Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

The genome of the cow (Bos taurus). The bovine genome is similar in size to the genomes of humans and other mammals, containing approximately 3 billion DNA base pairs. The breed of cattle selected for initial sequencing was Hereford, which is used in beef production. Sequencing began in December 2003 and a first draft was completed in…

A type of bacteria transmitted to humans by tick bites. Borrelia myamotoi causes flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches), but in severe cases, it can infect the brain and lining tissues, causing meningoencephalitis. It is likely that many people may have mild forms of the infection that are never identified, and the exact number of humans that have been…

The spirochete (a type of bacteria) that causes Lyme disease. Named after its discoverer, Dr. Willy Burgdorfer. A group of bacteria that are helical spirochetes of the genus Borrelia. Some species of Borrelia cause relapsing fever in humans and animals. For example, Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease. Named after Amedee Borrel (1867-1936), French bacteriologist.

A group of bacteria that are helical spirochetes of the genus Borrelia. Some species of Borrelia cause relapsing fever in humans and animals. For example, Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease. Named after Amedee Borrel (1867-1936), French bacteriologist.

A viral infection that is most commonly caused by an enterovirus called Coxsackie B. Symptoms include fever, intense abdominal and chest pain, and headache. The chest pain is caused by inflammation of the tissue lining the lungs, and it is typically worsened by breathing or coughing. The illness usually lasts from 3 to 14 days. Also known as epidemic myalgia and pleurodynia.

A personality type characterized by difficulty forming and keeping stable relationships, highly emotional or aggressive behavior, impulsivity, and rapid shifts in values, self-image, mood, and behavior.

A gurgling, rumbling, or squeaking noise from the abdomen that is caused by the movement of gas through the bowels. Also known as stomach rumbling. The plural is borborygmi.

Rumbling sounds caused by gas moving through the intestines, commonly referred to as stomach “growling”). Pronounced BOR-boh-RIG-mee. The singular is borborygmus.

An herb, also known as the starflower, that has long been used for medicinal purposes. Borage is rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid.

An additional dose of a vaccine needed periodically to ‘boost’ the immune system. For example, a booster shot of the tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine is recommended for adults every 10 years.