Contemplation, one line a day.Towards a more humane society, an empathic society.
Empathy is the foundation of all relationships
Contemplation, one line a day.Towards a more humane society, an empathic society.
When Axons Meet GPS Robot Cops
When Axons Meet GPS Robot Cops
Robo: Alright team, let's get these axons where they need to go. Slit, you're up first.
Slit: Alright, alright, don't rush me. Let me just activate my molecular mechanisms real quick.
Comm: Oh here we go, Slit and his molecular mechanisms. Always showing off.
Axon: Hey, can someone explain to me what's going on?”
Robo: Don't worry little guy, we're here to guide you. Slit is going to help you navigate to your destination.
Slit: That's right. I'm Slit, named after the slit-like spaces that I bind to. Not the most glamorous name, but hey, it's better than being called "sticky" like some other proteins.
Comm: Hey, don't be dissing my molecular mechanisms. They may not be as flashy as yours, but they get the job done.”
Axon: I don't mean to interrupt, but what do you do, Comm?
Comm: Oh, me? I'm the commissure, here to make sure you cross the midline properly. But my full name is commissural neuron guidance molecule, which makes me sound like some sort of cop.
Robo: And I'm Robo, short for Roundabout. I know, I know, I sound like a robot. But hey, I'm the protein that helps guide you around obstacles and keep you on the right path.
Slit: And together, we make a great team. The protein trio of axon guidance GPS.
Axon: so I’m gonna interrupt again. But why do I need to cross the midline at all? Why do you need to guide me. What’s going on here and where am I going?”
Robo: Well Axon, to answer your earlier question about the big picture, it's all about forming the correct connections in the nervous system. The brain is made up of billions of neurons, and each neuron needs to make connections with other neurons to form a functional network. These connections allow us to do everything from sensing our environment to controlling our movements and thoughts.
Comm: And that's where we come in. We help guide axons to their appropriate targets, ensuring that the connections are made correctly. Without us, the nervous system would be a chaotic mess.
Slit: Exactly. And that's why it's so important for us to do our job correctly. Even a small mistake can lead to a misconnection that could have serious consequences for the individual.
Axon: Wow, I had no idea that I was part of such a complex process. It's kind of overwhelming.
Robo: Don't worry, little guy. We've got your back. Just trust us, and we'll guide you to where you need to go.
Slit: And who knows? Maybe someday you'll become a fully-formed neuron, making connections with other neurons and contributing to the functioning of the nervous system.
Comm: Yeah, and maybe you'll even be guiding another axon someday.
Axon: That sounds amazing. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.
Robo: Alright team, let's get back to work. We have some important connections to make.
Axon: Wait, I have one more question. How did you all become proteins that guide axons?
Slit: Oh, it's a long story. It all started when we were just humble genes, waiting to be transcribed and translated.
Comm: And then one day, we were lucky enough to be selected to play a crucial role in axon guidance.
Robo: It's not the most glamorous job, but hey, someone's got to do it.
Axon: Well, I'm grateful for you guys. Thanks for guiding me through this crazy nervous system.
Slit: Anytime, dude. That's what we're here for.
Axon: Hey Robo, have you ever thought about what life would be like if you weren't proteins?
Robo: I can't say I have, Hey Slit and Comm. Do you want to be something else?
Slit: I don't know, maybe a neurotransmitter or something. Imagine how cool it would be to transmit information between neurons.
Comm: And I could be a transcription factor in a different system altogether. I could be regulating gene expression in a plant or something.
Robo: Oh come on, you guys. We're perfectly happy being proteins that guide axons. Let's not get too carried away with these fantasies.
Slit: Fine, fine. But you have to admit, it would be pretty cool.
Comm: Now let's get back shaping the intricate architecture of the nervous system. Lots of traffic to manage.
Equanimity is the stillness that allows us to listen to our hearts.
Contemplation, one line a day. This month on Equanimity #MentalHealth
Empathy is the art of caring for someone else's feelings as if they were your own.
Contemplation, one line a day.Towards a more humane society, an empathic society.
EQUANIMITY
Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating one line each day. #MentalHealth. This month is EQUANIMITY
Equanimity
-Hari Srinivasan
Equanimity is the calm at the center of the storm.
