The New Biology references and recommended reading
NOTE: References are organized into subject categories and the relevance of each article is briefly described in parentheses. Many of the topics may overlap, so please scan list for subjects of interest. Updated: April 2006
Physics and Biology
The mental Universe Henry, R. C. (2005) Nature 436:29 [Johns Hopkins’ professor of physics emphasizes “The Universe is immaterial – mental and spiritual.”]
A new twist on molecular shape Weinhold, F. (2001). Nature 411: 539-541. [important paper that says molecular movements (i.e., life) uses quantum mechanics not materialistic Newtonian mechanics, conclusion: organic chemistry books wrong!]
Pre-Unfolding Resonant Oscillations of Single Green Fluorescent Protein Molecules Baldini, G., et al, (2005) Science 309:1096-1100 [“Scientific” paper on how electric and sound vibrations can drive protein conformation changes, movements that create life]
Vibrational Medicine. Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis Oschman, J. L. (2000). Chapter 9, Edinburgh, Harcourt Publishers: 121-137. [BOOK, good insights about energy medicine mechanisms]
The Quantum Centennial A. Zellinger Nature 2000, 408:639-641 (Brief review of quantum physics origins and its impact on civilization)
Exploiting Thermal Motion K. Schulten Science 2000, 290:61-62 (Reveals that quantum waves are at heart of protein reaction mechanism)
A New Twist on Molecular Shape Frank Weinhold, Nature 2001, 411:539-541 (Reveals why Newtonian-based chemistry textbooks hinder advance into quantum mechanical understanding of molecular interactions)
Biologists Cut Reductionist Approach Down to Size Nigel Williams, Science 1997, 277:476-477 (Current science is materialistic since “information” considered to be only found in physical molecules)
Complex Systems: Beyond Reductionism Science 1999, 284:79-109 Collection of 10 articles that question continued use of “Reductionism” and endorse “Holism” as necessary for acquiring new knowledge.
Detecting Individual Atoms and Molecules with Laser: Every atom or molecule emits and absorbs light of characteristic wavelengths, V. S. Letokhov Scientific American September 1988 pgs 54-59 (Atoms and molecules communicate via frequency resonance)
Laser Chemistry: The Light Choice R. A. Kerr Science 1994, 266:215-217 (Research on how vibrational energy affects specific molecular bonds)
Physicists Advance into Biology* J. Glanz Science 1996, 272:646-648 (Bringing new physics to cell biology)
Resonance In Bioenergetics C. W. F. McClare Annals NY Acad. Science 1974, 227:74-83 (States that vibrational energy interfaces biological tuned resonance information system)
Cold Numbers Unmake the Quantum Mind C. Seife Science 2000, 287:791 (Microtubules not source of “quantum” consciousness)
New Concepts Regarding Evolution, Gene Expression, And Mutation
Rethinking Genetic Determinism: With only 30,000 genes, what is it that makes humans human? Silverman, P. H. (2004). The Scientist: 32-33. [Discusses genome project as capital-venture effort of pharmaceutical companies, and describes failure of DNA philosophy]
The Uncertain Future for Central Dogma. Goodman, A. F., Bellato, C. M. and Khidr, L. (2005) The Scientist 19(12):20-21 [Dealing with devastating exceptions to the notion of genetic control]
Endocrine Disrupters Trigger Fertility Problems in Multiple Generations Kaiser, J. (2005) Science 308:1391-1392 [Evidence for the ‘inheritance of acquired characteristics,’ fundamental premise of Lamarckian evolution]
Genome-wide non-mendelian inheritance of extra-genomic information in Arabidopsis S. J. Lolle, J. L. Victor, J. M. Young and R. E. Pruitt (2005) Nature 434:505-509 [new “mysterious,” non-DNA inheritance mechanism]
Gaia and natural selection Timothy M. Lenton (1998) Nature 394:439-447 [new evolution theory of cooperation vs Darwinian competition]
The fate of transgenes in the human gut Heritage, J. (2004). Nature Biotechnology 22(2): 170+.
