In the March 2016 issue of Scientific American magazine is an article titled ‘Brain Drain.’ The article overview is copied below:

“Every day the brain eliminates a quarter of an ounce of used proteins that must be replaced with new ones. The waste-disposal process traffics half a pound of detritus a month and three pounds a year, equivalent to the brain’s own weight.

Where do these wastes go if the brain lacks the elaborate network of lymph vessels that transports wastes outside the nervous system? New research has recently found detritus-carrying passages in the brain that are most active during sleep.

The glymphatic system, as these fluid vessels are known, may become a critical target for the treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s that result from the buildup of toxic proteins that are not cleared from the brain.” © 2016

 In the mariner’s opinion, the direction of this study, that is, discovering the mechanics of waste disposal by the brain, will  expedite cures for dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and a host of other neurodegenerative issues as well. Already it has been proven that dementia and Alzheimer’s are caused by toxic proteins that interfere with brain processing – the same protein clusters that normally should be channeled out of the brain into the lymphatic network.

The cleanup happens almost entirely while we sleep. Advice: commit to a daily routine that assures you get all the sleep you need – especially the deep sleep cycle. Over the years, this may be the best deterrent to dementia. Still, more needs to be explored by neurologists before we can speak with authority. Perhaps a cure for folks already affected by mental disorders may be in the offing.

For many decades, it has been known that frequently exposing the brain to new experiences, including learning, physical activity, and interpersonal activity exercises the brain, keeping the ‘little brain cells’ trim and growing – even in older years.

So there you have it: How long have we been taught to eat well, get plenty of sleep, and live an active life?

Watch the author, Maiken Nedergaard, speak about this article online at ScientificAmerican.com/mar2016/nedergaard

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In the battle of Apple versus the Federal government, all the giant data firms are joining Apple to prevent the FBI from gaining access to an Apple iPhone. This issue could result in a major showdown between corporate independence and national authority. Big time lawyers and lots of cash are part of the defense for data corporations. This show may be more interesting than the primaries; there is a good chance it may go to the Supreme Court and may, if decisions fall toward the FBI, cause a rift in the independence of international corporations.

REFERENCE SECTION

The Live Science website has an entertaining article about the Sea Snail, a tiny, improbable creature that flies through the water like an insect. Other side articles are entertaining as well. See: http://www.livescience.com/53759-snail-swims-like-flying-insect.html

Ancient Mariner