Long Term Potentiation

The irony does not escape me. I am using stimulants to study the molecular effects of learning and memory. They don't have a section about stimulants in this book...that's kind of disappointing. I guess I'll have to wait until I'm out of molecular and cellular neuroscience into the cognitive stuff.

I had a badass neuro prof for the last couple days. His teaching style was much better than that of Dr. Homes.

I'm in that final stretch again...and, as always, there are crisises at home that draw my attention away from finals.

Thunder and I talked about plans after graduation. I have narrowed it down to a few places that I would be willing to go to medical school: San Francisco, West Virginia, or, depending on the MCAT score I get this winter, anywhere tha accepts me. I hope for a good score so that I may be selective but...we will have to see what this winter break throws at me.

I feel confident about my neuro exam. Biochemistry is uncertain and I need to start studying for Spanish. I think that I am going to leave my tropical disease final for last...I know I'm getting an A in that class. If I kick ass in biochem and neuro then they will be B+ grades. My participation in Spanish will most likely bump me up to an A-.

The irony of adversarial learning never escapes me. I have learned a bit about the stress response and its impact on learning and memory...it's not a good system. Stress inhibits memory formation and depresses immunity and general health. Why then, do we have this stressful exam-only system of teaching science?

Again, I firmly believe that once I get into medical school this will be different. Although they still have exams, the programs and experience is completely different. The study is consistent and daily...rather than nothing/cram/nothing/cram. Hypothetically I am supposed to be studying daily but...things come up.

The appalacian girl is visiting me this break. That's something to look forward to. I've missed her company, conversation, and insights.

Sometimes it seems like the creation energy just pulses, festers, and overwhelms him. The desire to make art is overpowering. If left frustrated it might necrose his spirit into the sentimentless shell that he knows to be the souls of those around him.
It's a cold night outside. It's going to take a sweater under his overcoat to keep him from the northern wind, which serves to sap his locomotive desire. It has been 2 months into winter, and he has almost lost any imaginative hope that there will be enough food to last through the cold.


I'm at home thinking about how much energy I have in this house. XNS. I'm listening to Lady Gaga waiting to drive to an interview at Aeropostale and Forever 21. The philosophical incongruence of their ideas and mine might undermine my desire to work there after 2 hours of doing the job.

I should start packing. Quarter is almost over

end quarter droop

The vivid colors of a sunset appear dim and uninteresting in the lack of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It is synthesized via a biochemical pathway involving tyrosine converted by tyrosine hydroxylase eventually into L-Dopa and then, via dopa beta decarboxylase into dopamine.

Although...
To the mind it just seems that good feelings are generated out of connection with someone or just the right type of psychological or physiological stress.

Looking at a single image brings on a flurry of emotions...some are good...some are bad. Memory is a terrible and wonderful thing.

I have removed myself from the forefront of research in pursuit of self edification through concentrating on further education. I anticipate with great excitement my return to the hospital volunteer setting...as well as whatever other opportunities that will come this winter break.

We are at the point in the quarter where everything seems to have slowed down to a point where it just isn't right. Ironically...this is also where the most activity and energy is needed. Elevated mood is associated with increased productivity and feelings of well being...come on dopamine!