[GMO engineered genes transfer during digestion into human gut bacteria, review]
Evolution in Four Dimensions: Genetic, Epigenetic, Behavioral, and Symbolic Variation in the History of Life Jablonka, E. and M. J. Lamb (2005) Bradford Books, UK [A broader view of inheritance puts pressure on the neo-Darwinian synthesis]
Darwin’s Blind Spot: Evolution beyond natural selection.Ryan, F. (2002). New York, Houghton Mifflin. [BOOK] [thinking beyond Darwin!]
Metaphors and the Role of Genes in Development H. F. Nijhout BioEssays 1990, 12 (9):441-446 (Describes that genes are not self-emergent, they need environmental signal for activation)
The Origin of Mutants John. Cairns, J. Overbaugh and S. Miller Nature 1988, 335:142-145 (This was first major paper on “adaptive” mutations [i.e., mutations that are not random!])
The Evolution of Genetic Intelligence David S. Thaler Science 1994, 264:224-225 (Discusses new papers which verify adaptive (Cairnsian) mutations, new gene control scheme compared to Darwinian scheme)
Evolution Evolving* Tim Beardsley Scientific American September 1997, pages 15-16 (Provides the first notice of Cairns’ study to the “general public,” almost ten years after it was first published!)
Transposons Help Sculpt a Dynamic Genome Anne S. Moffat Science 2000, 289:1455-1457 (Moveable genes create rapid changes in DNA code)
Dirty Transcripts from Clean DNA B. A. Bridges Science 1999, 284:62-63, (Genetic mechanisms for “adaptive” mutations)
Test Tube Evolution Catches Time in a Bottle T. Appenzeller Science 1999 284:2108-2110 (The “regularity” and “reproducibility” (not chance) of mutational response in genetic “adaptations.”)
Principles for the Buffering of Genetic Variation J. Hartman, et al., Science 2001, 291:1001-1004 (Discusses that traits are due multi-genes, many genes acting together, allows “buffering” of effect of individual mutated genes)
New Clues to How Genes Are Controlled J. Marx Science 2000, 290:1066-1067 (Same “transcription factors” used for 3 different genes in same nucleus, how does single factor select among three genes?)
Tangled Strands In The Double Helix M. Ridley Nature 2000, 406:347-348 (Reviews 2 books by evolutionary geneticist R. Lewontin, who questions current genetics dogma as “bad science,” brings up environment-gene issues)
Genomes as smart systems* J. A. Shapiro Genetica 1991, 84:3-4 (Compares the new understanding of gene function and behavior with the established “DNA dogma”)
Brain Wiring Depends upon Multifaceted Gene J. Travis Science News 2000 157:406 (A single gene can create 38,000 different versions of a protein, knowing gene does not predict the outcome possibilities)
How the Genome Readies Itself for Evolution* E. Pennisi Science 1998, 281:1131-1134 Doubled Genes May Explain Fish Diversity* G. Vogel Science 1998, 281:1119-1121, and, DNA Microsatellites: Agents of Evolution?* E. R. Moxon and C. Wills Scientific American January 1999, pages 94-99 Twinned Genes Live Life In The Fast Lane E. Pennisi Science 2000, 290:1065-1066 (Reviews article on how gene duplication serves as source for “new” genes and other new DNA mutation mechanisms to support rapid evolution)
Mining Treasures from ‘Junk DNA’* R. Nowak Science 1994, 263:608-610 (Junk DNA’s important role in evolution)
Quick-Change Pathogens Gain an Evolutionary Edge* D. Grady Science 1996, 274:1081 Versatile Gene Uptake System Found in Cholera Bacterium E. Pennisi Science 1998, 280:521-522 (Bacteria pick-up environmental genes)
Close Encounters: Good, Bad, and Ugly E. Pennisi Science 2000, 290:1491-1493 (Microrganisms exchange DNA in cooperation, resulting in continuous evolution thru interaction)
Protein Dynamics: Implications for Nuclear Architecture and Gene Expression T. Misteli Science 2001, 291:843-847 (Describes role of nuclear proteins in gene expression)
One-Celled Socialites:Bacteria mix and mingle with microscopic fervor Bower, B., (2004) Science News 166:330-332 [Communities of microorganisms coordinated signals and gene activity, coordination leads to society]
