC, dana foundation, David RabinerMaintain Your Brain, Healthy Brain Initiative, NeuroInsights, PBS, Secret Life of the Brain, Society for Neuroscience (Source: SharpBrains)

Brain resources and websites

SharpBrains — Sun, 11 May 2008 03:05:24 +0100

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Gamma response in eeg caused by micro-saccade

SCLin's neuroscience blog — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:44:00 +0100

Transient Induced Gamma-Band Response in EEG as a Manifestation of Miniature SaccadesShlomit Yuval-Greenberg, Orr Tomer, Alon S. Keren, Israel Nelken and Leon Y. DeouellTurns out that a large component of gamma oscillation responses in the EEG literature is generated by small eye movements. Caution: this is not to discount the physiological importance of gamma oscillation and its roles in cognition, as had been demonstrated in single unit studies, local field potentials, MEGs, and some EEG studies. (Source: SCLin's neuroscience blog)

Degeneracy

bjoern.brembs.net - a neuroscientist's blog : RSS feed of bjoern.brembs.net — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:11:15 +0100

Probably the most important common denominator of evolutionary theory and neuroscience is degeneracy. The degeneracy found in gene networks and the degeneracy found in the organization of brains. See e.g. 2001 PNAS article by nobel laureate Gerald Edelman. In it he writes:[Degeneracy] is both necessary for, and an inevitable outcome of, natural selection. In other words: if there were no evolution, there would be no degeneracy.Therefore, creationists will have to explain why there is degeneracy if there is no evolution.In the latest issue of ScienceExpress, there is an absolutely fantastic study by Tagkopoulos et al. from Princeton showing how evolution leads to gene-networks which are both anticipatory and degenerate. From the abstract:We show that in silico biochemical networks, evolving randomly under precisely defined complex habitats, capture the dynamical, multi-dimensional structure of diverse environments by forming internal models that allow prediction of environmental change. We provide evidence for such anticipatory behavior by revealing striking correlations of Escherichia coli transcriptional responses to temperature and oxygen perturbations — precisely mirroring the co-variation of these parameters upon transitions between the outside world and the mammalian gastrointestinal-tract. It is interesting to note that in the article, the authors confuse degeneracy with "redundancy" which, of course, it a very different thing. Notwithstanding, their meticulously designed simulations and experiments have elucidated how amazingly intricate and complex comparatively simple organisms can become if you allow them to evolve and that degeneracy is both a prerequisite and an outcome of evolution.This paper joins one in Nature I already reported about. It also shows how the complex, degenerate properties of gene networks underscoring the importance of the ubiquitous concept of degeneracy.Together, these two papers have the potential to develop into two of the most important papers in all of biology. They are required reading for everyone with an interest in evolution.To close the loop to neuroscience: the degeneracy which is displayed in evolved gene networks is reflected in the evolved organization of brains. Different network configurations can produce the same behavioral output (Prinz et al. Nature Neuroscience, 2004). This degeneracy in the brain also leads to something not explicitly shown in gene-networks (AFAIK): the same neuronal network can produce different behaviors even under identical external circumstances (our own study on spontaneous behavior and Briggman et al, Science, 2005). It has been known for quite some time now that spontaneous behavioral variability has enormous fitness benefits and is affected in a variety of psychiatric disorders. This is now not so surprising any more. It's all starting to make perfect sense now. (Source: bjoern.brembs.net - a neuroscientist's blog : RSS feed of bjoern.brembs.net)

Quantitative biology database

neurodudes — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:57:54 +0100

BioNumbers - The Database of Useful Biological Numbers Here’s a neat new website. It’s a repository of quantitative information on biological things (eg. organisms, biomolecules, etc.) Some stuff I found while glancing through: Number of mRNA/cell in E. coli: 138 Volume occupied by all RNA in E. coli: 6% Average gene length in mammals: 16.6kb Average gene length in nematode C. elegans: 4 kb Mutation rate per genome per replication in humans: 0.16 mutation/genome/replication Average time between blinks in humans: 2.8 sec Amount of photons necessary to excite a cone in humans: 100 Citations are included for most numbers too. The database seems a little sparse on neuroscience topics, so go over and contribute some numbers! (Source: neurodudes)

