As one reads the newspapers (uncritically), one would assume that business is booming. We have just read about the third quarter in a row of impressive earnings growth. Total corporate profits are on the order of $ 1.2 trillion, way higher than before our devastation. First caveat- we are comparing these results to pretty anemic periods. If you were running your company and had a 50% drop in profits for one year, the next year’s earnings growth of 100% would mean you were back to just where you were two years ago.
Monthly Archives: August 2010
Parkinson’s Disease and Cognitive Impairment
We all know the standards symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (some 500,000 in the US alone) patients- tremors, slow motion, etc. But, most of us fail to recognize these patients also suffer from cognitive impairment. They don’t lose their memory- they just can’t make decisions, plan, or adequately control their emotions
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Reading is Fundamental… and a relatively new skill
You are reading this right now- because I don’t post video blogs and because reading is a most efficient modality to obtain information. Most of us are capable of reading 500+ wpm (some of us closer to 2000) and can accommodate changes in type design and size with ease.
Continue reading Reading is Fundamental… and a relatively new skill
A possible (?) link between acetaminophen and asthma symptoms
You have a new baby. You are trepidatious that it may be allergic. So, no aspirin for it; instead you rely upon Tylenol (acetaminophen). Along comes a new study- Tylenol may be causing the worldwide epidemic in asthma cases…..One study even claims 40% of all cases may be caused by Tylenol (the studies use acetaminophen or peracetamol- the generic nomenclature, the news agencies report the brand name). And, you thought J&J had headaches before…
Continue reading A possible (?) link between acetaminophen and asthma symptoms
A little lighter subject- one to enhance our experiences…
I think I’ve been a little too serious lately. And, before I switch to a more business like topic, I thought I’d share some really useful research with you today…
Continue reading A little lighter subject- one to enhance our experiences…
Brain Scan detects Autism in Adults; Next step is to determine utility in children
UK Scientists [lead researchers Drs. Christine Ecker and Declan Murphy] from King’s College (London), have developed a new computer coupled brain scan procedure that can detect Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adults.  There is no known single cause for ASD, which affects just under 1% of all newborns in the US, 50% more boys than girls.  This complex brain disorder is associated with impaired social interactions and communications, which manifests itself during the first three years of life. While unknown at present, ASD is considered to be genetic in origin- either the result of mutations or combinations of various genetic variants.
Continue reading Brain Scan detects Autism in Adults; Next step is to determine utility in children
Not quite a treatment- but we can now tell IF Alzheimer’s will develop
John Trojanowski, of the University of Pennsylvania lead a research study that has isolated attest that seems to be 100% accurate in predicting who will develop Alzheimer’s. The results will be presented in Archives of Neurology.
Continue reading Not quite a treatment- but we can now tell IF Alzheimer’s will develop
Kojo Nnamdi of WAMU/NPR hosted a discussion about the brain 9 August 2010 at 1PM
The Inner Life of Your Brain
Continue reading Kojo Nnamdi of WAMU/NPR hosted a discussion about the brain 9 August 2010 at 1PM
Our Personalities Reflect Different Sizes of Brain Regions- Or Vice-Versa
We now see that our personalities become fixed at a rather early age; some of us can, indeed, change our types (previous post), but it’s somewhat hard. … Most of us attributed these things to how  neurotransmitters and hormones affect our brain centers. Yet, we also know that certain parts of the brain are associated with different behaviors. The medial orbitofrontal cortex is involved with rewards (as is the neurotransmitter dopamine); other regions are associated with threat response; still others with negative effects and punishment; lateral prefrontal cortex deals with planning and voluntary behavior; and, there’s a region associated with  examining the mental states of others.
Continue reading Our Personalities Reflect Different Sizes of Brain Regions- Or Vice-Versa
Our Personalities Gel By The Time We Are In First Grade
An upcoming publication in the Journal of Social, Psychological, and Personality Science (lead author Christopher Nave) indicates that our personality traits seem to be set at very early ages. This does not mean that people can’t change; it’s a more difficult process, but it can occur.
Continue reading Our Personalities Gel By The Time We Are In First Grade