March 13, 2006
Set in Stone?
In honor of my recent state of mind, and the valiant (if I do say so myself) attempt to change it, I offer two interesting studies from the annals of science, which, even I, can comprehend -- both of which could prove helpful in my endeavors. .
Dr. Elisabeth Gould (mother of three, and Queen of Neurogenesis) is studying marmosets at Princeton to learn how lilfe affects the brain
"To understand how neurogenesis—the process of creating new brain cells— works, Gould’s lab studies the effect of two separate variables: stress and enriched environments. Chronic stress, predictably enough, decreases neurogenesis. As Christian Mirescu, one of Gould’s post-docs, put it, “When a brain is worried, it’s just thinking about survival. It isn’t interested in investing in new cells for the future.”
On the other hand, enriched animal environments—enclosures that simulate the complexity of a natural habitat—lead to dramatic increases in both neurogenesis and the density of neuronal dendrites, the branches that connect one neuron to another. Complex surroundings create a complex brain."
and
"As millions will attest, Prozac does do something. Duman’s insight, which he began to test gradually, was that a range of antidepressants trigger a molecular pathway that has little, if anything, to do with serotonin. Instead, this chemical cascade leads to an increase in the production of a class of proteins known as trophic factors. Trophic factors make neurons grow. What water and sun do for trees, trophic factors do for brain cells. Depression was like an extended drought: It deprived neurons of the sustenance they need."
And then there's the issue of enhancing one's luck. It will take a bit of practice to become a lucky son-of-a-gun, but it seems like it can be done.
This morning, I'm doing my best to enrich my environment, and if I get lucky, I'll sprout a few more cerebral cells.
Photo note: Befitting my state of mind, I can't find any photos I like. I settled for a tombstone. You will notice that it is growing a little mold.
Posted by Dakota at March 13, 2006 03:50 PMI have a 19 year old daughter who is planning to go to Rome in September (upcoming fall semester). She’s an art student and I know it would be a magnificent experience for her. My fear is the bird flu becoming a pandemic while she is away. The borders would close and she would be stuck. I am preparing with supplies here at home but am not sure if I should let her go.
What would you do?
Thanks for your input. I enjoy reading your blog and seeing the photos.
Oh Becca -- what a dilemma! I guess I'd sign up, and if things look dicey in September, hope that she will agree to stay home. You may have to forfeit some money, though.
It's so hard to predict when or whether it will go human-to-human. Tell her to eat her chicken well done in any case -- and read Fluwiki and Effect Measure. Maybe they'll have tamiflu in Italy.
I canceled a trip to California in November, and now realize, with some regret, I could have gone safely. So I don't think it pays to stop one's life in pandemic anticipation
Thanks for dropping in D
Posted by: Dakota at March 16, 2006 06:40 PMI’m sure she will agree with the decision to keep her home if it comes down to that. Eating well cooked chicken won’t pose as a problem, we are vegetarians and she is a vegan. Now that cats have been found with the virus, having fourteen of them here could be a threat. I’ll have to stock up on plenty of cat litter.
Thanks for your advice.
Becca
Fourteen! My sneezing leaves me speechless
Posted by: Dakota at March 18, 2006 06:03 AM