Bif: bibliographic impact factor or brain irritability factor?

bjoern.brembs.net - a neuroscientist's blog : RSS feed of bjoern.brembs.net — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:30:34 +0100

The journal "Epidemiology" has a series of great articles on why we need to get rid of Thomson Scientific's Impact Factor. I've reported about this ridiculously influencial number before and how irrational, stupid and detrimental to science it is (1, 2, 3). Here the links to the great Epidemiology articles (via Coturnix):Epidemiologists (of All People) Should Question Journal Impact FactorsImpact Factor: Good Reasons for ConcernHow Come Scientists Uncritically Adopt and Embody Thomson's Bibliographic Impact Factor?Rise and Fall of the Thomson Impact FactorThe Impact Factor FolliesI think there's more than enough evidence that the Thomson Scientific impact factor is a pernicious invention that needs to be eradicated and replaced by a multivariate measure consisting of post-publication reviews, ratings, access statistics, citations, media coverage, link-counts, etc.To say it with the authors at Epidemiology:in its present format, the impact factor should be killed off, and the sooner the better.Having a collection of impact measures will only be sensibly feasible in a large, decentralized databank in which all peer-reviewed scientific primary literature is collected, cross-referenced and stored. Of course, the algorithms for any such metric need to be transparent. The data is all there, the technology is around. Now we only need to get the word out and bring the majority of scientists behind us. If scientists are as rational as they claim, they have no choice but to follow their rationality and get on with the program If this is so, why do we still have journals? One of the authors has the answer:The irresistible fascination with (and picturesque uses of) a construct so scientifically weak as BIF are simple reminders that scientists are embedded in and embody culture. We are vain and contradictory human beings too [...]. (Source: bjoern.brembs.net - a neuroscientist's blog : RSS feed of bjoern.brembs.net)

Comment 13 (retraction reaction)

Action Potential — Fri, 09 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

To Noah Gray: well, my view is based on experience with one top rated journal. Well respected Editor promised in several e-mails to invesigate suspected misconduct, to inform me about results of investigation etc., but in two years time nothing happened. For every reminder which I sent to him I had a reply that case is not closed and note of final decision will be sent to me. During these two years I was asked to send again files which were lost, heard that they are too busy investigating other cases of misconduct etc. Nothing happened, I gave up. I asked people around and found that my experience is not unique, many stories like that come up. You are right that Editors want to clean up...but only when information about their problems leaks to broad public. At least in some journals. (Source: Action Potential)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Brian: a pure python neural simulator

Neurobot — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:57:51 +0100

Brian is a new simulator for spiking neural networks available on almost all platforms. The motivation for this project is that a simulator should not only save the time of processors, but also the time of scientists. Brian is easy to learn and use, highly flexible and easily extensible. (Source: Neurobot)

Iq

Channel N — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:10:00 +0100

title Stephen Murdoch Discusses IQdescription Author Stephen Murdoch discusses the history of IQ tests, including abuses, and why it's a surprisingly emotional topic.producer The Commonwealth Club of California and FORA.tvfeaturing Stephen Murdochformat Flash, mp3, mp4date 16/04/08length 00:44:43link http://fora.tv/2008/04/16/Stephen_Murdoch_Discusses_IQ Tags: brain video vodcast IQ intelligence neuroethics cog_sci history psychology law eugenics education tests (Source: Channel N)

Psychology of intelligence analysis

SharpBrains — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:00:20 +0100

(Hat tip: Boing Boing) The CIA has posted the full text of one of its guidebooks, "Psychology of Intelligence Analysis", published in 1999 by the CIA's Center for the Study of Intelligence. Haven't had time to play with it yet, but these quotes sound fascinating: - "Of the diverse problems that impede accurate intelligence analysis, those inherent in human mental processes are surely among the most important and most difficult to deal with. Intelligence analysis is fundamentally a mental process, but understanding this process is hindered by the lack of conscious awareness of the workings of our own minds..." - "Thinking analytically is a skill like carpentry or driving a car. It can be taught, it can be learned, and it can improve with practice. But like many other skills, such as riding a bike, it is not learned by sitting in a classroom and being told how to do it. Analysts learn by doing. Most people achieve at least a minimally acceptable level of analytical performance with little conscious effort beyond completing their education. With much effort and hard work, however, analysts can achieve a level of excellence beyond what comes naturally..." Link (via Boing Boing and Further: Strange Attractor & Beyond) No Tags (Source: SharpBrains)

