Correlation and causation get confounded because our brains rely on our “vision”, what we see is what we believe. (BTW, this discussion began yesterday with this post- there will be two more in a row.) And, most of our causal explanations are naïve (even if they seem complex)- they rely on the fallacy of a single cause (or two). These oversimplifications help us understand phenomena, so we are positive they are correct.
Tag Archives: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PTSD and sleep
fMRI is still just a surrogate measurement
If you’ve been reading this blog (What? You haven’t? Shame on you!), then you know I often refer to fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) experiments. The fMRI had its genesis at Mass General in 1991- when giant magnetics afforded us the ability to visualize activity in the brain. (This final result relied on the finding by Seiji Ogawa at Bell Labs that determined blood-oxygen-level dependence, the MRI contrast of blood deoxyhemoglobin [oxygen depleted red blood cells].)
We need rose-colored glasses
My friend, Roberta Budvietas, wrote recently that being an optimist or a pessimist can create problems. I wrote in response I am an optimist, in spite of reality. It’s why I create new products- medical, environmental, and consumer- and want to help folks grow their businesses. Because if we don’t think things will be better, why would we try at all?
Maestro- can you handle this?
I have never been diagnosed with ADD. To be honest, that’s probably because I am old enough that it was not something normally examined back then. (And, it probably would not have been part of any exam anyway, given the familial background in which I was raised.) But, I do have the tics, mannerisms, and the coiled energy that many ADD folks exude. And, my children have similar makeup.
Doc- is that all you’re gonna do?
What do Rafeal Soriano (New York Yankees), Brett Favre (Minnesota Vikings), and Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions) have in common? They all rely (or have relied) on the services of a renowned orthopaedic and sports physician, Dr. James Andrews, from Gulf Breeze Florida. His clinic, The Andrews Institute, founded in concert with Baptist Health Care, works with students and professionals, as well as effects research and provides education to patients and physicians. His newest research is bound to throw sports professionals for a loop- and probably many of us ‘regular’ folks, as well. Continue reading Doc- is that all you’re gonna do?
The Breakfast Effect?
You know that expression, “Do as I say, not as I do?”. I am not a fan of it at all. But, there’s new preliminary research (much more work must be done before we can prognosticate with certainty) that may make this posting one of “Do as I say, I’ll be joining the ranks imminently!” Given that introduction, we can proceed.