UMD AMSA's PAPER
By: Iris Kalfa Scroll through social media for long enough and you’ll see posts about “rewiring your brain.” Podcasts discuss optimizing neural pathways. Influencers sell dopamine detoxes. Productivity culture treats neuroplasticity as the key to transformation.Its scientific tone and promise of self-improvement make it easy to spread. In neuroscience, plasticity means the brain’s ability to …
Continue reading "Rethinking Neuroplasticity in a Distracted World"
By: Abbie AffumDid you know that in Ghana, some families resort to infanticide for children born with cleft lip and palate, believing these children possess supernatural powers that bring misfortune? This heartbreaking practice is rooted in cultural misconceptions and limited access to medical care necessary to correct these facial deformities. Each year, approximately 400 children …
By Cynthia Xi Every day, seventeen people in the United States die waiting for an organ transplant (National Academies of Sciences). Organ donors are few and far-flung in-between, while those with failing kidneys and scarred livers are many. And even for those lucky enough to succeed in getting transplants, they must now live with the …
Continue reading "Human-Animal Chimeras: Hope for the Future or a Can of Worms?"
By: Amrutha Alibilli Vision is not what you see through the eyes but rather, what is processed through the brain. Although the eyes are commonly regarded as the primary source of sight, in reality, visual perception is the brain’s interpretation of the world around you. In fact, all individuals are known to have a small …
Continue reading "Sensory Substitution: Delving Deeper into Vision and Brain Plasticity"
By: Raavi Paranjape As a college student, I am no stranger to the world of midnight snacking. Most students are swamped with homework and studying, so it can be difficult to eat meals in a timely manner. This can result in late night eating or snacking. According to Bevet et al. (2018), 32.5–72.8% of college …
Continue reading "Eating Late at Night? That May Be Impacting Your Sleep Quality"
By Sophie Umansky Image source: https://www.klamathfallsnews.org/news/why-are-so-many-people-getting-sick-this-winter We’ve all likely heard an old wives’ tale or two in our lives. Some people live by them, others brush them off as superstition, but there is no doubt the effect they have had in shaping some of society’s medical opinions. So, let’s get into some popular old wives’ …
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By Amrutha Alibilli Source: (University of Maryland Medical Center, n.d.) We have all had this experience. After booking a healthcare appointment, you arrive at the clinic, wait in line, complete the overwhelming paperwork, scroll through your phone, and wait another hour before the physician finally calls you in for your appointment. The process is very …
Continue reading "Telemedicine: Compromising Health for Convenience?"
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