Ubuntu and you (well me really)

Somatopsychic — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:58:00 +0100

For the last week I've been using Ubuntu 8.04 LTS (aka Hardy Heron) on my laptop almost exclusively. I'm making an effort to try to move all of my computing to Linux (from Windows) over this summer, and my science laptop is my first victim. My computer is an important apparatus for my science, and I've written about some of the programs I use here and here. But migrating to a new environment means finding new ways to do old things, and I thought I'd share my experience so far. This is entirely motivated by the idea that science should be open access, and as such every aspect of the process should be open sourced as well, including my computer's operating system.First off was installing Ubuntu on my Compaq Presario V2665us, which was purchased almost two years ago on clearance at OfficeDepot. For those that don't know Ubunutu replaces Windows (vista in this case), changing everything about how your computer operates (both Windows and Ubuntu are operating systems). There are ways to dual-boot (so you have both), or use one inside the other with Wubi or VirtualBox, but I didn't do this up-front. Downloading the .ISO for Ubuntu was as easy as downloading any other BitTorrent file, and burning it to CD took less than five minutes. At that point it was just a matter of popping the CD in my laptop, rebooting and following the instructions. I didn't do anythign fancy, taking the default choices along the way, excepting that I chose to use my entire hard drive for the install, and to rename my laptop "bean." The whole process took less than an hour.The only thing on my laptop that didn't work out of the box was the Broadcomm wireless, which would've been a showstopper, except that the only thing I had to do to fix it, was connect my laptop to the internet via ethernet cable, then under System->Administration->Hardware Drivers there was a check box to enable the wireless. Apparently the drivers for my wireless card are proprietary so Ubuntu doesn't install them by default, but this simple series of mouse-clicks had it working in no time. One of the best things about Linux is the tremendous amount of community support so finding out how to fix problems only requires a google search and possibly a forum post.Next up was installing programs. There are plenty of useful programs installed by default, like OpenOffice, Pidgin, and Vinarge, but there are some important apps that I need for science that I have installed. I think I will break each adventure into a seperate post to both provide more content for my blog (ha!) and to make posts more readable. But here is a list of what I've installed so far:Cisco VPN ClientRLyXPybliographerVirtual Box (with Windows XP) (Source: Somatopsychic)

Brain exercise: software vs. crosswords

SharpBrains — Wed, 07 May 2008 05:15:02 +0100

Today I had a great conversation with Martin Buschkuehl, one of the U Michigan researchers involved in the cognitive training study that has received much media attention since early last week, when the study was published at the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. I will publish the interview notes next week. For the moment, let me paraphrase his answer to the question: "Why are computerized programs like the one you used fundamentally different from, say, simply doing many crossword puzzles?". His answer was that for 3 reasons: Adaptive: The constant adaptability of the challenge level, thanks to real-time assessments. The person using the program is truly pushed to his or her peak level all the time, thereby "stretching" the targeted ability. Complex: The presentation of a very complex task, mixing different forms of stimuli (auditory, visual) and with time pressure. Transferability: The tasks can be designed in a way that doesn't allow for the development of "strategies" to beat the game. One needs to truly expand capacity, and this helps ensure the transfer of the skill to non-trained domains. All this is not to say that computerized programs are the only way to exercise our brains. There are many other ways, such as meditation, or mastering new skills. And there are other important factors in our overall cognitive health, like physical fitness and stress management. Having said that, technology, when designed and used well, can expand the realm of the possible. Some of the media coverage: Forget Brain Age: Researchers Develop Software That Makes You Smarter (Wired). - "In a limited trial, he and his team were able to make 34 test subjects significantly better at answering IQ test questions after training them on a completely separate memory task" -"The improvement seems to be dosage dependent," Buschkuehl said. "We saw a linear increase in performance with increase in training time." To be continued...(next week) assessments, brain age, brain exercise, cognitive health, crosswords, IQ test, Martin Buschkuehl, Neurosoftware, Physical Fitness, PNAS, smarter, software, stress management, technology (Source: SharpBrains)

MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

Award-winning neuroethics

Channel N — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:08:00 +0100

title Teen Braindescription Neuroethics and the teen brain. The brain continues developing until about age 25. Questions of moral and legal culpability between ages 18-25, when the brain hasn't developed impulse control and good judgement in the PFC, are explored. Is 18 the right age for legal adulthood? Repercussions include a more educational prison that could keep young adults from being housed with hardcore life offenders and becoming the same. In theory. Host Jonica Newby (above right) won a Eureka Prize for Science Journalism for her work on this episode of the science TV programme Catalyst.producer ABC [Australia]featuring Drs. Jonica Newby, Cristos Pentelis, Stephen Wood, Chris Lenningsformat WMV, Real Videodate 28/07/05length 00:12:22link http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s1424747.htm Tags: brain video TV neurodevelopment neuroethics philosophy psychology law adolescence child (Source: Channel N)

...and now for some egg in a bottle

bjoern.brembs.net - a neuroscientist's blog : RSS feed of bjoern.brembs.net — Tue, 06 May 2008 20:35:48 +0100

The classic experiment in a new venue (Source: bjoern.brembs.net - a neuroscientist's blog : RSS feed of bjoern.brembs.net)

Brain and cognition expert contributors

SharpBrains — Tue, 06 May 2008 05:16:08 +0100

As you have probably noticed, a growing number of Expert Contributors are writing in our blog, so that we can collectively discuss the latest research and trends on cognitive and brain health, and the implications of brain research in general for our everyday lives. If you haven't done so already, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter (above) and our RSS feed (on the right). Below you have the profiles of some of our Contributors and links to their best articles with us so far. Enjoy! Dr. Pascale Michelon has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and has worked as a Research Scientist at Washington University in Saint Louis, in the Psychology Department. She conducted several research projects to understand how the brain makes use of visual information and memorizes facts. She is now an Adjunct Faculty at Washington University, and teaches Memory Workshops in numerous retirement communities in the St Louis area. Social Connections for Cognitive Fitness. Teaser: Boost your visuospatial skills. Brain Plasticity: How learning changes your brain. Teaser: Words in your brain, learn as you exercise!. Gregory Kellett has a masters in Cognitive Neurology/Research Psychology from SFSU and is a researcher at UCSF where he currently investigates the psychophysiology of social stress. Relaxing for your Brain's Sake. Stress and Neural Wreckage: Part of the Brain Plasticity Puzzle. Dr. David Rabiner is a child clinical psychologist and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University. His research focuses on various issues related to ADHD, the impact of attention problems on academic achievement, and attention training. He also publishes Attention Research Update, a complimentary online newsletter that helps parents, professionals, and educators keep up with the latest research on ADHD. Working Memory Training for Adults. How Strong is the Research Support for Neurofeedback in Attention Deficits?. Self-Regulation and Barkley's Theory of ADHD. Greater Good Magazine, a UC-Berkeley-based quarterly magazine that highlights ground breaking scientific research into the roots of compassion and altruism. Robert Sapolsky on Peace Among Primates: Part 1, Part 2. Part 3. Daniel Goleman: The Power of Mindsight. Jill Sutie: Mindfulness and Meditation in Schools. John Medina, author of “Brain Rules,” is a developmental molecular biologist and research consultant. He is an affiliate professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He is also the director of the Brain Center for Applied Learning Research at Seattle Pacific University. His article on exercise and the brain was selected by the Harvard Business Review (Feb 2008) as one of its “Breakthrough Ideas for 2008.” Brain Rules: science and practice. W. R. (Bill) Klemm, D.V.M., Ph.D. Scientist, professor, author, speaker As a professor of Neuroscience at Texas A&M University, Bill has taught about the brain and behavior at all levels, from freshmen, to seniors, to graduate students to post-docs. His recent books include Thank You Brain For All You Remember and Core Ideas in Neuroscience. New Neurons: Good News, Bad News. Prof. Schlomo Breznitz is the Founder and President of CogniFit. Previously, he served as the Lady Davis Professor of Psychology and the founding director of the Center for Study of Psychological Stress at the University of Haifa. He has also been visiting professor at the London School of Economics, Berkeley, Stanford, and National Institutes of Health. Maximize the Cognitive Value of Your Mental Workout. eduwonkette is an anonymous blogger who writes a fantastic Education Week blog described as "Through the lens of social science, eduwonkette takes a serious, if sometimes irreverent, look at some of the most contentious education policy debates." Schools: what should they do, and for whom?. Drs. Simon Evans and Paul Burghardt currently collaborate in the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychiatry, and the Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute to study the effects of nutrition and exercise on brain function. They host the Brain Fit for Life blog and are collaborating on an upcoming book on the subject. Preventive Medicine for Brain Health. Once a Knight Ridder columnist, Joanne Jacobs now blogs on education at joannejacobs.com. Her book, Our School: The Inspiring Story of Two Teachers, One Big Idea and the Charter School That Beat the Odds, is available online and in book stores. The First Step Is Failure. Shannon Moffet has an MD from Stanford University School of Medicine, and is in her residency in emergency medicine at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA. Her book on the brain (and eight dynamic brain-mavens, including Robert Stickgold) is The Three Pound Enigma: The Human Brain and the Quest to Unlock its Mysteries. Moffett recently appeared on The Brain Fitness Program, which aired nationwide on PBS. Sleep, Tetris, Memory and the Brain. Larry McCleary, M.D, (blog) is a former acting Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Denver Children's Hospital. He is trained and has practiced as a pediatric neurosurgeon and has completed post-graduate training in theoretical physics. His scientific publications span the fields of metabolic medicine, tumor immunology, biotechnology and neurological disease. He is the author of The Brain Trust Program: A Scientifically Based Three-Part Plan to Improve Memory, Elevate Mood, Enhance Attention, Alleviate Migraine and Menopausal Symptoms, and Boost Mental Energy (Perigee Trade, 2007). Why is Brain Evolution Meaningful Today to Improve Our Brain Health. altruism, Applied Learning, attention training, brain, brain fitness program, cognifit, cognition, Cognitive Neurology, cognitive psychology, compassion, Duke University, Haifa, Harvard Business Review, Highland Hospital, Memory Workshops, PBS, psychiatry, Stanford, Stress, Texas A&M University, UCSF, University of Michigan, Washington University (Source: SharpBrains)

