Figure 1: Immunohistochemistry stain of astrocytes (Oksanen, 2017, Stem Cell Reports). In the late 19th century, Santiago Ramón y Cajal aided in the formation of the neuron doctrine, a theory which used evidence from neuronal staining techniques to confirm that neurons are each separate entities and not one continuous fusion of cells. These separations allow … Continue reading Don’t forget about the stars in your brain!
neuroscience
Teaching old neurons new tricks: the implications of regenerating brain cells in Alzheimer’s disease
Credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Over 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and even more alarmingly, there are no medications to stop or slow the progression of the disease. Alzheimer’s is characterized by a loss of neurons resulting in symptoms of … Continue reading Teaching old neurons new tricks: the implications of regenerating brain cells in Alzheimer’s disease
Brainstorming a Way to Conquer Death
Credit: Skeeze from Pixabay Scientists’ jobs depend upon answering thought-provoking questions, but as a consequence of working in niche research areas, the answers they discover often lack lasting impact on the wider scientific community. However, once in a while, a study will exceed the standard and provoke profound and universal ethical questions. Vrselja et al.’s … Continue reading Brainstorming a Way to Conquer Death
Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 2 of 2)
By: Jordan Gaines Lewis, 5th year student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program My forgetful friend – the subject of my original article – gave birth to a baby girl on Thanksgiving Day. She’s a beauty, and I know Mom agrees that the morning sickness, crazy sense of smell, and forgetfulness were worth it in the end. … Continue reading Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 2 of 2)
Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 1 of 2)
By: Jordan Gaines Lewis, 5th year student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program A few months ago, my friend asked me, “Why have I become so forgetful since I became pregnant?” I told her I didn’t know, but that I’d look into it and write an article for her. She then followed with, “I was going … Continue reading Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 1 of 2)
What is Déjà Vu?
By: Jordan Gaines Lewis, 5th year student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program What is déjà vu? Many of us know the feeling. You'll be going about your day, minding your own business, folding some laundry...nothing out of the ordinary. Suddenly a sensation of familiarity washes over you, and you're completely aware that it's happening. I've been here … Continue reading What is Déjà Vu?
Where in the Brain Does Deception Lie?
By: Dan Hass, 2nd year PhD candidate in the Neuroscience Graduate Program When my 8-year old niece asks me what Santa Claus’s favorite reindeer is, I do not tell her that Santa does not actually exist. I try to keep her as happy as possible, and I tell a white lie. Lying is not an uncommon phenomenon. … Continue reading Where in the Brain Does Deception Lie?
The Immersive World of Virtual Reality: Why VR is the Ultimate Neuroscience Experiment
By: Lina Jamis, 2nd year student in the Anatomy Graduate Program The promise of virtual reality has always been an enticing one—slip on this headset and escape to a new place, without ever stepping foot outside of the room. It’s an experience so unusual, and yet so familiar, as it hijacks our own senses to provide the … Continue reading The Immersive World of Virtual Reality: Why VR is the Ultimate Neuroscience Experiment
Hooked on Pills? There’s a Pill for That…
By: Andrew Huhn, 4th year PhD candidate in the Neuroscience Graduate Program Americans are abusing prescription painkillers at an alarming rate. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions were written for opioid analgesics – that’s enough for every adult in the U.S. to have their own bottle of pills, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Opioid analgesics are a class … Continue reading Hooked on Pills? There’s a Pill for That…
When it Comes to Vision, Men and Women Really Aren’t Seeing Eye to Eye
By: Sadie Steffens, 4th year PhD candidate in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program The paint color in our master bathroom has been a source of debate since we bought our house. While I am certain that the color is firmly in the purple part of the spectrum, my husband insists that the paint is blue. Period. Visiting … Continue reading When it Comes to Vision, Men and Women Really Aren’t Seeing Eye to Eye
