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Toxoplasmosis Saps Free Will
Fascinating video in which Neurobiologist Dr. Robert Sapolsky explains the origins and effects of the parasite which causes Toxoplasmosis. Formerly discussed in Mep Report 62, Toxoplasmosis is the highly common stomach parasite that was believed to be asymptomatic in humans until it was discovered that it subtly changes people’s behavior, especially towards their willingness to put themselves at risk.
Coffee Saves Lives
Recent research shows that coffee addiction is more like our addiction to water or oxygen than our addiction to alcohol or tobacco.
Beloved Cold Remedy is Placebo-tastic
You may be familiar with Airborne, the sure fire cold remedy that, as the corporate branding tells us, was invented by a second grade teacher. Well, as it turns out, Airborne only operates on a second grade level — that is, it fights colds with the power of imagination.
Want protection against colds? Just ask a 15th century thief, duh.
So, I totally want this story to be true. Supposedly there was a group of 15th century thieves that survived the bubonic plague by rubbing a blend of essential oils on their temples before robbing the dead and dying. So, is it true? Who can find the 1997 studies?
Deepak Chopra- LSD is for the Enlightened Only
Good Festivus Tidings to all and sundry. For those rare few seeking a spiritual awakening on this Ancient Pagan Equinox Festival (otherwise known as Jesus Day), here is a clip from your local endocrinologist/lecturer/Indian Peter Sellers, Deepak Choprah, who doesn’t want you to use recreational drugs unless you already have an innate perception of the nature of the world. Isn’t that like asking you to refrain from using a bowling ball until you record a perfect 300 game? I remain skeptical.
The Mep Who Stares at Goats (Mep Report #117)
Facebook Is Kind. Facebook Is Good. All Hail Facebook. When Even Foresight Should Have Been 20/20; Just War Vs. Just a War; Gilligan’s Island As Metaphor for War; Clea and Facebook are BFF; Storey Still Hates Privacy; How the Internet Saved and Destroyed the World At the Same Time; and It’s All Fun And Games Until Someone Loses a Thought.
Listen Now!
A Fate Worse Than Death?
Wondering what to be thankful for this Thanksgiving? How about being grateful you’re not this guy.
The Equine Child
I found myself driving to Vitamin World last week, when this health-related interview serendipitously appeared on NPR. It delves into the story behind the popular novel “The Horse Boy,” a tale of an unusual family’s search for treatment for their autistic child.