The truth about ttx!

neurodudes — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:52:05 +0100

If the Fish Liver Can’t Kill, Is It Really a Delicacy? [NYT, login] Amazing. It looks like TTX (tetrodotoxin, a potent voltage-gated sodium channel blocker well-known to electrophysiologists) is not made by the pufferfish (which I had always assumed), rather it is from the bacteria/food consumed by the fish. Decades earlier, another Japanese scientist had identified fugu’s poison as tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin that leaves victims mentally aware while they suffer paralysis and, in the worst cases, die of heart failure or suffocation. There is no known antidote. Researchers surmised that fugu probably got the toxin by eating other animals that carried tetrodotoxin-laden bacteria, developing immunity over time — though scientists then did not rule out the possibility that fugu produced the toxin on its own. By this year, Mr. Noguchi had tested more than 7,000 fugu in seven prefectures in Japan that had been given only feed free of the tetrodotoxin-laden bacteria. Not one was poisonous. “When it wasn’t known where fugu’s poison came from, the mystery made for better conversation,” Mr. Noguchi said. “So, in effect, we took the romance out of fugu.” Aside from the interesting science, it appears there is also a small Japanese “industry” (de-ttx? detox?) seriously affected by TTX-free fugu. More after the jump But what could be seen as potential good news for gourmands has instead been grounds for controversy: powerful interests in the fugu industry, playing on lingering safety fears, are fighting to keep the ban on fugu livers even from poison-free fish. “We won’t approve it,” Hisashi Matsumura, the president of the Shimonoseki Fugu Association and vice president of the National Fugu Association, said of the legalization of fugu liver. He added, “We’re not engaging in this irrelevant discussion.” Acting as a giant clearinghouse, this port city in southwestern Japan buys fugu from all over Japan and China, guts it and expertly removes its poison before shipping it throughout Japan and as far as New York. Though Shimonoseki’s share has fallen in recent years, it still controls about half of Japan’s fugu market. (Source: neurodudes)