Transcription: From Information To Gene Action
How Chromatin Changes Its Shape Michael Hagmann Science 199, 285:1201-1203 (How environmental signals [growth/protection] select gene programs)
Catalysis by a Multiprotein IκB Kinase Complex T. Maniatis Science 1997, 278:818-819 (An example to illustrate pathway from signal at membrane receptor to nuclear gene activation)
Inner Workings of a Transcription Factor Partnership B. J. Graves Science 1998, 279:1000-1002 (How proteins turn on genes)
New Antibiotic Dulls Bacterial Senses* J. Travis Science News 1998, 153:276 (Receptor relay system controls gene expression)
Signaling Through Scaffold, Anchoring, and Adaptor Proteins T. Pawson and J. D. Scott Science 1997, 278:2075-2080 and, Integrin Signaling F. G. Giancotti and E. Ruoslahti Science 1999, 285:1028-1032, (How environmental signals traverse membrane, are carried by cytoskeleton to nucleus and influence gene expression)
Epigenetics: (Enviromental “Programming” of Genes)
It’s the Ecology, Stupid! Powell, K, (2005) Nature 435:268-271 [Interestingly, this review fully supports conclusions on how environment shapes genetic expression that were published earlier as Chapter 2 in my book. Universe humor: my chapter is entitled “It’s the Environment Stupid”]
Rac1b and reactive oxygen species mediate MMP-3-induced EMT and genomic instability Radisky, D. C., et al (2005) Nature 436:123-127 [Microenvironment around stem cells can induce cancer]
Nature, nurture and human disease. Chakravarti, A. and P. Little (2003). Nature 421:412-414. [how environmental perception controls genes and disease]
Epigenetic differences arise during the lifetime of monozygotic twins Fraga, M. F., et al (2005) Proc. Natl. Acad. of Sciences 102:10604-10609 [Life experiences dynamically change gene expression over time]
Endocrine disrupters trigger fertility problems in multiple generations Kaiser, J. (2005) Science 308:1391-1392 [Reveals epigenetics role in Lamarckian evolution – acquired traits passed onto next generation]
Transcriptional regulatory code of a eukaryotic genome Harbison, C. T. (2004) Nature 431:99-104 [Mechanisms of how environmental experiences serve as signals in “scripting” genetic activity]
Climbing the co-evolution ladder Lenton, T. M. (2004) Nature 431:913 [History reveals tight intertwining of environment and genetics]
Gene exchange by design Gelvin, S. B. (2005) Nature 433:583-584 [Interkingdom genetic exchange between bacteria and plants]
Epigenetics: Regulation Through Repression A. P. Wolffe and M. A. Matzke Science 1999, 286:481-486 (“Acquired” characteristics passed from parent to child without changes in DNA coding)
Was Lamarck Just a Little Bit Right? M. Balter Science 2000, 288:39 (Environment controls genes through “epigenetic” mechanisms)
Epigenetic Reprogramming in Mammalian Development W. Reik, W. Dean and J. Walter Science 2001, 293:1089-1093 (Describes how environmental programs, ie, epigenetic control templates, are erased and reset in embryonic development)
Reprogramming of genomic function through epigenetic inheritance M. A. Surani Nature 2001, 414:122-128 (Describes “genomic imprinting,” mechanism by which parents program gene expression in offspring)
Epigenetics: Genome, Meet Your Environment Leslie Pray The Scientist 2004, 18(13):14 (Review of molecular mechanisms used in epigenetic control)
Mother nature meets mother nurture J. C. Crabbe and T. J. Phillips Nature Neuroscience 2003, 6:440-442 (Intrauterine and postnatal care alter gene expression and behavior in adulthood)
Nature, nurture and human disease A Chakravarti and P. Little Nature 2003 421:412-414 (How environment can cause disease through epigentic mechanisms)
Proteins
A Protein Interaction Map of Drosophila melanogaster Giot, L., J. S. Bader, et al. (2003). Science 302:1727+. [protein pathways are holistic, not linear reductionistic, reveals reason for drug “side-effects]
