It's back to Cal Poly for me tomorrow!
Here is what I am reading today on my way home!
“Scientists have moved a step closer to being able to develop a computer model of the brain after developing a technique to map both the connections and functions of nerve cells in the brain together for the first time.”
“For centuries poets and songwriters have tried to describe the pain of a broken heart.However, it has taken scientists to prove that the agony of unrequited love is more than a simple emotional response.Experiments show that being dumped by a lover activates brain regions more usually associated with processing physical pain, such as the searing sensation of being burnt. In other words, a broken heart really does hurt.”
“Drugs like marijuana act on naturally occurring receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. However, the mechanisms by which these drugs produce their sensory and mood altering effects within the brain are largely unknown. Research led by Steven Laviolette at The University of Western Ontario has now identified a critical brain pathway responsible for the effects of cannabinoid drugs on how the brain processes emotional information.”
“”This is the first study to show that only a little over an hour of meditation training can dramatically reduce both the experience of pain and pain-related brain activation,” said Fadel Zeidan, Ph.D., lead author of the study and post-doctoral research fellow at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.”
2 Comments
Annadavis · April 11, 2011 at 10:49 am
I read the article on meditation and it makes me wonder what it is that I am not doing properly? Sitting in lotus for 20 minutes hurts!
mdean · April 12, 2011 at 9:42 pm
The article on broken hearts is really interesting. I have personally consoled my friends after breakups, and after my recent break up I finally understand the feeling. There is a distinct sensation of pain felt when thinking about an ex-lover. It is a bit comforting to know that this is an actual legitimate pain sensation caused by the release of chemicals in the brain and not something made up. It is also comforting to see that there is truth in the saying that time heals all wounds.
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