Brain & Neurogenesis

Brain & Neurogenesis

The purpose of the present essay represents a brief excursion into the fascinating world of neuroscience, the branch of biology specific to the brain. For instance, memory is a topic often explored in both neuroscience and psychology. To illustrate, skills, such as drawing, fall under the category of implicit memory. Contrary to popular belief, most of the brain is active at all times. The Milky Way galaxy contains two to six times as many stars as the brain does neurons. Further, lesion studies have shed considerable light on diverse neuroscience subjects. As such, an important topic in neuroscience is neurogenesis, or cell repair and regrowth (neurogenesis refers to new cell growth). While the process differs between the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), generally in the CNS (which comprises the brain and spinal cord) cells fail to regenerate.

Brain & Neurogenesis. Photo by Megan (Elena)

Along these lines, neurodegeneration is the exact opposite, with many neurodegenerative disorders documented in the literature (including Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis and various forms of dementia). Also, from biology, neurobiology and cell biology, one knows that there are internal cell mechanisms that cause it to undergo apoptosis in certain (traumatic) cases. For example, the process is triggered in auditory receptors (hair cells, cilia) in response to very loud noises. Thus, the old joke of a person going deaf after listening to too much loud music may have some background after all, although ranges are typically quoted as above 90 decibels.

Fan & Fan (2006) explored the neuroregenerative process in Huntington’s disease (HD). The authors attest that precursor cells may start the process. Furthermore, exploring the neurogenic mechanisms in mice, they noticed that NSCs (Neural Stem Cells) exhibit enhanced self-renewal potential shortly after the onset of HD. Further, the capability is inherited by subsequent cell generations, suggesting epigenetic changes. Enciu et al. (2011) likewise look at the mechanism by which neurons come back to life after significant trauma. Thus, as hinted at above, they confirm that neuroregeneration takes place with the proliferation of endogenous, or implantation of exogenous NSCs, which in turn differentiate and successfully adapt. What’s more, the researchers explain that neuroregeneration may be perceived as a neulogism, involving all the following events: neuroplasticity, neurogenesis and brain cell regeneration; and this concludes the essay.

There Is Hope

There Is Hope, or as They Say “It Gets Better”

The following text has a much happier sound and feel to it than the last testimonial from, let’s call him, Patrick. To everybody who cares delight, Patrick is getting the help he needs from a very talented psychiatrist. Since the medication dose he is currently taking is the maximum allowed for that particular prescription, it is just a question of time. Things are not always easy, and things often take time. Luckily for Patrick, he got a psychiatrist who genuinely cares for his well being and understands what Patrick is going through.

Similarly, as mentioned in a different post about psychosocial factors in schizoaffective disorder, being supported socially means a lot for people struggling with mental issues. After posting Patrick’s testimonials, he was very surprised and happy to find 12 Google+ mentions on his story. Despite the troubles he faces with his condition, he realizes that he is lucky to have family, friends and even strangers who sincerely care about what he is going through. So a big Thank You for all of you out there who make the world a better place, from Patrick and from me.

Nice ladies will surround Patrick one day. Photo by Elena

How to Present a Speech

How to Present a Speech

or Make a Public Presentation in Class

Psychologists state that public speaking is among one of the common fears experienced by humans, together with fear of flying, fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), fear of spiders (arachnophobia), fear of public spaces (agoraphobia) and fear of snakes. Indeed, the fear and a anxiety triggered by such events may reach such degrees, that the person suffocates and may even be prone to a panic attack. However, making a public speech, especially an oral presentation in class is something most people, and particularly most students have to deal with at some point in their lives. So is it really that scary and what to do about it?

If a speech is delivered in the woods, who hears it? Image: Megan Jorgensen (Elena)

Luckily, there are a multitude of tips and guidelines on delivering a speech and/or a Power Point presentation. Power Point presentation are a crucial skill in today’s highly demanding computer literate job market. Indeed, knowing the basic of the Microsoft Office Suite, including Power Point, Excel and Word is sure to give you some advantage in employment market. Further, giving a speech, be it the famous elevator speech, answering interview questions and delivering a presentation rest on confidence in one’s material and on self-confidence. Aside from props, written material should be kept to a minimum, and the method of loci could be used to remember the flow of the text.

Public Presentation

Steve Jobs outlined once a number or principles that should be followed. These include the number of word you have on each slide. Jobs explained that the word count should be limited to fifty words maximum, but this does not include extra text, such as sources. This practice will help you to be more concise and focus on the core messages.

The presentation muss be accompanied by general commonsense rules, such as using a clear font so that everyone can read it without any complications.

Another key point is to make sure that the headline is clear. It should summarize the entire content of the slide and the reason for its existence. One way to think about this is the following: if your whole presentation were to be read by a very busy CEO, could this person read the headlines of each slide only and still understand the key points? Would he or she be able to take away the key points and recommendations? If this is possible, then you have achieved your goal.

Throughout the presentation, it is also of great use to remember the old adage "a picture speaks a thousand words". Research has shown that by combining a powerful verbal message with an image, there is a 75 percent greater chance of your message being recalled than when using words alone.