A Glimpse of the Holy Grail?* H. J. C. Berendsen Science 1998, 282:642-643 (How proteins fold into shapes)
Folding Proteins Caught in the Act* R. F. Service Science 1996, 273:29-30 (Seeing dynamics of protein folding)
Proteins in Motion* M. Gerstein and C. Chothia Science 1999, 285:1682-1684 (How membrane protein conformation changes send signals into cytoplasm)
The Rotary Enzyme of the Cell: The Rotation of F1-ATPase H. Noji Science 1998, 282:1844-1845 (Insight into how protein conformation changes produce work)
New Clues to How Proteins Link Up to Run the Cell* M. Barinaga Science 1999, 283:1247-1249 (How connections between proteins regulate cell pathways)
Membrane Structure/Function
The Molecules of the Cell Membrane Mark S. Bretscher Scientific American 1985, 253:100-108 (A great review of membrane structure and properties)
The Structure of Proteins in Biological Membranes N. Unwin and R. Henderson Sci.Am. Oct. 1985, pgs 56—66
Building Doors into Cells H. Bayley Scientific American September 1997 pgs62-67 (Using membrane technology to engineer membrane transport and reception)
Crossing the Hydrophobic Barrier: Insertion of Membrane Proteins D. M. Engelman Science 1996, 274:1850-1851 (Reviews mechanisms by which proteins incorporate into lipid membrane)
Signaling Across Membranes: A One and a Two and a … J. Stock Science 1996, 274:370-371 (Describes universality and “multiplicity” of receptor proteins)
Receptors as Kissing Cousins G. Milligan Science 2000, 288:65-67 (Different receptors can pair-up, mix-n-match, creating “families” of receptors each with distinct properties)
Stretching Is Good for a Cell* E. Ruoslahti Science 1997, 276:1345-46 (Physical tension influences cell behavior)
Structure of the MscL Homolog from Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A Gated Mechanosensitive Ion Channel G. Chang et al., Science 1998, 282:220-226 Mechanosensation and the DEG/ENaC Ion Channels D. P. Corey and J. Garcia-Anoveros Science 1996, 273:323-324 (Membrane mechanism to transduce physical stresses into electrical activity/cell control)
The Architecture of Life* D. Ingber Scientific American January 1998 pgs48-57 (role of tensegrity in shaping cellular life)
How Cells Handle Cholesterol K. Simons and E. Ikonen Science 2000, 290:1721-1726 (Describes cholesterol’s role in membrane dynamics, discusses lipid “rafts” that transport IMPs)
Information Biology
The Babel of Bioinformatics T. K. Attwood Science 2000, 290:471 (Now that the genome is sequenced, so what. Major obstacle was not in identifying the genes but in understanding the code)
A Biosensor That uses Ion-Channel Switches B. A. Cornell, et al. Nature 1997, 387:580-584 (Describes the technology of making a digital chip out of a cell membrane)
Biological Information Processing: Bits of Progress* N. C. Spitzer and T. J. Sejnowski Science 1997, 277:1060-1061 (How information” can be processed from biochemical reactions)
“Smart” Genes Use Many Cues to Set Cell Fate* W. Roush Science 1996, 272:652-653 (How genes respond to environment)
Dialing Up an Embryo: Are Olfactory receptors digits in a developmental code?* J. Travis Science News 1998, 154:106-107 (Surface Receptors-how cells know who they are and where they should go)
What Maintains Memories? J. E. Lisman and J. R. Fallon Science 11999 283:339-340 (Addresses issues of holism versus reductionism in cell information pathways)
Creating New Perception Proteins: The Antibody As A Model System
Evolutionary Chemistry: Getting There from Here* G. F. Joyce Science 1997, 276:1658-1659 (The molecular nature of “learning and memory” as seen in antibody maturation)
Structural Insights into the Evolution of an Antibody Combining Site G. J. Wedemayer, P. A. Patten, L. H. Wang, P. G. Schultz, and R. C. Stevens Science 1997, 276:1665-1669 (The precise nature of gene mutations in antibody formation)
B Cell Receptor Rehabilitation-Pausing to Reflect L. King and J. Monroe Science 2001, 291:1503-1505 (Cells can “remodel” antibodies (receptors) after they are formed)