Equanimity is the balance that allows us to move forward.
Equanimity is the anchor that keeps us grounded.
Equanimity is the serenity that comes from within.
Equanimity is the clarity that helps us see things as they are.
Equanimity is the inner strength that allows us to face life's challenges.
Equanimity is the acceptance that all things pass in due time.
Equanimity is the non-judgmental awareness of our thoughts and emotions.
Equanimity is the gentle acceptance of ourselves and others.
Equanimity is the ability to maintain our inner peace in the face of adversity.
Equanimity is the steady hand that guides us through life's ups and downs.
Equanimity is the stillness that allows us to listen to our hearts.
Equanimity is the wisdom that sees through the illusion of our fears.
Equanimity is the patience to wait for the right moment.
Equanimity is the trust that life will unfold as it should.
Equanimity is the surrender to what is and what we cannot change.
Equanimity is the gratitude for all that life has to offer.
Equanimity is the self-awareness that allows us to grow and learn.
Equanimity is the forgiveness that frees us from the past.
Equanimity is the openness to new experiences and perspectives.
Equanimity is the presence of mind that allows us to live in the moment.
Equanimity is the inner peace that radiates outwards.
Equanimity is the self-love that allows us to love others.
Equanimity is the self-compassion that allows us to heal our wounds.
Equanimity is the stillness that allows us to find our inner voice.
See posts for other months.
Atmospheric Rivers
https://youtu.be/cdhEwAZP-gI
An explanation of the crazy weather pattern this winter in California
Delta Notch Numb: Neurogenesis Society
A humorous science skit.
Delta: Hey guys, have you ever wondered why we have such unusual names? I mean, put together, we sound like a Notched-up college Greek Society; a bunch of undergrads that go totally Numb after an exhausting Rush.
Delta Notch Numb: Neurogenesis Society
Delta: Hey guys, have you ever wondered why we have such unusual names? I mean, put together, we sound like a Notched-up college Greek Society; a bunch of undergrads that go totally Numb after an exhausting Rush.
SWAN - Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior
Lexicon [Measures]- SWAN
The SWAN is more for ADHD and not designed specifically for autism.
The SWAN (Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior) Rating Scale is a tool to assess ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents.
The SWAN Rating Scale consists of 18 items that capture various domains of ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It uses a Likert-type scale ranging from 0 (far below average) to 3 (far above average) to rate the presence and severity of each symptom. The scale can be completed by parents, teachers, or other caregivers who have regular contact with the child.
Scoring of the SWAN involves summing the ratings for each item to obtain a total score. Higher scores indicate greater ADHD symptomatology. The scale also allows for the calculation of subscale scores for inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Limitations with its use in autism.
The SWAN Rating Scale was developed by Dr. Stephen J. Kupper in 2006.
- Lack of specificity: The SWAN focuses on ADHD symptoms and may not capture the full range of challenges and behaviors associated with autism. Autistics may exhibit ADHD symptoms as part of their broader autism profile, but there may be additional symptoms and impairments not assessed by the SWAN.
- Difficulty differentiating symptoms: Some symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, can overlap with symptoms of autism, making it challenging to disentangle the two conditions based solely on the SWAN.
The SWAN Rating Scale was developed by Dr. Stephen J. Kupper in 2006.
Constant Overload
Being bombarded by the sensory system
A constant overload, it never endsSensory overwhelmed, a feeling of prison
Trapped in my own mind, with no friends.
Poor somatosensory body mapping
A constant confusion, a foggy haze
I struggle to understand my own body
A feeling of being lost, in a daze
Words get stuck, inside my head
Apraxic, struggles to speak
A feeling of frustration, so very unique
As talking eludes me, instead
It can be a struggle, to navigate
This world that's full of sensation
I need to find a way
… with determination
Equanimity is the self-love that allows us to love others
Towards a more humane society. #MentalHealth. Contemplation, one line a day.
Chilling on a houseboat
This is where I would like to be today on my birthday.
Chilling on a houseboat in the Kerala backwaters
(photo taken a few years back)
Chilling on a houseboat in Kerala's backwaters
Coconut trees sway along the shore
The sun dips low, painting the sky with colors
A serene moment, that I'll forever adore.
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