The real reason for brains

Fascinating Ted Talk. 

 

 Contentment is the joy that comes with finding pleasure in the small things.

https://fortune.com/2023/07/27/flexible-work-critics-using-same-arguments-were-used-oppose-disabled-ramps-closed-captioning-equity-access-never-optional-remote-work-careers-hari-srinivasan/

 

Phrenology according to Gall. A Historical Curiosity

 

The 18th century consensus on the brain was steeped in ancient beliefs that depicted it as an formless mass governing bodily functions. Franz Josef Gall, challenged this orthodoxy: the brain wasn't a mere lump of flesh but the very seat of our mental faculties, with distinct regions governing specific functions. This revolutionary idea laid the foundation for what we now recognize as "phrenology." While Gall's phrenological theories have been largely discredited in modern neuroscience, his work marked a significant shift in the study of the brain.  Gall's work also contributed to the development of techniques for brain mapping and the understanding of cognitive processes.

Landing himself in plenty of hot water. 
The prevailing view of the era was dominated by religious or philosophical beliefs rather than empirical research. Gall's ideas  challenged long-held beliefs about the nature of the mind and the brain and landed in a lot of hot water. 

His beliefs were seen as a direct challenge to established religious doctrines, suggesting that human behavior and personality were products of physical attributes, not divine intervention. This incurred the wrath of religious authorities who deemed phrenology heretical. In 1805, Gall was banned from practicing phrenology in Prussia by the Prussian government, which considered his ideas subversive and potentially dangerous. He was eventually expelled from Prussia but that did not deter him from promoting phrenology elsewhere. He continued to travel and lecture about his theories in other European countries, where phrenology gained a following and influence, particularly in France and the UK.

And the hot water was not just religions, but also social. Phrenology also had practical implications, as some individuals and organizations began using it for character assessment in various contexts, such as education and employment. This raised ethical and legal questions about the fairness and validity of making judgments about people based on phrenological assessments.

Gall's  garnered both acclaim and criticism from his contemporaries. One notable figure was Johann Spurzheim, Gall's collaborator and rival, who further popularized phrenology and took it to international audiences. Another contemporary of interest is Marie-Jean-Pierre Flourens, a French physiologist who advocated for a more holistic view of brain function, emphasizing the importance of the brain as a whole rather than isolated "organs." Other scientific peers cast doubts upon his theories, criticizing the lack of empirical evidence and the inherently subjective nature of his observations. Phrenology, in their eyes, was more pseudoscience than genuine scientific inquiry. 

Gall's Neuroanatomy Diagram: A Window into the Mind
Gall's most notable contribution was his intricate neuroanatomy diagram, which depicted the brain as a series of localized faculties or organs, each responsible for a particular aspect of personality or behavior. The size of these organs corresponded to a person's character traits and abilities. Obviously this is quite incredulous by today's standards - a historical curiousity. 

• Firmness (in frontal lobe) Development of this area in the frontal lobe was associated with determination, willpower, and the ability to persevere in the face of challenges.
• Immortality: linked to religious and moral tendencies, as well as a sense of spirituality.
• Veneration (Parietal Love): related to feelings of respect, admiration, and reverence for authority figures or ideals
• Destructiveness (in lower back of brain): aggressive and combative behaviors, as well as a propensity for violence.
• Benevolence (frontal love): linked to kindness, empathy, and a compassionate nature.
• Acquisitiveness (forehead): desire for material wealth and possessions.
• Wit (Frontal Lobe):  responsible for humor, quick thinking, and cleverness.
• Love of Offspring (back of brain):linked to parental instincts and the love and care of one's children.
• Secretiveness (Upper back of brain): associated with the tendency to keep secrets and be discreet.
• Self-Esteem (upper back of head): related to self-confidence, pride, and a sense of self-worth.

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Contemplation

Without hope, we are like ships lost at sea without a compass. - Hari Srinivasan

 

https://time.com/6299599/autism-research-limited-essay/

The Story of Autism CARES Act.

A Plain Langauge Version

Once upon a time in Washington, D.C., a group of people got together to help kids and adults with autism. These people wanted to make sure that everyone with autism could get the help they needed to lead the best lives they could.

How It All Began

The story starts back in 2006 with something called the Combating Autism Act. This was a big, important rule that said, "Let's find out more about autism and help people who have it." Later, this rule got a new name: the Autism CARES Act. "CARES" stands for Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support. That’s a lot of big words, but they all mean good things for helping people with autism!