Stem Cells
Multipotential (embryo-like) cells used in “regenerate” tissues and organs in adults
Stem Cells: New Excitement, Persistent Questions G. Vogel Science 2000, 290:1672-1674 (Stem cells in bone marrow can replace neurons)
Electromagnetics And Cell Behavior
Pulsing Electromagnetic Fields Induce Cellular Transcription R. Goodman, et al., Science 1983, 220:1283-1285 (Electromagnetic fields regulate RNA synthesis)
Exposure of Salivary Gland Cells to Low-frequency Electromagnetic Fields Alters Polypeptide Synthesis R. Goodman and A. S. Henderson Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1988, 85:3928-3932 (Electromagnetic fields regulate protein synthesis)
Time Varying Magnetic Fields: Effect on DNA Synthesis A. R. Liboff, et al., Science 1984, 223:818-820
Calcium Signaling: Up, Down, Up Down….What’s the Point?* J. W. Putney Jr. Science 1998, 279:191-192 (calcium signals read in AM and FM)
Deciphering the Language of Cells T. Y. Tsong Trends in Biochemical Sciences 1989, 14:89-92 (Describes how vibrational energies physically alter protein structure/function)
Electromagnetic Fields May Trigger Enzymes* M. Jensen Science News 1998, 153:119 (title self explanatory)
EMF’s Biological Influences:Electromagnetic fields exert effects on and through hormones* J. Raloff Science News 1998, 153:29-31 (Title self-explanatory)
When Do EMFs Disturb the Heart? J. Raloff Science News 2000, 158:77 (EMFs primarily effect stressed people )
The Responses of Cells to Electrical Fields: A Review K. R. Robinson Journal of Cell Biology 1985, 101:2023-2027 (Describes effects of magnetic fields on cell behavior)
Shedding Light on Visual Imagination* M. Barinaga Science 1999, 284:22 (Electromagnetic fields impact cognition and imagination)
Environment And Behavior (also see Conscious Parenting section below)
Pushing the Mood Swings B. Bower Science News 2000, 157:232 (Bipolar disorder can be controlled by adhering to daily routine schedule)
Behavioral Genetics in Transition* Charles C. Mann Science 1994, 264:1686-1689 (Returning role of environment to behavior)
A Cellular Striptease Act* Z. Werb and Y. Yan Science 1998, 282:1279-1280, The Plasticity of Ion Channels: Parallels between the Nervous and Immune Systems R. S. Lewis and M. D. Cahalan Trends in Neuroscience 1988, 11:214-218 Social Status Sculpts Activity of Crayfish Neurons M. Barinaga Science 1996, 271:290-291 (Papers that show how environmental experiences change cell behavior by changing population/action of membrane surface receptors)
A Model of Host-Microbial Interactions in an Open Mammalian Ecosystem L. Bry, et al. Science 1996, 273:1380-1383 (Human genes selected by environmental bacteria)
How the Malarial Parasite Manipulates Its Hosts* V. Morell Science 1997, 278:223 (Parasite genes change to accommodate environment)
Eugenics Revisited* J. Horgan Scientific American June 1993 pgs122-131 (Corrects some misinterpretations regarding extravagant claims of genes controlling behavior)
Habitat Seen Playing Larger Role In Shaping Behavior* D. Normile Science 1998, 279:1454-1455 (Reveals major role of environment over genes)
Growth/Protection Mechanism
A Cellular Rescue Team J. L. Pomerantz and D Baltimore Nature 2000, 406:26-29 (describes how cytokine signal selects between cell growth and death [apoptosis])
Akt Signaling: Linking Membrane Events to Life and Death Decisions B. A. Hemmings Science 1997, 275:628-630 (Life-death switch mechanism)
Sphinx of Fats* J. Raloff Science News 1997, 151:342-343 (How ceremide signal gauges level of stress)
Superoxide Relay Ras Protein’s Oncogenic Message* E. Pennisi Science 1997, 275:1567-1568 (Growth-protection switch mechanism)
Cancer
A Strong Candidate for the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility Gene BRCA1 Y. Miki, et al., Science 1994, 266:66-71; Breast Cancer Gene Offers Surprises* author? (news) Science 1994, 265:1796-1799 (genetic factors account for ~5% of breast cancer)
