[En español] Anybody, who does biological research using a model organism, especially those using an invertebrate, has quite invariably come across a certain prevalent hotchpotch of disbelief, cynicism and a reasonably uncomfortable amount of derision in the minds of their peers about the tiny creatures that they use to study biology. “So, these flies really […]
May
02
Interview with an Oxford Food Psychologist
posted by Meghan Rossi
The surprising ways our brains steer our eating experiences, and how to use them to our advantage According to Dr. Charles Spence, when it comes to experiencing food, taste is the least important factor. But can that really be true? To learn about food psychology – or how our brains process multisensory information about what […]
April
25
Immune to pain: new insights into chronic pain treatment
posted by Seraphina Solders
[En español] Jo Cameron, a Scottish woman in her mid-60s, was seemingly happy and healthy other than a problem with her hip. Now and then, it would give way and prevent her from walking straight. She had brought it up to her doctor, but because she wasn’t in pain, the issue was dismissed. It wasn’t […]
April
18
BRINGING JOY BACK TO CHILDBIRTH
posted by Elena Blanco-Suarez, Ph.D.
[En español] In the US alone, 3 million new moms suffer from postpartum depression, or PPD. Most moms agree that, despite the discomfort during pregnancy and the pain during labor, childbirth is a joyful experience. And I imagine that must be true as many women around the world have more than one child. However, postpartum […]
April
11
Breathe the Pain Away: Mindfulness and Chronic Pain
posted by Drew Schreiner
Focus on your breath. Notice the sensation of air flowing in at the tip of your nose, of your chest expanding, and your shoulders rising.
April
04
Looking beyond biology: Autism in the workforce
posted by megkirch
“So, what’s the difference between the mind and the brain?” I blinked, bewildered. Most of the time when I try to explain my research to non-neuroscientists (“I study how different types of neurons in the brain process visual information…”), I get polite nods and the occasional follow-up question about why that might be a useful […]
March
28
“Well, that was weird”: Stories of science and discovery at the Loft
posted by Andy Arnold
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 […]
March
21
Ketamine: A New Hope
posted by Catie Profaci
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 […]
March
14
Me, my cells and I: a love poem
posted by nhoffner
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 […]
March
07
The “miracle” of eye movements: EMDR and PTSD
posted by megkirch
“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 […]
