Blogs

A web search of the words “reptile behavior” will likely show you a number of less-than-stimulating explanations. For example, Encarta Encyclopedia’s section on reptile behavior exclusively discusses the reptilian inability to thermoregulate (1). A search for “reptile brain” may bring up a common view that mammalian brains contain “layers of more sophisticated reasoning” over a reptilian foundation (2). Essentially, our lack of understanding has caused us to pigeonhole these creatures to a simplistic and inferior place in relation to mammals, but how valid and conclusive are our assumptions? What is our evidence?

Studies have shown a link between commonly prescribed beta-blockers and the storage of strong, emotionally charged memories.  Taking beta blockers may allow one to dull the emotional trauma of an event by creating a less emotional memory experience.  This could create new treatments for disorders such as PTSD, however whether this is a good way in which to deal with traumatic events remains controversial (1).

Personal identification and the self have long been considered points of debate relevant in philosophy and religious thought. Considered the central text of Hindu philosophy, the Bhagavad-Gita is a prime example of literature which concerns itself with the multitude of layers surrounding the study of the ego and an everlasting consciousness. The Gita states, “[a]s a man discards worn-out clothes to put on new and different ones, so the embodied Self discards its worn-out bodies to take

The body is a well-oiled machine, generally not faltering in its steps. The ability to always breathe on time, and make the heart beat at the right moment, is due largely to the nervous system and the brain. The nervous system is comprised of neurons that send and receive signals, resulting in an output, or some sort of response to the stimuli. What happens if the stimulus being sent is interrupted or altered, due to an exterior influence? The use of drugs such as LSD is an example of such a case, in which the body responds to an altered stimulus, resulting in an altered perception. These altered perceptions are better referred to as hallucinations.  

Body Dysmorphic Disorder: More than Psychological

The genius of the scientific method is that it accepts no permanent solution. Skepticism is its solvent, for every theory is imperfect. Scientific facts are meaningful because they are ephemeral, because a new observation, a more honest observation, can always alter them.

-Jonah Lehrer

Everyday we come in contact with other people and most of us are able to see and recognize who we are looking at. For example, when I walk across campus to class, I could recognize by face people from my classes. I could distinguish one classmate from another. But just imagine being in class and not being able to recognize the face of your teacher, whom you meet at least twice a week; or imagine not being able to recognize your own roommate in your dorm. Worse, can you imagine looking in the mirror and not being able to recognize your own face?

       People have always been intrigued by the topic of memory, and much research has been conducted in order to better understand the brain’s role in storing and recalling information.  In fact, one of my very first science fair projects involved testing the short-term memories of my classmates.  Our ability to remember certainly plays an extremely important role in our lives, affecting the decisions we make, and how we function in the world around us.  However, I think that an equally important process, and one that is often overlooked, is that of forgetting.