On A Meaningful Life

Genetic Clues Connect Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disease

New research suggests that the AKT1 pathway is involved in both schizophrenia and bipolar disease. Keep in mind that there are probably many other factors involved in these two diseases. Still I think this is fascinating. More info to be found in the source report: Nature Genetics, February 2004, Gogos et al.

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Does drinking water improve brain power?

Passing along this blog post about a new study suggesting an association between drinking water and an increase in performance in elementary school kids. Caroline Edmonds and Ben Jeffes of the University of East London examined whether drinking water improves performance in 6 to 7 year old children. The differences between the water and no water groups were significant, according to a paper that's been accepted for publication in the journal Appetite. They found that "even under conditions of mild dehydration, not as a result of exercise, intentional water deprivation or heat exposure" their test subjects' "cognitive performance can be improved by having a drink of water." I would offer caution about extrapolating this into an endorsement for drinking mega amounts of water. Please don't! But I think it makes sense to see this as reminder to be mindful of your body and to be aware when you are mildly dehydrated.