By Zekiel Factor Setting the agenda Sensation is the bridge between the internal and external world. Examining the elements of processing that our senses have in common allows us to understand how the nervous system gives rise to sensory perception, which is a fundamental component of conscious experience. But what does it mean to go … Continue reading Sense and Sensitivity: How the Nervous System Transforms the Environment into Experience
neuroscience
The Stars in Our Brains: The Role of Astrocytes in Alcohol Use
By Mariam Melkumyan What are those star-shaped cells doing in our brains? Astrocytes are rightly named for their stellate shape, and in my opinion, they are the star of the show when it comes to the functioning of the brain. Astrocytes are important for the blood-brain barrier, for giving support to neurons by supplying the … Continue reading The Stars in Our Brains: The Role of Astrocytes in Alcohol Use
Mind over mayhem: Meditate your way through stress and stay sane in grad school
By Savannah Moscon & Emily Tufano Meditation is an ancient technique that is gaining popularity due to its robust mental and physical health benefits. In fact, those in stressful situations or jobs (that’s us!) are encouraged to practice mindfulness through meditation to relieve chronic anxiety and stress. For many, the practice of mindfulness, defined as … Continue reading Mind over mayhem: Meditate your way through stress and stay sane in grad school
This is your brain on gluten
By Victoria Vernail Gluten is a class of proteins naturally found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten is present in many common foods, including beloved pastas and baked goods, because it helps ingredients stick together. Food that is gluten-free may have a dry and crumbly texture compared to gluten-containing foods because it is missing the … Continue reading This is your brain on gluten
Ironing Out the Details at the Blood-Brain Barrier: A Summary of My Dissertation
By Stephanie Baringer, Ph.D. The following is a synopsis of my Ph.D. thesis that I defended on July 17, 2023, titled Regulation of Brain Iron Acquisition and Misappropriation in Alzheimer's Disease. Thank you to LTS for the years of opportunity to write about my deep-dive interests and now for the chance to share this summary … Continue reading Ironing Out the Details at the Blood-Brain Barrier: A Summary of My Dissertation
Pain – an itch you just can’t scratch?
By Victoria Vernail I was sitting on the couch, watching Season 8, episode 14 of ABC’s ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, when an important scientific question was raised. Contestant Aaron commented to his girlfriend Genevieve that he thinks pain and itch are fundamentally the same – to which Genevieve disagreed – and a fight ensued (Figure 1). … Continue reading Pain – an itch you just can’t scratch?
APOE4-get About It: How the Greatest Genetic Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease affects the Brain and Body
By Rebecca Fleeman, PhD The following is a synopsis of my PhD thesis that I defended on January 19, 2023, titled Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Conveyed by Apolipoprotein E ε4: Immunometabolism and the Brain-Body Connection. Thank you to LTS for the opportunity to share my PhD findings in a unique way to reach more people! The … Continue reading APOE4-get About It: How the Greatest Genetic Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease affects the Brain and Body
Is eternal happiness a myth?
By Yash Kulkarni "One feels inclined to say that the intention that man should be 'happy' is not included in the plan of 'Creation.' " –Sigmund Freud, Civilization, and Its Discontents, 1930 Sigmund Freud is indeed right; one cannot know the true meaning of pleasure (happiness) unless and until one hasn’t known what pain is. For … Continue reading Is eternal happiness a myth?
Help! My brain is on fire!
By Mariam Melkumyan Burnout is unfortunately a common feeling among graduate students. While you can find information on ways to fight burnout in a 2019 LTS article, in this piece, I intend to dive deeper and examine the neuroscience behind burnout. First, as a quick reminder of the definition of burnout: Burnout is a process … Continue reading Help! My brain is on fire!
Can nature work to nurture our brains?
By Alexandra Evans Most Americans are guilty of it, but how much time do we spend staring at our screens throughout the day? A Nielson Total Audience Report published in 2017 determined that a majority of Americans spend approximately 10 hours a day staring at a screen, whether that be a computer, laptop, smartphone, or … Continue reading Can nature work to nurture our brains?
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