Brains and Stress

Did you know that the female brain may be more vulnerable to stress-related disorders? Rat studies from the National Institute of Mental Health showed that when the male brain is under stress, receptors for stress hormones tend to retreat into the cell, making the brain less stress reactive. The opposite happens in the female brain. The receptors remain exposed, allowing CRF (corticotropin releasing factor) to persist in its effect. Even in the absence of any stress, the stress-signaling system in the female brain appears to be more sensitive from the start. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2010/stress-hormone-receptors-less-adaptive-in-female-brain.shtml?WT.mc_id=twitter&sms_ss=email

What You Think . . .

Did you know that what you THINK others are intending matters more than what they really DO? Stanford MRI studies showed that even though people saw the exact same game, framing the game changed the test subjects’ neural reactions to the players. It’s your perception of their intentions (not their actual actions) that makes the difference. When you believe a person is doing something nice for someone else, your brains register the observation of a good deed as a personal reward. Of course, the opposite is also true. So, what are you thinking?

Dancing with Snowball

Did you know that the ability to move rhythmically to the beat of music may not be exclusive to humans? Studies of a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Snowball, provided the first documented case of a nonhuman creature that, without training, could sense a beat in music and move to it. He processed the music in his brain and his muscles responded. Snowball may have circuits in its brain for processing a beat, similar to the human brain. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/01/science/01conv.html?_r=1&ref=science

Brain by Design

Are you using your brain's unique giftedness by design? Many people fly through life by the seat of their pants, so to speak. Some times they get it right but are unsure how to replicate that success consistently. Some times they get it wrong but are unsure how to prevent similar disasters in the future. I've found that when you learn more about the brain in general, and your brain in particular, you are more likely to be able to use your brain by design--to help you be more success in life and to thrive. It takes some time and energy, but you're the only one who can do it because it's your brain!

ATP and Sleep

Are you getting enough sleep? Rat studies, reported in the Journal of Neuroscience, showed that in the initial stages of sleep, energy levels increased dramatically in brain regions found to be active during waking hours. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells, was found to surge during non-REM sleep. This surge of cellular energy may replenish brain processes needed to function normally while awake. Sleep appears to be necessary for this energy surge to occur.

It Takes a Village of Neurons

Did you know that it takes a team effort to keep your heart beating regularly and effectively? An isolated heart neuron simply sparks chaotically, without exhibiting any apparent intelligence. But when that neuron is a part of the neuronal network in a living heart, it synchronizes with the other neurons to create a steady heartbeat. It takes a village of heart neurons to keep your heart beating regularly and effectively for more than 2.5 billion beats in an average lifetime.

Humor and Laughter

Do you choose to take humor personally, get upset by it, or overreact? Healthy humor (not angry, sarcastic, or hurtful humor) is simply an exaggeration of real life. That's what makes it funny. For example, take a Red-Skelton style comment such as: I haven't spoken to my wife for several months--I hate to interrupt her. That reflects studies indicating that the average male speaks about 12,000 words a day (most of them at work), while the average female speaks upwards of 50,000 words a day. When you hear a humorous comment like that, look for the kernel of truth and choose to laugh. The laughter can give your brain a shot of serotonin, which can act as an antidepressant.