Neuroscience: Autism Researchers Discover Genetic ‘Rosetta Stone’

generator of life
Researchers at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) have found that distinct sets of genetic defects in a single neuronal protein can lead either to infantile epilepsy or to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), depending on whether the respective mutations boost the protein’s function or sabotage it.

Tracing how these particular genetic defects lead to more general changes in brain function could unlock fundamental mysteries about how events early in brain development lead to autism, the authors say.

“The genetics of neuropsychiatric disease is often complicated, but here we have a single gene in which specific mutations can cause either infantile seizures or autism in a consistent and predictable manner,” said Stephan Sanders, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of psychiatry at UCSF and member of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences who is co-senior author of the new study. “This gives us an opportunity to understand both what these disorders have in common and what makes them different.”

Paper:
http://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(17)30041-0/abstract

Source & further reading:
http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2017/01/405631/autism-researchers-discover-genetic-rosetta-stone

#neuroscience #autism #ASD #research #mentalhealth

Balance The Mind — Harvard neuroscientist: Meditation not only reduces stress, here’s how it changes your brain – The Washington Post

Meditation’s benefits may derive from its impact on the shape of the brain, thickening parts associated with mind-wandering, memory and compassion, and shrinking the fear center

Source: Harvard neuroscientist: Meditation not only reduces stress, here’s how it changes your brain – The Washington Post

Esoteric Theosophy:   The angels & their hierarchy – Padre, Blog of the Angels – the 3 angelic spheres

What is the hierarchy of the angels? What are their respective roles? These spiritual families are divided into 3 spheres. Padre, the messenger of the angels, explains the different angelic choirs in detail.

Source: The angels & their hierarchy – Padre, Blog of the Angels – the 3 angelic spheres

La’au Lapa’au:   Ashwagandha Could Offer Knee Pain Intervention Alternative – Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Ashwagandha, a powerful herb used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, is known for its immune-boosting and restorative benefits. In fact, it’s commonly referred to as “Indian ginseng” and has been used s…

Source: Ashwagandha Could Offer Knee Pain Intervention Alternative – Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

La’au Lapa’au – Herbalogy:  1,300-Year-Old Antidepressant Pills Discovered in Ancient Center for Drug Production in Turkey | Ancient Origins

Seven hundred small glass and ceramic bottles containing ancient medicines have been discovered during excavations in Turkey.

Source: 1,300-Year-Old Antidepressant Pills Discovered in Ancient Center for Drug Production in Turkey | Ancient Origins

20 Signs You’re A Spiritually Healthy Person

WomanMeditatingOnRockNearOcean-850x400-1

When you meet someone who is spiritually healthy, you’re immediately drawn to that person. You feel good just by being around them. These people are magnets for happiness, freedom and generosity, and have a unique ability to enjoy the present moment.

The only way you can achieve true spiritual satisfaction is by following your heart’s desires. Here are some clues that you can use to stay on the right path.

Here are 20 signs you’re spiritually healthy:

1. You stepped out of the victim role and now play the game of designing your destiny.

2. You love your life because you’re living your soul’s purpose.

3. You feel like you’re contributing and serving with generosity.

4. You got off the emotional roller coaster, and your emotions feel like smooth waves on a clear day most of the time.

5. You catch yourself when you judge others and realize that what you’re judging is intimately related to your own self-acceptance.

6. You don’t fear making the wrong decision, because you’re aware that there can always be a spiritual lesson.

7. You understand that freedom and happiness are qualities you cultivate from within, and the more you work on them, the more they grow.

8. You no longer feel like you need to hide out of fear of judgment; you are the full expression of yourself personally and professionally.

9. You spend time in silence daily and crave it when you miss a day, because you feel like something is “off.”

10. You have the courage to let go of relationships that no longer benefit you because you understand that they already served their purpose.

11. Your soul is happy because you find a moment to play and dream every single day.

12. You don’t feel lonely or disconnected, and you highly appreciate alone time.

13. You seem to notice details, colors, tastes and beauty with a sensibility that makes you feel like a kid.

14. You express your needs and desires with complete confidence and without confrontation.

15. You don’t feel like you have to explain your lifestyle, because you understand how it serves you and might not serve others.

16. You’re able to be in the now at least 25% of the time; you’re fully present and in joy.

17. You don’t second guess yourself because you trust your intuition and act on it.

18. You trust that life is on your side and problems are always opportunities or lessons to be learned.

19. You are able to fall in love over and over again, with your friends, with your partner, with your work.

20. You start your day with an intention and go to bed in gratitude.

 

Source:  Raquel Vasallo, Mind Body Green