Silencing the BRCA1 Gene Spells Trouble N. Seppa Science News 2000, 157:247 Silencing a Gene Slows Breast-Tumor Fighter N. Seppa Science News 2000, 157:407 (“Silencing” a process by which environment/behavior regulate gene expression, environmental switches activate cancer)
Epidemiology Faces Its Limits* Gary Taubes Science 1995, 269:164-169 (“External” factors cause 70-90% cancer/regarding epidemiology: don’t believe all you hear! Real science vs “newspaper science”)
Oncogenes Reach a Milestone* Jean Marx Science 1994, 266:1942-1944 (Most “cancer” genes are normal cellular genes with a control problem)
Transient Expression of a Mutator Phenotype in Cancer Cells L. L. Loeb Science 1997, 277:1449-1450 (“Adaptive mutation” mechanism activated in cancer, but not in “normal” cells)
Outside Influences: A cancer cell’s physical environment controls its growth* J. Travis Science News 1997, 152:138-139
Putative Cancer Gene Shows Up in Development Instead* W. Roush Science 1997, 276:534-535 (Digital switches +/- in cell control)
Obesity, Cancer and Heart Attacks: How Your Odds are Set in the Womb S. Begley, J. Davenport and E. Check Newsweek Sept. 27, 1999, pages 50-56 (Evidence showing life-long health is determined by life in the womb)
Death and Methylation P. A. Jones Nature 2001, 409:141-144 ( Significance of epigenetic [environmental] control in melanoma and other cancer)
Aging
Rejuvenation of aged progenitor cells by exposure to a young systemic environment Conboy, I. M., et al (2005) Nature 433:760-764 [blood from younger animal can rejuvenate older stem cells]
Growing Old Together E. Strauss Science 2001, 292:41-43 (Reveals “common” aging mechanism among all organisms, aging related to metabolism, insulin pathways)
Why Do We Age? T. Kirkwood and S. Austad Nature 2000, 408:233-238 (Reviews role of caloric intake, metabolism and stress upon aging response)
Brain Influences
Mysteries of the Mind:Your unconscious is making your everday decisions Szegedy-Maszak, M. (2005) US News & World Report ((Feb 28, 2005) pages 53-61 [Lay audience review of science that 95% of cognitive activity derived from programmed subconscious]
Reflecting on Another’s Mind Miller, G. (2005) Science 308:945-947 [New class of ‘mirror neurons’ enable animals to understand each other by observing others behaviors, emotions and intentions]
Conditions That Appear to Favor Extrasensory Interactions Between Homo Sapiens and Microbes C. M. Pleass & N. Dean Dey J. Scien Exploration 1990, 4:213-231 (Human thought can control experiment’s results!)
Listening in on the Brain* Science 1998, 280:376-378 (Perception linked to synchronous firing of neurons)
Recording and Interpretation of Cerebral Magnetic Fields R. Hari and O. V. Lounasmaa Science 1989, 244:432-436 (How brain activity surrounds body)
The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Paradox in the Brain:The Transferred Potential J. Grinberg-Zylberbaum, et al. Physics Essays 1994, 7(4);422-XX (Describes research on brains interacting over distances)
The Evoked Magnetic Field of the Human Brain L. Kaufman and S. J. Williamson Annals New York Academy of Sciences 1980, 340:45 (How brain magnetic fields surround body)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and The Human Brain M. Hallett, Nature 2000, 406:147-150 (TMS mechanism explained, plus insights to therapeutic use)
Boosting Brain Activity From The Outside In L. Helmuth Science 2001, 292:1284-1286 (Directing magnetic fields into brain [TMS] can change behavior and relieve depression)
Placebo-Nocebo: The Mind-Brain Connection In Action
The Placebo Effect* W. A. Brown Scientific American January 1998 pgs 90-95 Placebos Prove So Powerful Even Experts Are Surprised* S. Blakeslee NY Times (On the Web) 10/13/1998 Can the Placebo Be the Cure? [Prozac is 80% placebo!] M. Enserink Science 1999, 284:238-240 (The mind over matter story)