While this is very difficult for all slides, it is often a very useful tool of getting across common therms - and it can also be useful in introducing an element of humor into the presentation.

Should you be one of the many who suffer from nerves and as a result speak too fast or forget your words, don't worry. These issues disappear with practice.

If you speak too fast, then practice speaking slowly. Read every day slowly a text which is more verbose perhaps than your usual read. Remember to speak sonly and to physically force yourself to slow down. Over time this slower tone will become natural when presenting.

Another important tip is to take a moment to yourself before the presentation to slow down your breathing. Hold your hand to your mouth and practice breathing in and out slowly into your hands ten times. Follow this with three large deep breaths and then breathe back into your hands ten times. This will gradually bring your heartbeat down, making you feel calmer, and make it easier for you to deliver the presentation.

There is no shame in taking notes up on stage with you. The key here, though, is to ensure that each of the cards has a maximum of three key words on it. The words are to act as prompts and remind you of the points you are going to make. They are not to be used as scripts and you need to be very careful when using them to carry on engaging with your audience and maintaining eye contact with them.

Keep in mind that well defined paragraphs will make it easier for the recipient to digest and understand the information. It is also advisable to use bullet points to identify lists and key points of action or points that require a response.

Furthermore, it is vital to convey the correct impression by only using full words - do not get drawn into using the language of texting. There is also no excuse for spelling mistakes, especially as every e-mail program now comes with spelling and grammar checks.

Finally, remember that digital has come forever. Once the send button has been pressed, it will be recorded for the duration of time on some file with the ether forever.

(from The Art of Selling Yourself, by Adam Riccoboni and Daniel Callaghan).

The advice that certainly applies to communication in the digital age - what you write will be with you forever - so choose your words with care. (Megan Jorgensen).

Age of Retirement

The Age of Retirement According to Industry

Feeling young and being young are two very closely related concepts. For psychologists, the way one feels and thinks is very important, and when it comes to age may even take precedence over what reality is and concentrate on the felt states. Many people are afraid of getting old, and feel that their freedoms may be restricted with age. But nothing could be further from the truth, usually the older you are the more freedoms you have, although responsibilities also tend to pile up with aging.

Age plays a very important part in restricting some professions, but not others. For example, in most developed countries a certain age is considered enough to get a pension. However, that does not mean that a person has to retire if he or she does not want to. Also, retirement age depends on the professions in some cases. For example, supermodels and ballerinas retire at around 30-35 years old, although it has been said that models retire at round 25, while top models like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Helena Christensen continue modeling well in their forties.

Age of retirement. Photo by Elena

A related field, music, also has its intricate interrelation with age. While some are are child prodigies and then stop altogether, others, such as famous Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger, continue to be popular and to perform on many international stages past their fifties. Mystically enough, there is an age in music that remains eternal: 28 years old (or 28 years young). For some unknown reason, many famous singers died at exactly 28, such as the late Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrisson and others.

In regards of staying young forever or at at least longer, it is much easier today for stars who can afford it. In our day and age, there exist Botox, Juvederm and various other fillers and other ways that plastic surgery can keep us looking younger. Naturally, not everybody, even among those who are able to afford it, wants to submit to cosmetic surgery procedures and even then, plastic surgery has its limitations. Also, many have seen plastic surgery disasters, which not only failed to make the patient look better, but transformed him or her into a monster! Clearly, plastic or cosmetic surgery is not for everyone!

Types of Addictions

Types of Addictions

When one talks about addiction, one typically refers to drug addiction or substance use and abuse. However, as the present essay will attempt to show, addiction has many underlying explanations which include similar pathways and mechanisms as addiction to sexual behaviour, the Internet, shopping, kleptomania and gambling, among others. Further, all drugs of abuse involve the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, commonly referred to as the brain’s “reward circuitry”. Addictions are many and diverse, and there remains continuous debate as to which addictions qualify for a mention in the DSM-5, the manual used to diagnose mental illnesses in the United States and Canada.

According to reviews in the literature, there appears to be a genetic basis for addiction. Addictions can be directed towards drugs or narcotics, as well as, alcohol and other substances, such as abuse of prescription medications. Alternatively, some addictions are behavioural, and because they stem from normative behaviours, it may be difficult to differentiate between normal behaviours and the same behaviours taken to extremes. However, all addictions share the similarity that they produce pleasure, at least initially, and it is this hedonic quality that makes some substances and behaviours so addictive.

Addictions are hard to fight, but it's possible. Illustration: Elena

Moreover, according to literature reviews, neurobiological and genetic findings relate to diverse addictions. The neurotransmitters, the neurochemicals the brain uses to communicate, most involved with addiction remain dopamine and serotonin. Serotonin is a mood regulator; low serotonin levels are often associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or depression. Such medications are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Depending on doctors’ advice, antidepressants may at times be prescribed to help individuals quit smoking. Hence, tobacco addiction, while legal and accessible, is nonetheless a hard habit to kick. Luckily, several support resources exist for individuals who are committed to start a new life without drug or alcohol dependence. In addition, many rehabilitation centres, clinics and even hospital departments allow persons to change their lifestyle and habitual patterns, and transform their lives into a drug, alcohol or other addiction free environment.