Physiological Psychology Course Blog

https://theconversation.com/animals-could-help-reveal-why-humans-fall-for-illusions-23957 Summary: Animals use visual signals (such as their colour patterns) for many purposes, including finding a mate and avoiding being eaten. Thayer was aware of the "optical tricks" used by artists and he argued that animal colouration could similarly create special effects, allowing animals with gaudy colouration to apparently become invisible. Both squares with asterisks are of the same colour, but the square on top of the cube in direct light appears brown whereas the square on the side in shadow appears orange, because the brain adjusts colour perception based on light conditions. Visual illusions, such as the rabbit-duck and café wall are fascinating because they remind us of the discrepancy between perception and reality. Known as colour constancy, this perceptual process can be illustrated by the illusion of the coloured tiles. Visual illusions are a crucial tool for determi...

https://www.health24.com/Mental-Health/Brain/News/scientists-finally-get-around-to-finding-procrastinations-home-in-the-brain-20180907 When it comes to procrastination, there's not a lot of research done on the topic. This is may be because procrastination may be mainly due a to result of a number of things working together to cause someone to procrastinate. The article I've chosen discusses the beginning on research in this area of brain functioning of how our minds are actually involved when someone puts things off in comparison to a person who gets task done immediately. The article states that German researchers have found that people who procrastinate more have a larger amygdala than those who do not. Procrastinators also have a weaker communication between the amygdala and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (Dorsal ACC). This study included MRI scans of 264 men and women therefore being the first or one of the first neurological bases for lack of motivation which they...

Article: https://neurosciencenews.com/memory-fear-breathing-5699/ Rhythm of Breathing Affects Memory and Fear Summary: In recent findings, there have been several elements linking a strong association between the rate at which an individual breathes and their memory and emotions. The first study they reference involves the use of patients with epilepsy. As scientists were observing their brain activity levels, they noticed that these levels had visibly changed when the patient inhaled and exhaled. Upon inhalation, area of the brain such as the Amygdala and Hippocampus were stimulated; these areas are attributed to principles such as emotions and memory. On the other hand, there were no distinct differences in brain activity levels upon exhalation. With these findings, researchers were able to detect connections between inhalation and its effect on stimulating electrical activity in the brain that is involved in areas of emotion and memory. Furthermore, another study in this art...

https://sporteluxe.com/how-gut-health-impacts-the-quality-of-your-sleep/ The summary- Basically the article talks about how getting less sleep can alter and change gut bacteria, microbes in your body. Recent research has now found that the amount of sleep one is getting and gut is closely linked together, there is a connection involved. Good digestive health is a sign of overall sense of well being. Quality of sleep is focused on. There was same connection with gut-skin as well, how gut problems is related with skin issues as well. It has been reported that a good amount of adults these days are getting less sleep everyday, 35.3 percent of them are sleeping less than 7 hours during the normal 24 hr period in a given day, this is causing people to be deprived of sleep. The ideal and recommend amount of sleep needed is between 7-9 hours. If one is waking up feeling not refreshed and with stomach problems then gut is the one to blame. Swedish folks recently did a study where they surve...

Most times when we ask people how to make it in life, they talk about foregoing sleep and working hard till you make it. This is so common that we have sayings such as "Sleep is for the weak" and "More sleep after death". Research, however has shown that this is a bad idea. This article talks about how sleep plays a very important role in our decision making and the function of our brain. A good nights sleep could also help with our mental health and keep our mental health sound.  A good night’s sleep also helps maintain communication between the  prefrontal cortex , the part of the brain that deals with self-control, and the  amygdala , the brain’s emotional center, which work together to keep your  emotions  in check. Sometimes we forgo sleep because we want to be extremely productive but forgoing sleep is actually very harmful to our health and reasoning.  How this relates to class:  In class we talked about the functions of the prefronta...

https://neurosciencenews.com/anxiety-circadian-rhythm-10146/ Summary: It has always been understood that disruptions in sleep are symptoms of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's or anxiety. However, research presented at the 2018 annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience indicates that there may in fact be a role reversal. Research shows the sleep disruption or deprivation, may actually be a factor in neurological diseases, rather than a symptom. Research on concussions demonstrates that the impact is worse after long periods of sleep deprivation.  Anxiety appears to be higher in sleep deprived people which produces the idea that deep sleep is needed to restore and calm the brain. Alzheimer's also seems to worsen due to neuro-inflammation caused by disrupted circadian rhythm in the brain cells. This research not only provides a clearer understanding of the role of sleep in health, but also suggests that possible treatments and prevention of neurological diseases ...

https://neurosciencenews.com/exercise-drug-addiction-10197/ How Exercise Could Help Fight Drug Addiction Summary: One of the largest proponents and triggers when it comes to drug addiction is the environment in which you would have normally administered the drugs. Returning to such a location has been shown to make resisting the drugs harder. A new study using mice has been used to show that when exercise is introduced to mice who have been injected with cocaine, that regular exercise on a wheel altered the release of peptides in their brain. The mice that had been injected with cocaine were split into two groups, one that would exercise on a wheel regularly, and another group that remained sedentary. The study showed that the mice who exercised regularly would possibly show signs of overcoming in some respects, their cocaine addiction. Repeated exercise would help speed up the extinction of their preference for a place where they would be given the cocaine. Reflection: The ...

