Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

(1916-2004) Swedish physician and scientist who was awarded the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine in 1982 for isolating and elucidating the chemical structure of prostaglandins. The main breakthrough in prostaglandin research was made in the 1950s when Bergström and his associates succeeded in the purification of two important prostaglandins, PGE and PGF, and in…

An aromatic extract of the rind of the bergamot orange used to flavor Earl Grey tea and in aromatherapy. It causes photosensitivity, due largely to the presence of 5-methoxypsoralen. Drinking very large amounts of Earl Grey tea can block the intestinal absorption of potassium.

The period after a loss during which grief is experienced and mourning occurs. The duration of bereavement depends on both how attached the person was to the person (or pet) who died, and the amount of preparation time anticipating the loss.

An inherited (genetic) disorder characterized by absence of fat cells. The disorder is present at birth and features absence of fatty tissues, enlarged liver, enlarged heart, insulin resistance, and eventual diabetes in a significant number of affected individuals. Berardinelli-Seip syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Treatment is targeted toward lowering levels of fats in the blood as well as controlling diabetes and heart failure. Berardinelli-Seip syndrome is…

Base excision repair.

A class of drugs that act as tranquilizers and are commonly used in the treatment of anxiety. Benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness.

Abbreviated B(a)P. A member of a class of compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The metabolites of B(a)P are mutagenic and highly carcinogenic. When the body tries to metabolize B(a)P, the resulting compounds react and bind to DNA which results in mutations and eventually cancer.

A compound used mainly for dyeing textiles and paper that is a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). Benzidine was one of the first chemicals for which an association of occupational exposure and increased incidence of urinary bladder cancer in humans was reported.

A sweet smelling, highly toxic hydrocarbon. Long-term exposure to benzene is known to cause anemia and leukemia. The anemia associated with benzene exposure is termed aplastic anemia. The types of leukemia associated with benzene exposure are adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is thought that benzene induces DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells that give rise to leukemic clones of cells. Breathing benzene can…

(1903-1998) American pediatrician whose book on “Baby and Child Care” which first appeared in 1946 was one of the biggest best-sellers of all time. It sold some 50 million copies. Its revolutionary message to parents was that “you know more than you think you do.” Spock gently coached parents to trust their “own common sense.…