Preliminary Contents UNIT 1. Methods in Biological Psychology 1. 47095 Thinking It Over,Christy Nicholson, APS Observer , September 2006 This series of related articles reviews the wondrous capabilities and promise of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as well as examining its hype. The ultimate question is whether studying the brain, no matter how good the technology, will get us any closer to understanding the human mind. 2. 47096 Really New Advances, The Economist , June 14, 2007 RNA was previously relegated to the role of “information shuttle.” However, whether it be in the way we look at cellular processes, or in our interpretation of evolution, this article makes it… clear that RNA is on the cusp of some important paradigm shifts of the future. 3. 47097 10: Neuron Control,Emily Singer, Technology Review , March/April 2007 Far surpassing the preciseness of similar technologies like electrodes, neuroscientists have a new “on button” technology that allows researchers to stimulate cascades of neural activity at a single-cell level to examine the effects. Although, currently used as a research technique, the tool appears to hold potential as a therapeutic treatment. 4. 47098 A Great Attraction,Hubertus Breuer, Scientific American Mind , June 2005 Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers the ability to disrupt or stimulate specific brain areas. This noninvasive and painless technique has current uses in research and clinical treatment of mood disorders. Speculation of TMS’ future application in cosmetic neuroscience is discussed. UNIT 2. The Cells and Regions of the Brain 5. 47099 The Dark Side of Glia,Greg Miller, Science , May 6, 2005 Despite outnumbering neurons 10 to 1, glia have historically been considered nothing more than support cells to the all-important neurons. However, evidence supporting their association in a host of central nervous system activities is mounting. Involvement of glia in numerous disorders and their potential for treatment are discussed. 6. 47100 Mirror Neurons: How We Reflect on Behavior,Eric Jaffe, APS Observer , May 2007 Mirror neurons refer to cells in the brain that translate others’ actions into the neural impulses that would accompany them if they were our own actions. The role of mirror systems has been investigated in learning music and languages, in having empathy to pain and emotions, as well as various clinical conditions. 7. 47101 Neural Correlates of a Mystical Experience in Carmelite Nuns,Mario Beauregard and Vincent Paquette, Neuroscience Letters , Vol. 405, 2006 Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was utilized to investigate the neural correlates of mystical experiences. Areas of focus include the temporal lobe, which has long been implicated in experiences involving religiosity and conversion, as well as regions of the other areas of the cerebral cortex, the cingulate cortex, and brainstem. 8. 47102 Damage to Specific Part of the Brain May Make Smokers ‘Forget’ to Smoke,NIDA, NIDA Notes , January 25, 2007