Inside My Mind - The Beauty of Neuroscience

Growing up, I'd always wanted to be a physician. Since the ripe age of five I made sure everyone around me knew I was going to be a doctor----before I even knew what one was! Cardiology seemed to be the right fit for me and I always envisioned myself becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. My entire life seemed to be planned out by the time I was 12. From undergrad, medical school, residency, and finally cardio god. For me, this plan served as my backbone, the only stability I had in a world full of uncertainty. Honestly, I think that stability harmed me. I never allowed myself to fall in love with other specialties in medicine and "settled" for what felt the most comfortable. Comfort may be what I wanted, but it definitely isn't what I needed. I needed change. I needed to go through that time in my life where I didn't know what I wanted to eventually find my passions, and myself, through doing what I love.

I met neuroscience fairly recently. In Alaska, it's very hard for small children to go to school with preschools not being available in many parts. My baby sister Amara, has never had the opportunity to go to school. Knowing this, I spend a great amount of my time teaching her the basics of subjects like math, reading, science, etc. I understand the importance of early year education (preschool, kindergarten, etc.) as those fundamentals are what all students need for successful and engaging academic careers. Through teaching her I've fallen in love with neuroscience. Seeing her analyze problems with the utmost concentration and that "switch" in her eyes when she finally solves it has been absolutely amazing! Getting to work with children and seeing their brains develop and form connections in real time has really shifted my love for cardiology into my new love for neuroscience. The beauty of the brain lies in the fact that there is so much unknown. Why do we dream? Are we really in control of our brains? There are so many questions that are constantly debated on by experts.

Since choosing neuroscience, I feel my medical passion has finally been met. I can grow my love for early childhood education and development and medicine as I embark on this new journey. A new journey to...pediatric neurosurgery!

When I made this decision, I finally felt complete. I no longer had worries or doubts about my future. Having the comfort of cardiology really harmed me, and even made me question if.a future in medicine was truly for me. Neuroscience saved me. Early childhood education and development inspired me. I feel exhilarated to learn about the brain, and how it fundamentally shapes our lives. I can't wait to go to college and participate in groundbreaking research, empowering and expanding the world of neuroscience and psychology. It's not about who I work with or where I go. It's about making CHANGE! My entire childhood was spent moving from place to place, never having a true sense of home. I always looked for the bright side of being a military child, truly never thinking it affected me very much. As I got older, I realized how moving around so much caused me to have fears in developing personal relationships because of the fact that I would have to leave the people I met and start over again. I subconsciously went out of my way to discourage substantial relationships in my life, and over time it truly harmed me. My brain couldn't process that I was deserving of life-long friendships or stability. I felt like I was going to have to move around for my entire life.

Realizing that these feelings weren't normal also came with realizing an unfortunate truth: I was traumatized. I didn't realize it until I analyzed my childhood---consisting of sleeping on mattresses, living in hotels, and driving an hour to and from school. I struggled in my personal life, but in school I always made sure to have the highest grades, work the hardest, and be the best person I could be. I masked so many aspects of my life because for me, my academic talents were my greatest shield. However, you can't hide your true feelings/emotions forever...they always come out.

People ask me why I am so devoted to the neuroscience behind early childhood education and development. To me, my passion is a reflection of my own childhood. I've been through hell, to say the least. But I look at my rocky, unstable childhood with gratitude. This is because I seek to create cohesive childhoods for other children, as I work to provide them with the most amazing, fun, engaging experiences that they will remember beyond the early years. Working with children has healed the pains of my own childhood, which I love so much. Neuroscience saved me. Now, it's time for me to have neuroscience save others.

The beauty of neuroscience lies in its ability to explore and understand the complexities of the human brain, which is the source of our thoughts, emotions, memories, and behaviors. It provides insight into how our mind works, and how it interacts with the rest of our body to produce our unique experiences and perspectives on the world. By studying the brain, scientists can also develop new treatments for a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as explore the limits of human potential and the nature of consciousness itself. Additionally, neuroscience has the potential to deepen our understanding of human relationships, the workings of the collective brain, and the foundations of ethics and morality.

What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, and its functions and dysfunctions. It encompasses various fields such as anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, psychology, and computer science to understand the mechanisms of sensation, perception, learning, memory, and behavior.

How Much is Known About the Human Brain?

Despite extensive research, the human brain remains one of the most complex and least understood organs in the body. While we have made significant progress in understanding some of its functions and mechanisms, there is still much that is unknown. For example, the exact way in which memories are stored and retrieved is still not fully understood, and the causes of many neurological and psychiatric disorders remain elusive. In short, much has been learned about the brain, but there is still much to discover.

What Are the Origins of Neuroscience?

The study of the brain and nervous system has a long and storied history, with roots that can be traced back thousands of years. From early observations of the effects of injury and disease on behavior, to the development of modern imaging technologies, the field of neuroscience has undergone significant evolution and growth. In this paper, we will examine the origins of neuroscience, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the present day.

