Nov 17, 2016
Berlin – An overactive thyroid increases the risk of stroke or cardiac arrest. Dementia is also possible. According to current studies, people with slightly elevated hormone levels are already at risk. The Professional Association of German nuclear medicine (BDN) advises people with a thyroid enlargement therefore a hormone check.
The risks of a thyroid gland over-function for heart and circulation are known, says the BDN chairman Detlef Moka. He therefore urges all concerned to receive treatment. When exactly an overfunction of the thyroid is present is, however, under expert controversy. (more…)
Nov 16, 2016
The story by Judah Pollack and Olivia Fox Cabane, published on www.fastcompany.com
Your brain’s delete button and how to use it – This is the fascinating way that your brain makes space to build new and stronger connections so you can learn more.
There’s an old saying in neuroscience: neurons that fire together wire together. This means the more you run a neuro-circuit in your brain, the stronger that circuit becomes. This is why, to quote another old saw, practice makes perfect. The more you practice piano, or speaking a language, or juggling, the stronger those circuits get. (more…)
Nov 15, 2016
Heartbreak, it turns out, is more than just a metaphor: After the death of one’s spouse, people are at higher risk of having an abnormal heartbeat, a new study finds.
Why it matters:
We know emotions can have physical effects. So-called “broken heart syndrome,” which can occur after intense emotional experiences (both sad and happy) is marked by an enlargement of the heart. Very stressful life events are known to boost the risk of a heart attack or stroke. But this is the first study to show that another manifestation of emotional stress may be an irregular heartbeat. (more…)
Nov 11, 2016
Rupal Patel at TEDWomen 2013 · 11:44 · Filmed Dec 2013
– I’d like to talk today about a powerful and fundamental aspect of who we are: our voice. Each one of us has a unique voiceprint that reflects our age, our size, even our lifestyle and personality. In the words of the poet Longfellow, “the human voice is the organ of the soul.” As a speech scientist, I’m fascinated by how the voice is produced, and I have an idea for how it can be engineered. That’s what I’d like to share with you.
I’m going to start by playing you a sample of a voice that you may recognize.
(Recording) Stephen Hawking: “I would have thought it was fairly obvious what I meant.” (more…)
Nov 11, 2016
Author: Eric Butterman
Imagine the feeling of not being able to do all the routine, effortless movements you’ve always performed. The motion of brushing your teeth. Putting one foot in front of the other to walk your dog. Even raising a spoon of cereal to your lips to start your day. This unfortunately can sometimes be the fate of a stroke victim. And rehabilitation can equal huge frustration, at a time when the patient is already frustrated. (more…)
