How Nerve Cell Activity Between Neurons is Regulated Within the Brain's Hippocampus

Scientists have discovered the process on how the synapses regulate nerve cell activity when communicating with each other. Neuronal activity within the hippocampus must be maintained at a steady and optimal level since over activity can cause seizures while the opposite can cause degradation of neural cells as well as impair information.

The brain is made up of four major parts. The cerebrum, the cerebellum,the brain stem, and the limbic system which contains the hippocampus. These major parts are responsible for different functions of the brain from feeling emotion, decision making, and even breathing.

The cerebrum is responsible for memory, problem solving, thinking, movement, and feeling. It is located at the front part of the brain. The cerebellum, which can be found at the back is responsible for balance and coordination. The brain stem located at the bottom of the brain, is responsible for the autonomic nervous system. These are processes that are below the conscious level such as breathing, digestion, and even heart rate.

The limbic system which is the learning and emotional part of the brain is made up of the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus. It can be found buried within the cerebrum.

Hippocampus is latin for seahorse since the organ resembles a seahorse (see image). The hippocampus is responsible for the consolidation of memory, both short term and long term. It is also part of the limbic system that primarily deals with emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory, and olfaction (sense of smell). It also plays a role in spatial thinking, which relates to determining location within the environment.

Humans have two hippocampi situated on the left and right side of the brain.

Coffee Improves Brain Performance In Implicit Recognition of Positive Words and Emotions

A recent study has shown that caffeine can enhance the cognitive performance of the brain when dealing with strong positive words.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverage in the world today. It is brewed from coffee beans and is a staple morning drink for most people in the world.

What makes coffee special is caffeine. It is a chemical stimulant that can be found not only in coffee beans but also in seeds, leaves, and fruits of some plants. But the coffee bean is the most popular source of caffeine.

Caffeine stimulates the brain making it more alert and active. As a central nervous system stimulant, caffeine is the most consumed psychoactive drug. The US FDA treats caffeine both as a drug and a food additive. It is legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world.

In Celebration of National Women's Health Week Female Scientists Recognized for Achievements

Coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health, National Women's Health Week (NWHW) brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. The event started on May 13 and ends May 19.

For 2012, NWHW carries the theme, “It’s Your Time.” It empowers women to make their health a top priority. National Women's Health Week also encourages women to take the following steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases:

• Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings.
• Get active.
• Eat healthy.
• Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
• Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.

Female scientists recognized for achievements at the Feinstein Institute

In celebration of National Women's Health Week and in recognition of the numerous accomplishments undertaken at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, a newly organized group of female scientists, Advancing Women in Science and Medicine (AWSM), hosted its first annual awards breakfast on May 17. Scientists, educators, business and community leaders from the region attended the event to celebrate the excellence and achievements of women scientists at the Feinstein Institute.

AWSM was created in an effort to advance the career opportunities and career satisfaction of female scientists at the Feinstein Institute. AWSM is comprised of 25 female faculty members who lead programs in basic, translational and clinical research. The group elected Christine Metz, PhD, as president, and Nadeen Chahine, PhD, as vice president. The four core initiatives of AWSM are in the areas of career development, recognition, advocacy and education, and networking, and mentoring.