The earliest recorded observations of the brain and nervous system can be found in the works of ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In Egypt, for example, the Edwin Smith Papyrus, dating back to 1600 BCE, contains descriptions of head injuries and their effects on behavior and sensation. The Greeks, too, made significant contributions to our understanding of the brain and nervous system. The philosopher Aristotle, for example, believed that the brain was the seat of sensation and thought, and that the heart was the center of emotion.

In the centuries that followed, the study of the brain and nervous system was largely overshadowed by other branches of medicine, such as anatomy and physiology. However, in the 16th and 17th centuries, new discoveries in the field of anatomy, including the invention of the microscope, helped to revitalize interest in the brain and nervous system. During this time, the works of anatomists such as Andreas Vesalius and Galen provided new insights into the structure of the brain and its relationship to behavior. he modern era of neuroscience can be said to have begun in the 19th century, with the discovery of the neuron by Spanish neuroanatomist Santiago Ramón y Cajal. This discovery marked a major turning point in our understanding of the brain and nervous system, as it provided a foundation for the idea that the brain and nervous system were composed of discrete, specialized cells. This idea paved the way for the development of new techniques and technologies, including the use of electrophysiology to study the electrical properties of neurons and the invention of the X-ray and CT scan for imaging the brain.

In the 20th century, the study of the brain and nervous system continued to advance at a rapid pace. New techniques, such as the use of electrodes to stimulate and record from individual neurons, and the development of brain imaging technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), allowed for new insights into the workings of the brain. Additionally, the discovery of neurotransmitters and the role they play in transmitting signals between neurons helped to establish the field of neuropharmacology.

Today, the field of neuroscience continues to evolve, with new technologies and techniques being developed that allow us to better understand the brain and nervous system. From the study of the genetic basis of brain development and function, to the use of brain-computer interfaces to restore function to those with disabilities, the future of neuroscience is both exciting and uncertain.

Santiago Ramon y Cajal - Father of Neuroscience

Santiago Ramón y Cajal, born on May 1, 1852 in Petilla de Aragón, Spain, was a pioneering neuroscientist who made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience and is widely considered the father of modern neuroscience. Cajal's pioneering work on the structure of the nervous system, his development of new staining techniques, and his innovative ideas about the functioning of the brain helped to lay the foundation for modern neuroscience and paved the way for future generations of neuroscientists.

Cajal's interest in science began in childhood, when he was fascinated by the illustrations of the nervous system in his father's medical textbooks. As a young man, he pursued a medical degree, but his true passion was for the study of the nervous system. In 1873, he received a scholarship to study in Madrid, where he was introduced to the work of the great Spanish anatomist, Joaquín García Verdugo. Under Verdugo's mentorship, Cajal developed a keen interest in the structure of the nervous system, and after completing his studies, he went on to pursue a career in research and teaching.

One of Cajal's greatest contributions to the field of neuroscience was his development of new staining techniques, which allowed for the visualization of individual neurons in the brain and nervous system. Up until that time, the study of the nervous system was hampered by the fact that it was difficult to see individual neurons in a tissue sample. Cajal's new staining techniques, which he developed in collaboration with the German anatomist Camillo Golgi, allowed for the visualization of individual neurons and the connections between them, a key step in the understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system.

In addition to his work on staining techniques, Cajal made significant contributions to our understanding of the functioning of the brain. At a time when the prevailing view was that the nervous system was a continuous network of fibers, Cajal proposed the idea that the nervous system was composed of discrete, specialized cells, or neurons. This idea, which came to be known as the neuron doctrine, had far-reaching implications for our understanding of the brain and nervous system and has since been confirmed by countless studies and experiments.

Cajal's contributions to the field of neuroscience did not go unnoticed, and in 1906 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, sharing the prize with Camillo Golgi. In the years that followed, Cajal continued to work and publish, and his ideas and discoveries continue to influence the field of neuroscience today.

Importance of Neuroscience

1. Understanding the brain and nervous system: The brain and nervous system are the foundation of who we are as individuals and how we perceive and interact with the world. Understanding how these systems work is crucial for developing treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders and for improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.

2. Advancements in medicine: Neuroscience research has led to the development of new treatments and therapies for neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, depression, and schizophrenia.

3. Improving our quality of life: The study of neuroscience is also important for improving our quality of life. Research in this field is helping to advance the development of technologies such as brain-machine interfaces and artificial intelligence, which have the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work.

4. Advancing our understanding of consciousness and perception: Neuroscience is helping to advance our understanding of consciousness and perception, which are fundamental aspects of human experience. This research has the potential to shed light on some of the most intriguing and complex questions about the human mind and how it interacts with the world.

5. Improving educational practices: The study of neuroscience is also important for improving educational practices. By understanding how the brain learns, researchers and educators can develop more effective and efficient ways of teaching and learning.

Recent Advancements in Neuroscience Research

1. Brain imaging: Brain imaging technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), have revolutionized our understanding of the brain. These technologies allow researchers to study the brain in action, mapping brain activity in response to different stimuli and providing valuable insights into brain function.