Here’s how the Autism CARES Act helps:

• Learning More About Autism: The Act gives money to scientists so they can study autism. They try to understand what causes it, how to spot it early, and the best ways to help autistics.
• Teaching Everyone: It helps teach everyone about autism, like what signs to look for and how to help. This means doctors, teachers, and even friends can understand and support autistics better.
• Helping with Services: It gives money to places like schools and hospitals to make sure kids with autism get the help they need. This could be special classes, therapists, or even fun activities that make learning easier and more enjoyable.
• Working Together: It makes sure that different groups, like schools, doctors, and scientists, all work together. This way, they can share what they know and make even better plans to help autistic people.
• Support for a Lifetime: The Act doesn’t just think about kids but also grown-ups with autism. It helps make sure they can find jobs, live on their own, and do all the cool things they want to do.

The Heroes Behind the Act

A lot of people worked really hard to make the Autism CARES Act happen. There were senators, representatives, autistics and many groups who care about people with autism. They listened to stories from autistics and families to understand what help was needed the most.

Contemplation

 Serenity is the sanctuary that lies within us.

 

Serenity is the simplicity that comes with living in the present moment.

Autism Cares Act

The Autism Cares Act is in the process of re-authorization in the halls of congress for a while now. Happy to report that my Time Magazine article "Who Autism Research Leaves Out" has been used in its the re-negotiations discussion

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 Understanding the Autism CARES Act

The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act is a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing the needs of Autistics & their families. 

The Autism CARES Act was first enacted as the Combating Autism Act in 2006, and it has been reauthorized and expanded in subsequent years. The original Combating Autism Act focused on increasing research, awareness, and early detection of autism. It was reauthorized as the Autism CARES Act in 2014, and then again in 2019, to ensure continued support and enhancements in these areas.

Key Provisions of the Autism CARES Act

The Autism CARES Act is designed to improve the quality of life for autistics through a comprehensive approach that includes research, services, and support. The main provisions of the Act include:

1. Research: The Act provides funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct and support research on autism. This includes studies on the causes, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment of autism.

2. Awareness and Education: The Act supports initiatives to increase public awareness about autism, including early signs and intervention strategies. It also funds education and training programs for healthcare professionals.

3. Services and Support: The Act provides grants to states and organizations to improve services for individuals with autism and their families. This includes support for early intervention, healthcare, and social services.

4. Federal Coordination: The Act mandates the continuation of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), which is responsible for coordinating all federal efforts related to autism research and services.

5. Lifespan Perspective: The reauthorization of the Act in 2019 placed a greater emphasis on the needs of individuals with autism across their lifespan, including transitions from school to employment and independent living.

Interesting Historical Context

The Autism CARES Act builds on the foundation laid by the Combating Autism Act of 2006. The original Act was a response to the growing prevalence of autism diagnoses and the need for coordinated federal action. The reauthorizations in 2014 and 2019 reflect a continued commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the autism community, with a focus on research, early intervention, and support across the lifespan.

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https://time.com/6299599/autism-research-limited-essay/

 

Code Orange for Ground Level Ozone

 Received this email alert today on Air Quality. Thought I had left behind all the Air Quality Alerts in CA from the yearly wildfire smoke. 

"Air Quality Alert.... Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has issued a Code Orange Health Advisory for the Nashville Area... Ground Level Ozone concentrations may approach unhealthy levels... active children and adults and people with respiratory issues ... should limit prolonged outdoor exertion."

So what exactly is Ground Level Ozone (also often referred to as "bad" ozone).  

This is ozone that is not emitted directly into the air like some other pollutants. Instead, it forms in the atmosphere through a chemical reaction involving precursor pollutants in the presence of sunlight. Here is how it happens: 

1. Emission of Precursor Pollutants: The primary precursor pollutants for ground-level ozone are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants are released into the air from various sources, including vehicles (especially those with internal combustion engines), industrial processes, and natural sources like vegetation

2. Chemical Reactions: Once in the atmosphere, NOx and VOCs undergo a series of complex chemical reactions in the presence of sunlight. This process is known as photochemical smog formation. Sunlight provides the energy needed to break down these precursor pollutants and form ground-level ozone

3. Ozone Formation: The chemical reactions between NOx and VOCs produce ground-level ozone (O3) and other secondary pollutants. Ground-level ozone is a key component of smog and is harmful to human health when present in high concentrations near the Earth's surface.

And what is Code Orange

Code Orange: This level signifies that air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups which include active children and adults, as well as individuals with respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Contemplation, one line a day

 Contentment is the gratitude that comes with acknowledging what we have.

-Hari Srinivasan