Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A compound that is similar to LHRH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) in structure and is able to it performs its action(s). Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone is a naturally occurring hormone that controls sex hormones in both men and women. Thus, an LHRH agonist serves in a manner similar to LHRH to control the same sex hormones. An…

A program for opiate addicts, usually conducted in an outpatient setting. These programs use a long-acting synthetic opiate medication, usually methadone or LAAM (levo-alpha acetylmethadol), administered orally for a sustained period at a dosage sufficient to prevent opiate withdrawal, block the effects of illicit opiate use, and decrease opiate craving. Pregnant women who are addicted to opiates can also…

A substance that acts like another substance and therefore stimulates an action. Agonist is the opposite of antagonist. Antagonists and agonists are key players in the chemistry of the human body and in pharmacology.

An inability to recognize sensory inputs such as light, sound, and touch). Agnosia is typically a result of brain injury. For example, damaging the back part of the brain can cause visual agnosia (inability to properly recognize objects by sight).

As a noun, a relative on the father’s side. As an adjective, related on the father’s side. As opposed to enate (someone related on the mother’s side) From the Latin agnatus, the past participle of agnasci (to issue forth), from ad+ nasci (to be born).

A major depressive disorder with restlessness and motor excitement. Agitated depression was once called melancholia agitata. It is now also known as mixed mania.

Heartburn, acid indigestion, an upset stomach or, by extension, a general feeling of upset. The word is Italian-American slang derived from the Italian “agitare” meaning “to agitate.”

One of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). The mission of the National Institute on Aging is to “lead a national program of research on the biomedical, social, and behavioral aspects of the aging process; the prevention of age-related diseases and disabilities; and the promotion of a better quality of life for all older Americans.” The National Institute…

The process of becoming older, a process that is genetically determined and environmentally modulated. Research into aging: To sum up the state of research into aging is well beyond the confines of this space (and this writer’s talents). However, here is one type of research into the genetics of aging. A gene has been discovered that helps…

A lymphoma that tends to grow and spread quickly and cause severe symptoms. In contrast to an indolent or low-grade lymphoma which tends to grow quite slowly and cause fewer symptoms. Aggressive lymphoma are also known as intermediate or high-grade lymphomas.