Sunday, July 9, 2023

Building Blocks of Memory in the Brain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5trRLX7PQY&t=1460s

This video describes memory formation and retention as a competition between different neurons. 

I have heard this before.

I wonder if more biological processes involve competition between cells.  We know that some cells self-destruct when they detect a defect or an infection.  Competition might be a method by which biology optimizes its functioning.

Friday, June 16, 2023

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Fwd: Watch "Mass Illness Hits Cruise Ship — CDC Sounds Alarm" on YouTube

The older I get, the less I like to travel.  I tend to get sick easily.  

Best wishes,

John Coffey

Begin forwarded message:

From: Albert

Just another norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship. CDC has reported 12 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships this year.

Friday, June 2, 2023

Chemo is Weird, Y'all

Been watching this YouTuber, Hank Green, for about 13 years.  (The first video I saw is this one:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRRGaxx8Zf4)

A couple of weeks ago he announced that he had lymphoma:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6a4hMyiwBo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpRTrdMZGLQ

He alternates making youtube videos with his brother John, who wrote the book, "The Fault in Our Stars" which was made into a terrific movie.  John Green appears in a deleted scene of the movie:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEEQ6-4nKYQ

Saturday, May 27, 2023

"I looked at the recent bird flu data, and now I'm really scared."

An elderly friend of mine in Salt Lake City died from the flu.

According to the video, there is no pandemic of the Bird Flu right now, but conditions are ripe for one to happen.  It has infected animals close enough to humans for it to have the potential to spread to people.

The video claims that public officials are trying to prevent an outbreak.  It would be good if we could avoid another pandemic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALduFqONN58

Friday, May 26, 2023

Does COVID Mess With Your DNA?

https://youtu.be/6q_Sf4I0Bp0

What I gather from the video is that the methylation of genes is a natural bodily response to infection. People with long COVID appear to have overly persistent and/or inappropriate methylation leading to chronic inflammation.