March 28

“Well, that was weird”: Stories of science and discovery at the Loft

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I was somewhere around the Gilman exit, on the edge of campus, when the instant coffee began to take hold. Knowing that the Loft at UCSD promised practiced tales of scientific and personal discovery (and beer), I pressed on. Following an impromptu conversation with a fellow 6th-year soldier in line, I marched into a menagerie […]

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March 21

Ketamine: A New Hope

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You may know ketamine as “Special K,” a party drug with a niche in the Burning Man and rave scenes. It’s known for its dissociative effects–its ability to make its users feel as if they are floating, detached from their bodies and surroundings. It’s a quick trip; the main dissociative effects of ketamine only last […]

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March 14

Me, my cells and I: a love poem

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  matte black curtains are taped tightly to the windows the only light allowed here is the gentle yellow glow that illuminates the stage   gracefully getting into position I delicately balance between thumb and forefinger a thin disk carried with a careful reverence placed gently on the altar humble sighs aside my hands rise […]

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March 07

The “miracle” of eye movements: EMDR and PTSD

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“Hold that image in your mind,” I say, “and follow my finger”. I proceed to wave my finger in front of your face, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth… Believe it or not, I’m not performing hypnosis in this hypothetical scenario. Instead, I’m describing one of the most successful behavioral treatments for […]

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February 28

The Scientific Adventures of Ben Barres Part II: Superstar of the Star Cells

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This post is the second half of a two-part series on the work of Dr. Ben Barres. Did you miss the first half of our adventure? No problem. Click here to start from the beginning! Welcome back! Last week the adventure through Ben Barres’ lab’s discoveries wound through their exciting advances in cell culture, their […]

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February 21

The Scientific Adventures of Ben Barres Part I: Dishing out Discoveries

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Dr. Ben Barres is a hero to those of us here at NeuWriteSD. Ben was a pioneering scientist and a devoted mentor, as well as a relentless crusader for greater inclusivity in science. While we’ve highlighted his advocacy work and published a memorial post after his death, we haven’t paid nearly enough tribute to his […]

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February 14

Your Brain on Love

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An oldie but a goodie! Happy Valentine’s day, everyone! ❤ NeuWriteSD (originally posted 2/17/17) Have you ever been in love? I’m not talking about your inability to go without your morning cup of joe, your appreciation for evening snuggles with your cat, that first spoonful of chocolate mocha brownie ice cream on a hot day, […]

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February 07

CBD: Believe the Hype?

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I first stumbled upon CBD at a farmers market in Solana Beach, CA. A couple of enthusiastic salesmen were promoting their CBD-infused cold brew. Once I heard the claims of how it could reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and increase energy, I mentally put it into the same category as those pads you put on the […]

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January 31

Stars for Eyes – The Neurological Wonder of the Star-Nosed Mole

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Beneath the eastern wetlands of Canada and the United States, there lives underground a bizarre and unique animal with an impressive list of evolutionary adaptations. This creature holds the world record as fastest eater among mammals [1], can smell underwater [2], and has a very unique sensory organ that basically operates as its eyes [3]. […]

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January 24

How is a woodpecker like a football player?

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As the National Football League (NFL) approaches its most prestigious game of the year, the Superbowl, fans are often treated to video montages of the big plays and hard hits that either led their teams to victory or contributed to the end of their season. While these clips serve to instill a sense of excitement […]

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