Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Scientists at State University of New York at Downstate Center have discovered a molecular mechanism that maintains memories in the brain. By inhibiting the molecule, researchers say they can erase long-term memories, much as you might erase a computer disc.

The molecule called “protein kinase M zeta” preserves long-term memories through persistent strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons. This is enzyme is similar to the mechanism-storing information of 0’s and 1’s in a computer’s hard disc.

By inhibiting the enzyme, scientists were able to erase a memory that had been stored for one day, or even one month. The article abstract can be found in Science Magazine

This research may be a breakthrough treatment for acute trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain, just to name a few. And this discovery may unlock the mystery to Alzheimer's Disease and other memory loss disorders.

I love research, but I can't help but think of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind , the movies
Paycheck and Total Recall , where memories were erased.

I hope this newfound research will be used for "good" purposes.



Resources
Science Daily

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Thin Is Out

Organizers of Spain's top annual fashion show, the Pasarela Cibeles, rejected five models as being too thin to appear in this year's event.

Organizers worked with Dr. Susana Monereo of Spain's National Endocrinology Society and Dr. Basilio Moreno, an obesity consultant at Gregorio Maranon Hospital, to medically assess the models.

Organizers said they wanted to project an image of beauty and health, rather than a waif-like, heroin chic look - and to help diminish eating disorders that plague girls and women world-wide.

Any model who had a body mass index below that which was considered normal, not just by the Spanish endocrinology society, but also by the limits set by the World Health Organization guidelines , were rejected from the show.

A British Cabinet minister hoped that London's Fashion Week would follow Madrid's lead.

The Indian Health Minister, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, chimed in on this subject, saying India does not want waif-like young women on catwalks, acting as role models for thousands of girls who are starving themselves.

And Milan's mayor, Letizia Moratti, told a newspaper this week that she may bring the Spanish ban on underweight models to Italian shows.

On different, yet similar note, Hollywood is reporting that Flab is Fab. Actors like Jack Black, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell and Paul Giamatti are helping to make the "realistic" man more marketable.

Hmmm....maybe the tide is turning.


Resources

BBC

New York Observer

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Perception and Illusion

Time for more fun
with the mind's eye.




Can you see the word?










I love this one.







Can you read two words?

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