�New research by Aberdeen scientists suggests that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) relates to an ancient timing mechanism in the mind dating back millions of years.
Discoveries by a University of Aberdeen-led team, involving collaborators in Edinburgh and Strasbourg, and published in the latest military issue of Current Biology, pour forth new insights into the mechanisms by which seasonal worker rhythms ar generated.
The researchers studied the primitive Soay breed of sheep, which relies on its strong seasonal biology to survive wild on the N. Atlantic islands of St Kilda.
They identified a new role for a chemic known as thyroid exhilarating hormone (TSH), which is secreted by cells in the hypophysis gland and is already known to control the thyroid secretory organ.
The modern work reveals that a specialised grouping of pituitary gland TSH-secreting cells signal right away to the brain to control the sheep's seasonal behaviour.
This surprising find reverses the "master - slave" relationship between the brain and the pituitary body, found in all vertebrates including humans, in which brain signals control pituitary body hormone secretion.
Dr Hazlerigg, Reader in Zoology at the University of Aberdeen said: "Our research points to an ancient seasonal timing chemical mechanism that survives in new vertebrates. Some humans crataegus laevigata retain remnants of this ancient seasonal worker timing mechanism which would explain wherefore they go through SAD.
It is now hoped that identifying this new role for TSH may lead to better understanding of seasonal or thyroid disorders in human beings.
Dr Hazlerigg continues: "Our next objective is to understand exactly what TSH does when it gets into the brain to cause changes in demeanour and endocrine secretion. By defining these pathways we hope to increase our understanding non only of the control mechanisms in seasonal animals but as well of SAD."
University of Aberdeen
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Wednesday 3 September 2008
Sunday 24 August 2008
Chicago - Movie Reviews The Longshots
A fate of critics are doing their damnedest to take down The Longshots . Writes Tasha Robinson in the Chicago Tribune " Longshots is one underdog that's difficult to sexual love and harder still to champion." And Bruce DeMara comments in the Toronto Star "Because Longshots never escapes the sense of being overly contrived, it never actually gets the crowd on its feet." But the overwhelming majority of reviews are plus, with whatsoever critics urging parents to take their kids to see it. Roger Ebert in the Chicago Sun-Times calls it "remarkable," and adds "It includes some of the expected elements of whatever film from this genre, but without the usual Hollywood supercharging." Claudia Puig in USA Today concludes, "The saga is an undeniably heartwarming one about perseverance, hard work, and pride in community. And who could criticize that?" And John Anderson in Newsday cheers, "There are few movies out right now more than genuine than this Cinderella story." �
22/08/2008
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Thursday 14 August 2008
Christian Bale will not face charges, say British prosecutors
LONDON - Batman star Christian Bale testament not face charges relating to an alleged assault last calendar month on his mother and sister, prosecutors said Thursday, suggesting their decision was based in part on the menage members' wishes.
Britain's Crown Prosecution Service aforesaid there was insufficient evidence to afford a "realistic prospect of conviction," and ordered police force not to take any further action.
The service aforementioned in a statement that while it "treats all incidents which take place in a domestic setting seriously, it is important that the views of complainants are also taken into account when making decisions in such cases."
Bale, who denies the allegement, said through his spokeswoman, Jennifer Allen, that he was sticking the issue had been settled.
The worker "hopes to put the matter hard behind him" and will be providing no farther comment, Allen said in a statement released by Bale's lawyers.
His family had previously declined to gossip, saying the issue was a personal matter.
British media had reported that Bale's mother and sister told police he assaulted them at his suite at the luxury Dorchester Hotel on July 20, a day earlier he accompanied the European premiere of his picture "The Dark Knight." Bale has denied the accusation.
The Sun sheet reported that police waited a day to get Bale so he could attend the film's premier in London's Leicester Square. He was questioned for several hours at a police station before being released on bail.
The Wales-born actor first made a splash in 1987 as the baby star of Steven Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun." He has played dark and sometimes sinister roles in such films as "American Psycho," "The Machinist" and "Batman Begins."
In "The Dark Knight," Bale reprises the theatrical role of wealthy playboy Bruce Wayne and his crime-fighting alter-ego Batman, a brooding vigilante superhero still scarred by the murder of his parents.
Bale, 34, lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife, Sibi Blazic, and their young girl.
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Wednesday 6 August 2008
Gram Parsons
Artist: Gram Parsons
Genre(s):
Rock
Country
Discography:
The Complete Reprise Sessions - Disc 3 of 3 (Alternate Takes)
Year: 2006
Tracks: 18
Gp/Grievous Angel
Year: 1990
Tracks: 20
The Complete Reprise Sessions - Disc 2 of 3 (Grievous Angel)
Year: 1974
Tracks: 12
The Complete Reprise Sessions - Disc 1 of 3 (GP)
Year: 1973
Tracks: 18
Gram Parsons is the father of country-rock. With the International Submarine Band, the Byrds, and the Flying Burrito Brothers, Parsons pioneered the concept of a y the soundbox, solely he was arrested for stealing and burning the casket.
In the two decades following Gram Parsons' last, his bequest continued to grow, as both state and stone musicians reinforced on the music he left behind. Everyone from Emmylou Harris to Elvis Costello has covered his songs and his influence could static be heard well into the next millennium.
'Master Key(R) of Music: For Piano: The Foundation': The First Book of Its Kind to Take a Musical Newcomer Down the Path Towards Learning the True Language of Music
Friday 27 June 2008
Thursday 19 June 2008
Friday 13 June 2008
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