Right Between Your Ears - Trailer on Vimeo
Right Between Your Ears is the work of producer/director Sheila Marshall and producer DrKris De Meyer. It follows people who believed the world would end on May 21, 2011 and had those beliefs sorely tested.
The film is in post production, and will be one to watch for me.
Source http://www.rightbetween.com/
BBC Radio 4 - All in the Mind, Doomsday prophets; News consumption and wellbeing; Christian Jarrett
30 minute radio psychology programme. First what happens when when your beliefs are wrong? Dr Kris De Meyer spent 6 weeks with the followers of Harold Camping, who predicted the end of the world on May 21st 2011. Next, a segment on how horrific news coverage can initiate PTSD. Finally a study about how a smile in a “face-off” before combat sports can mean you are more likely to lose the match.
Creatine only modestly improves muscle strength in patients with fibromyalgia
Creatine is one of my favourite vanity supplements. It increases water retention in the muscle adding to the appearance of “buff-ness” and also boosts fast-twice muscle fibre.
Naturally occuring in meat, as a vegetarian, that justifies my modest daily use, but I keep an eye on studies to see if it might have other benefits or drawbacks.
This study from University of São Paulo School of Physical Education and Sports in Brazil had disappointing results testing patients suffering from fibromyalgia (a bit like chronic fatigue) with creatine.
“It was a well-done study, but not very exciting,” said Dr. Don Goldenberg, rheumatology chief at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Boston, who was not involved in the study.
Pam Stewart, chairwoman of the non-profit Fibromyalgia UK added “I don’t think patients are going to gain much at all (from the study); false hope perhaps. The extra strength it gives to muscles is not long lasting and in everyday life, that isn’t usually what patients need. Instead, patients need to get better sleep, lead less stressful lives and pursue low-impact exercises”
‘I’d like to give some of the audience the opportunity to confirm the degree of tumescence’. With his pants at his knees, he waddled down the stairs, approaching (to their horror) the urologists and their partners in the front row.
Source: mindhacks.com
Prozac is 25 years old. Will Self on Radio 4 examines perspectives about SSRIs and our changing expectations for mental health. (via BBC iPlayer - The Prozac Economy)
Source: BBC
How Far is it to Mars?
Take a virtual journey to Mars with this charming little web page.
When Iain leaves the stage, the lights will be dimmer, the possibilities less and the prospects more dreary. For he is one of the most playful, inventive and entertaining writers of our generation.
Sad news that Iain M Banks, author of some of my favourite bold, rich and humorous sci-fi, has terminal cancer.
In praise of Iain Banks, storyteller extraordinaire | Val McDermid | Books | The Guardian
Source: Guardian
RSA Event: The Self Illusion: The brain's greatest con trick?
A free talk from the RSA on 11th Apr 2013 at 13:00.
Professor Bruce Hood psychologist, author of Super Sense and director of the Bristol Cognitive Development Centre presents the argument that the self is a construction of the brain. His new book is called The Self Illusion: Why There is No ‘You’ Inside Your Head
Free to buy tickets but also free to watch live via the stream on the day
Here’s a talk from youtube from last year about the Self Illusion which probably makes up the body of the content for this event. Spoiler alert?
What does the future look like? (TED playlist)
For the futurist with three hours to spare, this playlist is a fun place to start. There is quite a trend at TED for “Technology will save us, so let’s all feel really excited” talks, but as Rob Hopkins, a founder of the Transition movement points out, can we be that sure?
Marcus Chown, cosmology consultant at New Scientist shares stories about the Universe that amaze him.
A collection of science, sci-fi, coding, psychology, art, futurism and neuroscience.
