Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Numb, or numbness is a loss of the sensation of feeling in an area of the body. Numbness results from damage to, or impaired function of, the nerves that supply the affected area. The function of the nerves may be impaired by numerous causes including some chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, migraine), trauma, toxins, decreased blood supply due…

A woman who has not given birth to a viable child.

A mutation (a change) in a gene that leads to its not being transcribed into RNA and/or translated into a functional protein product. For example, a null mutation in a gene that usually encodes a specific enzyme leads to the production of a nonfunctional enzyme or no enzyme at all.

1) In cell biology, the structure that houses the chromosomes. 2) In neuroanatomy, a group of nerve cells.

Nucleoside bypass therapy: an experimental treatment designed to restore the normal number of deoxynucleotides (dNTPs) in the mitochondria of cells in patients with certain forms of mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome. dNTPs are components of DNA. While most of a cell?s DNA is found within the nucleus, the mitochondria (structures within cells that are important for converting food into…

A technique in which single-stranded nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) are allowed to interact so that complexes called hybrids are formed by molecules with similar, complementary sequences. Through nucleic acid hybridization, the degree of sequence identity between nucleic acids can be determined and specific sequences detected in them. The hybridization can be carried out in solution…

Referring to the back of the neck (nape). For example, nuchal rigidity is a stiff neck, sometimes a symptom of meningitis.

Neural tube defect.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a medication that is commonly prescribed or purchased over the counter to treat the inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, indomethacin (brand name: Indocin), ibuprofen (brand name: Motrin), naproxen (brand name: Naprosyn), piroxicam (brand name: Feldene), and nabumetone (brand name: Relafen). People who take certain…

Noonan syndrome.