Science Says You Should Embrace Hugging http://time.com/5413957/hugs-are-good-for-you/            A study was conducted with 404 participants who were interviewed over the phone every night for two weeks. During each interview a series of questions were asked and recorded in regards to their mood that day, if they came in contact with any conflict and whether or not they had been hugged. Researchers found that the mood of person increased when hugged. Although the opposite occurred when a person had some sort of conflict in their day. The participants in the study recorded that on days where they experienced conflict and no hugs, they experienced more negative feelings. Where as on days that the participants were hugged, they felt more positive feelings. Gender, age, race, marital status, social interactions and overall mood of each participant did not affect the trend that remained true throughout the study. Due to hugging, a pers...

https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/26/health/mediterranean-diet-depression-study-intl/index.html There was a study done, that found a link between people's diets and there chances of developing depression. After analyzing their evidence they found that people who followed a " Mediterranean Diet", which is primarily consist of consuming plant based foods, had a "33% lower risk of being diagnosed with depression compared to people who were least likely to follow these eating habits. They also found that oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and inflammation also have a link and can be controlled by people's diets. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. In the article they state that treatments for depression, with antidepressants have been found to be effective in only "1 in 3". They are suggesting that people need to also take their diets into account when trying to treat and prevent depression. The researchers a...

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181108130543.htm Summary: Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine found a possible link between autoimmune diseases and the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease with mice. Specifically, mice with a condition mirroring symptoms of psoriasis should slower circulation of cholesterol in their arteries than mice without the autoimmune disease. Humans with lupus and psoriasis are two to eight times more likely to have a heart attack than people who do not have these diseases. Researchers believe this is due, in part, by the over production of collagen that occurs in people with psoriasis. The collagen spreads to other parts of the skin and the arteries, continuing to build. IL-17 has been found to be the cause the multiplication of cells, and when given antibodies to combat this immune cell, collagen production slowed and showed improved functioning. There are currently drugs that are on the market to treat ps...

Link: https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/you-can-increase-your-brainpower-some-heart-pounding-high-intensity-exercise/ Summary : High- intensity exercise is an exercise routine that has gained popularity throughout the years. High intensity exercise is commonly referred to as HIIT. Much of the popularity of this form of new exercise has been due to its array of health benefits not only physically but mentally. This article summarizes the basic effects of HIIT such as weight loss, a good work out on a lack of time, and the release of “feel good chemicals”. However HIIT can affect more than just good time management, and weight loss, but it can also affect brain health. HIIT exercise is often associated with short bursts through-out the workout. This has been noted to improve memory. More than that, the article notes that there is an increase growth in compounds that help brain cells survive and function better. The article notes a research study done by McMaster University...

Article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181106150418.htm Summary: As marijuana continues to become a very relevant (and legal) substance in our nation, the benefits and also possible negative impacts that it can have on development, memory, and other neural processes in humans are being studied. This particular study tested prenatal rats to see the impacts that THC would have on their brains and development. Prenatal exposure of THC to rats was found to have a negative impact on their brain metabolites and neural circuits as they developed into adolescents. The rats were more sensitive to stress and had impaired learning and memory development after the marijuana treatment. Additionally, a specific protein that is responsible for the inhibitory and excitatory activity in the decision-making and self-control part of the brain was disrupted by the chemicals in the marijuana. Another negative impact that was found through this study was the alteration of the metabol...

Article: Dorin Harpaz, Loo Yeo, Francesca Cecchini, Trish Koon, Ariel Kushmaro, Alfred Tok, Robert Marks, Evgeni Eltzov.  Measuring Artificial Sweeteners Toxicity Using a Bioluminescent Bacterial Panel .   Molecules , 2018; 23 (10): 2454 DOI:   10.3390/molecules23102454 Source:  American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. (2018, October 1). Artificial sweeteners have toxic effects on gut microbes.  ScienceDaily . Retrieved November 15, 2018 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181001101932.htm Summary: E. coli. bacteria was modified to become bio luminescent when exposed to toxins and was then exposed to 6 artificial sweeteners,  aspartame, sucralose, saccharine, neotame, advantame, and acesulfame potassium-k. When the bacteria was exposed to only 1 mg/ml of the sweetener it became toxic. This implicates serious concerns for the public health since these artificial sweeteners are so prevalent.  Discussion: The...