2. Neuromodulation: Neuromodulation is a new and rapidly growing field that uses electrical or chemical stimulation to modulate brain activity. Recent advances in this field have led to the development of new treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression, and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for epilepsy.

3. Stem cell research: Stem cell research has enormous potential for advancing our understanding of the brain and developing new treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Researchers are using stem cells to create new brain cells, model diseases, and study the development of the nervous system.

4. Connectomics: Connectomics is a rapidly growing field that studies the complex network of connections between brain cells. Recent advances in this field have provided valuable insights into how the brain is wired, how it processes information, and how it changes over time.

5. Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in neuroscience to analyze large amounts of data, identify patterns and correlations, and model complex brain processes. This is helping researchers to better understand the brain and develop new treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

6. Interdisciplinary collaboration: Interdisciplinary collaboration is becoming increasingly important in neuroscience, as researchers from different fields come together to tackle complex questions about the brain and nervous system. This collaboration is driving the development of new technologies, new research approaches, and new therapies.

In conclusion, recent advances in neuroscience research are revolutionizing our understanding of the brain and nervous system. The use of new technologies, innovative research approaches, and interdisciplinary collaboration is providing valuable insights into brain function and leading to the development of new treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. As the field of neuroscience continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more exciting advances in the years to come.

The Intersection of Neuroscience and Psychology Neuroscience and psychology are two fields of study that have been gaining immense popularity over the years. Neuroscience is the study of the brain and the nervous system, while psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. Despite being distinct fields, neuroscience and psychology are closely intertwined and have much to offer each other. This paper will discuss the intersection of these two fields and how their relationship has evolved over time

In the early days of psychology, the field was largely concerned with introspection and the study of conscious experience. With the advent of technological advances in neuroscience, such as brain imaging techniques, psychology has shifted towards a more biologically-oriented approach, with a greater emphasis on the relationship between brain function and behavior. As a result, the fields of psychology and neuroscience have become increasingly interdisciplinary, with researchers from both fields working together to gain a deeper understanding of the workings of the mind and brain. The Role of Neuroscience in Psychology

Neuroscience has had a profound impact on the field of psychology. By providing a biological basis for mental processes and behavior, neuroscience has helped to validate psychological theories and has provided new avenues for investigation. For example, neuroscience has been used to study the neural basis of various psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. By using techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), researchers have been able to identify specific regions of the brain that are involved in these disorders, which has provided new insights into their causes and potential treatments.

The Role of Psychology in Neuroscience

Psychology has also had a significant impact on the field of neuroscience. By studying behavior and mental processes, psychology has helped to inform our understanding of brain function. For example, studies of perception, memory, and attention have led to the discovery of specific brain regions that are involved in these processes. In turn, these findings have helped to refine our understanding of brain function and have led to new hypotheses about the way the brain works.

How to Promote Neuroscience in Your Everyday Life

1. Share knowledge: Share information about the latest advancements and discoveries in neuroscience with friends and family. This can help to raise awareness about the field and the important role it plays in understanding the brain and behavior.

2. Participate in community events: Attend neuroscience-related events, such as seminars, workshops, and conferences, in your local community. These events can provide opportunities to learn more about the field and to connect with others who are interested in neuroscience.

3. Support research: Consider supporting organizations that are dedicated to advancing neuroscience research, such as universities, research institutes, and non-profit organizations. This can help to ensure that the field continues to grow and make important contributions to our understanding of the brain and behavior.

4. Read and learn: Stay informed about the latest advancements in neuroscience by reading books, articles, and other materials on the subject. This can help you to expand your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the field.

5. Engage with scientists: Seek out opportunities to engage with scientists who are working in the field of neuroscience. This can include attending seminars or workshops, participating in online forums, or reaching out to researchers directly.

6. Participate in citizen science projects: Consider participating in citizen science projects that focus on neuroscience research, such as studies of brain function or behavior. These projects can provide opportunities to get hands-on experience with the field and to contribute to important research.

By engaging in these activities, you can help to promote neuroscience and its importance in our everyday lives. By raising awareness and supporting the field, we can ensure that it continues to grow and make important contributions to our understanding of the brain and behavior.

A Note From Me

If I've learned anything from my life, it's definitely the fact that my best work is achieved when I jump out of my comfort zone. Comfort is calming, but it can be detrimental to a curious mind. For me, stepping out of those walls my life confined me in allowed for me to grow and develop in more ways than I can mention. I found my passion! To be able to say that as just a high school kid is so incredibly amazing. I can't wait to pursue neuroscience in college, and grow my love for early childhood development and education. I may just be a girl in Alaska, but I'm ready to take on the world of the sciences---eager to learn and innovate! Neuroscience found me, and it can find you too! If you're unsure about your next step in life, that's okay! Give it time, do things you enjoy, and I promise that it will come to you. Be brave, be daring, step outside of your comfort zone. The world needs great, innovative minds, and I have no doubt that you will be one of them.

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