Article/Link:
Fear Boosts Activation of Immature Brain Cells: Adult Neural Stem Cells Play Role in Creating Emotional Context of Memory
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614131958.htm
by Robert Sanders
Published: June 15, 2011
Accessed : October 18, 2011
Summary:
In this article, written by Robert Sanders, the effects of fear on memories are described. To show this a study has been set up to show the affects on memory in relation with fears. The brain has these called neutrons that stand in the relation with fears. The part of the brain that is in direct relation with fears is the amygdala.
As situations occur that the certain person considers as fearful these neurons are set off, providing a “blank space” in the memory, so that the brain can pick up this situation. Accordingly to Kaufer, an assistant professor for integrative biology, these findings are a progress of knowledge to understand the post traumatic stress disorder.
Response:
The article reminds me about a book I have read in AP English (Language and Composition)class, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. In this novel I can assume that the narrator, Chief Bromden, suffers from the post traumatic stress disorder. Throughout the book, the narrator describes how he sees a mental hospital from his view point. He often sees fog, which I can relate back to his past. Bromden has served as a soldier during World War II and often refers to fog in the war. The fearful situations he remembers stay in his mind. By this I can conclude a parallel between the article and the book. What is stated in the article is true for Chief Bromden, the memories he refers to are fearful emotions he has gone through.
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Vocabulary:
Word 1: differentiate
“Adult stem cells appear to differentiate continually into new nerve cells”
differentiate: recognize or ascertain what makes someone different. From Latin differentiat, carried away from. First known use, early 19th century
Some students differentiate between others, as some are friends and some are not
Word 2: complex
“If they are highly activated, however — such as in learning new complex information”
complex: consisting of many, different parts. From Latin complexus, embrace or comprise. First known use, mid 17th century
In Woodstock classrooms many teachers try to teach that some complex ideas are not that hard to understand.
Word 3: conducts
“Kaufer, who conducts research on the effects of stress on the brain, knew that many types of positive and negative experiences, such as exercise and stress.”
conducts: direct a performance, to organize and carry out. From Latin conduct, brought together, from the verb conducere. First known use, mid 16th century.
The student who conducts that monkeys in buildings are not so joyful is correct.
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