Article: University of Virginia Health System. (2018, November 9). Scalpel-free surgery enhances quality of life for Parkinson's patients: Focused ultrasound can benefit those whom medication fails, researchers conclude.  ScienceDaily . Retrieved November 14, 2018 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181109112650.htm Summary: Researchers at the University of Virginia's Medical School have made an important connection between cutting edge medicine and Parkinson's Disease.  The Focused Ultrasound technology had previously been FDA approved for the treatment of tremors. This study analyzed the use of Focused Ultrasound technology in the treatment of tremors in patients with drug- resistant Parkinson's Disease. As a result of the study, patients saw improvement 3 months and 12 months post- procedure while doing everyday tasks, emotionally, and felt less stigmatized socially. In addition to the main focus of the study, remedying tremor symptoms, the study looked in...

Link to the article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180703084124.htm Summary: Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that claims the lives of many people throughout the world. Therefore, researchers are still searching for better tools to help diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment since there are over a hundred different types of cancer. CTCs are circulating tumor cells that are small pieces of a tumor that break away and float around in the blood. They are very difficult to catch since there's only a few of them running through a patient's bloodstream. However, researchers from Duke University, MIT, and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore conducted a new study that focused on separating CTCs from a 7.5 mL vial of blood, with at least 86% efficiency, by the use of sound waves. Biopsys are used for cancer diagnosis. They are usually painful and is not used until later in the cancer's development. By using the tumor cell separation technology, it could...

Link to Article: http://www.imedpub.com/articles/implication-of-gut-microbiome-in-brain-chemistry-and-behavior.php?aid=22600 Summary: “Implication of Gut Microbiome in Brain Chemistry and Behavior” is an observation of the roles of gut microbiome, and its effect on bodily, and brain health. The article refers to advanced research techniques that link the gut’s microbiome to the brain, behavior development, immune, metabolic, and physiologic function. The study targeted weak microbiomes with Probiotic bacteria, such as that found in yogurt, kefir, or Kombutcha. Scientists found chemical changes in the brain with the administration of these beneficial bacteria, and observed that brain functions such as levels of anxiety, mood, and memory were positively affected. Further in the article, this is expanded with the statement that “Researches have drawn links between gastrointestinal pathology and psychiatric neurological conditions such as anxiety, depression, autism, schizophrenia, ...

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181107111853.htm Summary This study explores group singing’s correlation with the improvement of Parkinson’s Disease. Mentioned are the positive changes in the behaviour and fine motor skills of participants with the disease who regularly sing; also discussed is the relationship between singing and bonding, inflammation, and the brain’s compensatory abilities when damaged. Concluding that neuronal inflammation from the disease (along with other stressors) is decreased, researchers found that participants feel more positively when singing together. Additionally, participants reported calmer and more relaxed states with group singing. This can be physiologically explained by raised oxytocin levels (oxytocin is a bonding-related hormone) and measured in lowered blood pressure, heart-rate, and cortisol (stress) levels than when not singing. While Parkinson’s Disease is projected to double within the next two decades, therapeuti...

Summary: There has been talk about a recent discovery of Coconut oil like particles caprylic acid, which can be used as energy for the brain. Alzheimer's is the decrease in synaptic response between cells in the brain which could show physical symptoms such as memory and mobility loss. The article is does not specify wether or not they are confirming the effects of coconut oil in regards to Alzheimers, but they do give evidence of it working, and evidence of it just being a coincidence for a select few. To summarize, researchers believe it has show improvements in functioning for some on trial one, but when it came to trial two there was not enough evidence in the effectiveness of coconut oil. Researchers also wanted others to be aware that people who claim coconut oil, or caprylic like medicine has helped with their Alzheimer's are most likely experiencing a placebo effect, meaning they believe it is working so they will "feel" like it is working. Coconut oil is also...

