Ladies - The Air May Impact Your Mind:

Older women exposed to high levels of “particulate matter” [air pollution] over the long term experienced a greater decline in their cognitive functioning, which is how your brain process information. The reduction in cognitive functioning occurred over a four-year period, reported researchers from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Seeking the neurological roots of conflict

Before researchers can use tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate whether conflict-resolution programs are having any effect, they need to identify brain regions that respond to other people’s emotional suffering. In a study published Dec. 1 in Neuropsychologia, Saxe and Bruneau scanned people’s brains as they read stories in which the protagonist experienced either physical or emotional pain. The brain regions that responded uniquely to emotional suffering overlapped with areas known to be involved in the ability to perceive what another person is thinking or feeling.

Addicted! Scientists show how internet dependency alters the human brain

Internet addiction has for the first time been linked with changes in the brain similar to those seen in people addicted to alcohol, cocaine and cannabis. In a groundbreaking study, researchers used MRI scanners to reveal abnormalities in the brains of adolescents who spent many hours on the internet, to the detriment of their social and personal lives. The finding could throw light on other behavioural problems and lead to the development of new approaches to treatment, researchers said.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/addicted-scientists-show-how-internet-dependency-alters-the-human-brain-6288344.html

Henrietta Bowden Jones, consultant psychiatrist at Imperial College, London, who runs Britain’s only NHS clinic for internet addicts and problem gamblers, said: “The majority of people we see with serious internet addiction are gamer…”

Are you literally in love with Facebook and don’t know it?

If neuroscientists studied the brains of FB users, I believe they’d find brain activity similar to love and friendship.

I think FB is one giant collective friend for millions of people and for millions more it is something akin to a lover.

It is always there when you want it and it’s an affirmation of your worth as a human being. It is the ultimate listener.

http://www.science20.com/confessions_stem_cell_scientist/blog/are_you_literally_love_facebook_and_dont_know_it-83627

When people who regularly use FB can’t get access to it they behave like a lover missing their mate….or akin to people addicted to drugs who are going without.

Pathetic? Perhaps. True? Well, have a look at this…