Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization, a molecular cytogenetic technique that tags genetic material with fluorescent molecules. FISH is useful for identifying chromosomes and parts of chromosomes, deciphering chromosome rearrangements, detecting chromosome abnormalities, and detecting and mapping genes. For example, a FISH probe to chromosome 21 allows the detection of cells with trisomy 21 (an extra chromosome 21, which is the cause of Down syndrome).

A fingernail is produced by living skin cells in the finger. A fingernail consists of several parts including the nail plate (the visible part of the nail), the nail bed (the skin beneath the nail plate), the cuticle (the tissue that overlaps the plate and rims the base of the nail), the nail folds (the skin folds…

A procedure in which a finger is pricked with a lancet to obtain a small quantity of capillary blood for testing. Also called a finger prick.

An inactive substance used to make the active medicine easier to measure. For example, fillers are often used in tablets or capsules because the amount of active drug is too small to be handled conveniently.

1. In genetics, the first generation that results from the crossing of two parental lines, as the filial generation. 2. In general, pertaining to the relationship of children, both sons and daughters, to their parents. From the Latin filialis, from filius (son) and filia (daughter).

Fields’ disease: an extremely rare neuromuscular disease that causes muscular degeneration. The condition affects the nerves causing involuntary muscle movements. There are only two diagnosed cases, in twins Kirstie and Catherine Fields. It is believed to be congenital and appears to be progressive. There are no apparent effects on cognitive or intellectual abilities. The condition is still being studied.

A disease characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints, without detectable inflammation. Fibromyalgia does not cause body damage or deformity. However, undue fatigue plagues 90 percent of patients with fibromyalgia. Sleep disorder is also common in patients with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can be associated with other rheumatic conditions, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can occur…

A benign tumor consisting of a mass of connective tisue cells that have a spindle shape.

In cardiology, an abnormal and erratic twitching of the heart muscle.

The parts of fruits and vegetables that cannot be digested. Fiber is of vital importance to digestion; it helps the body move food through the digestive tract, reduces serum cholesterol, and contributes to disease protection. Also known as bulk and roughage.