Many children (and adults) are scared of needles. During childhood, vaccines and immunizations are administered to keep children from contracting diseases that can be fatal. A VR experience has been created specifically to divert children's attention away from the needle and fear associated with it. The child receiving a vaccine wears a VR headset and the nurse administering it follows along on a second screen. The cold sensation of the disinfecting wipe is associated with a piece of ice in the VR and the needle is associated with a "fire fruit." These visuals alter the children's perception of the stimulus and make them more calm. This allows medical professionals to administer shots more quickly and effectively and make the experience better for the children.  Critique: I wonder how this could be used when children need to receive multiple shots. If they watch the same video over and over they will get bored and possibly end up loosing focus which could lead to th...

https://neurosciencenews.com/sleep-teen-behavior-9938/ Summary: Adolescents require 8-10 hours of sleep a night. Studies have shown that when individuals do not get enough sleep their health and behavior can suffer. It is shown that lack of sleep can cause learning difficulties, impaired decision making and other health issues. In a new study researchers found a correlation between hours of sleep and risk-taking behaviors in high school students. Accidents associated with lack of sleep are one of the leading causes of death among adolescents. Sleep is crucial for optimal health and can have effects on every part of your body and behavior in ways you are not consciously aware of. Students who reportedly slept less than 6 hours were more prone to use drugs and alcohol and more likely to attempt suicide. Review: Sleep deprivation has many long lasting effects on health. A brain structure called the ventricles play an important role when we are sleeping. The ventricles act as a was...

Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/07/10/brain-training-games-dont-really-train-brains-a-new-study-suggests/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.6a27bd8e04c9 Summary:  Studies is shown that the brain training games appear to have no more effect on healthy brains than the video games. Scientists did the studies, where people were able to choose and play either Lumosity brain-training games or regular video games. The studies last for 10 weeks. There was no evidence that commercial brain-training leads to improvements in memory, decision-making, sustained attention or ability to switch between mental tasks. When the scientists said that the brain training games do not work, the Lumosity insisted that brain-training games improve the performance. Specifically better on some mental tasks than crossword puzzles. However, o ther studies have suggested that the brain games increase activity in the executive control network, only some have shown the increase in eve...

A broken heart is probably one of the worst feelings in the world. People often equate brokenheartedness with being punched in the stomach. Heartbreak causes several effects on your body. When you're in love, dopamine and oxytocin are released.  Dopamine can have a person experiencing happiness and pleasure. When you experience a heartbreak, your body releases stress hormones (epinephrine). A terrible breakup can have you questioning your identity. Also, heartbreak can lead to depression. The content is related to the topic emotions. A stimulus causes a psychological response, then produces a feeling of emotion. Heartbreak and physical pain share common neural responses. The  anterior cingulate and the anterior insula e are two areas of the brain that process the emotional and distressing aspects of physical pain. These parts of the brain tell us that we are experiencing an unpleasurable feeling or emotion.. https://www.elitedaily.com/dating/scientific-reasons-why-a-...

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301051118300644?via=ihub Summary : Emotion has a tremendous impact on one's impulsivity. Common when experiencing negative urgency or distress, impulsivity can be essential. Impulsive actions can also be displayed in an attempt to alleviate one's mood state. For example, binge drinking is an act that has the potential to alleviate or ease one's mood at a given time. Impulsivity is complex, made up of many possible causes and potential actions; there are numerous emotional and physiological states in shaping impulsive action. Although impulsivity can be considered a symptom of neurological conditions, it can also be a characteristic or personality trait of a healthy individual. Researchers find it extremely difficult to define impulsivity, which has led to it's categorization within many subtypes. A comprehensive factor analysis of many impulsivity scales was performed in order to separate different subtypes of impu...

The article above explains a possible new finding in regulating motivation for drugs specifically in heroin addicts. In glial cells drugs produce plasticity, which can reduce motivation for heroin. The treatments that are being studied could possibly help opiod addicts. This new finding could possible be a step closer to figuring out what addiction actually is, while preventing relapse, and drug use altogether. The research was established at the University of Buffalo, where Dietz and his colleagues found changes in RNA specially dealing with the glial cell oligodendrocyte (OPC's). Non- Neural glial cells regulate cellular and behavioral responses to heroin. These glial cells turn into myelin where they are used to communicate between neurons. In 2014, Sim Fraiser, PHD, located the gene called soxio as the "master switch" that changes the stem cell into myelination. The hypothesized solution is to facilitate OPC's to the brain to reverse the disconnect between the pr...

            The article “This is your brain on music” written by Elizabeth Lanau and posted on CNN discussed a study which was done to investigate the neurological effects that music has on an individual. Salimpoor, a researcher, found that when listening to music, certain parts of the brain are affected. The study tested the effects of either anti-anxiety medicine or music on patients who were going into surgery. The outcome was measured by the patients’ stress hormone and their self-reported feelings of anxiety. The data revealed that those who listened to music experienced less feelings of anxiety than those who were given medicine. Further research tested individuals’ brain activity, using an fMRI, while they were listening to music. The brain shows activity in similar areas across the brain. From here, researchers hope to focus more on what chemicals are involved during this activity. This reminds me of the mesolimbocorti...