Neurodegeneration

  • Neurodegenerative Disease (ALS) Etiology hypothesis

    Byscientist

    A classic case of etiology of disease is the incidence of ALS like symptoms in Guam among the local residents called Chamarro. During the Japanese occupation they were very malnourished and had diseases caused by malnutrition. In addition, they were forced to eat Cycad seeds which are toxic if not treated, but it is possible…

  • Capsaicin

    Byscientist

    Capsaicin is the flavoring and key ingredient for the heat in chili peppers. The heat comes from its interaction with TRPV1 (vanilloid receptor subtype 1) ion channel that leads to the burning sensation in any animal tissue that comes into contact with it. Interestingly, bird TRPV1 is not responsive to capsaicin. Another function that has…

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    Default mode network

    Byscientist

    When we are not focused on a task, mind-wandering or just idling, specific regions of the brain such as medial pre frontal cortex, angular gyrus, hippocampus become activated and are called the default mode network. This is thought to be important for self referential thought, memory and future planning. It has been mapped with resting…