Medical applications of neurofeedback R. Laibow in Quantitative EEG and Neurofeedback (1999), James R. Evans and Andrew Abarbanel, eds., Academic Press (Describes sequential origin of EEG states during development)
Placebo-responsive Parkinson patients show decreased activity in single neurons of subthalamic nucleus (2004) F. Benedetti, et al, Nature Neuroscience 7:587-588 (Placebo directly reduces nerve cell function and provides clinical improvement)
Neural circuitry underlying the interaction between emotion and asthma symptom exacerbation (2005) M. A. Rosenkranz, et al, Proceedings National Academy of Sciences 102:13319-13324 (Images and thoughts of allergens, as well as negative stimuli cause reaction)
Placebo Effects mediated by Endogenous Opioid Activity on u-Opioid Receptors (2005) J.-K. Zubieta, et al, J. of Neuroscience 25:7754-7762 (Placebo activates nerve cell membrane receptors)
Neural Plasticity
Brain Changes in Response to Experience M. Rosenzweig, E. L. Bennett and M. C. Diamond, Scientific American 1972, 226(2):22-29 (Classic paper- shows brain cell populations dynamically adjust up or down with use)
Adult Human Brains Add New Cells* J. Travis Science News 1998, 154:276 and, Brain, Heal Thyself D.H. Lowenstein and J. M. Parent, Science 1999, 283:1126-1127 (Dispelling myth about “no new neurons”, how brains regenerate)
Dementia May Travel Lonely Road B. Bower Science News 2000, 157:263 (Lack of social connections linked to dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, use it or lose it)
Grown-Up Monkey Brains Get Growing* B. Bower Science News 1998, 153:180 (Brain remodeling occurs in adults, influence by stress and trauma)
Teaching the Spinal Cord to Walk I. Wickelgren Science 1998, 279:319-321 (Spinal cords severed from brain create neural connections, i.e., “learn,” how to walk through muscle feedback mechanism)
Mapping the Sensory Mosaic* S. L. Juliano Science 1998, 279:1653-1654 (Brain “maps” dynamically altered to reflect usage)
Solving the Brain’s Energy Crisis* Ann Gibbons Science 1998, 280:1345-1347 (Discusses “genomic imprinting,” how regulatory proteins select maternal/paternal genes in response to environment)
Gray Matters J. Netting Science News 2001, 159:222-223 (Reviews important contributions of glial cells in brain functions)
Control of Synapse Number by Glia E. Ullian, et a3,. Science 2001, 291:657-662 (Glial cells control synapse formation between neurons)
A Glial-Neuron Signaling Pathway Revealed by Mutations in a Neurexin-Related Protein L. Yuan and B. Ganetzky Science 1999, 283:1343-1345 (Glial cells modify response of Neurons)
Conscious Parenting
Living with the Past: Evolution, Development, and Patterns of Disease Gluckman, P. D. and M. A. Hanson (2004) Science 305:1736 [Periconceptual, fetal, and infant phases of life set propensity to disease in adulthood]
Reading Your Baby’s Mind Wingert, P. and M. Brant (2005) Newsweek (Aug 15, 2005) pages 32-39 [Lay audience review of science about a baby’s surprising emotional complexity and its influences on physiology and behavior]
Early experience affects the intergenerational transmission of infant abuse in rhesus monkeys Maestripieri, D. (2005) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sciences 102:9726-9729 [Reveals how infants are “programmed” through their earliest experiences]
A Genomic View of Animal Behavior Pennisi, E. (200) Science 307:30-32 [Character of maternal care determines offspring’s stress-response/gene expression]
Elephant breakdown Bradshaw, G. A., et al (2005) Nature 433:807 [Social trauma disrupts attachment, affects physiology, behavior and culture]
Nongenomic Transmission Across Generations of Maternal Behavior and Stress Responses in the Rat D. Francis, J. Diorio, D. Liu and M. Meaney Science 1999, 286:1155-1158 (Maternal care [i.e., environment] influences child’s behavior and can change genetics in next generation)
Where Health Begins – Obesity, Cancer and Heart Attacks: How Your Odds are Set in the Womb S. Begley, J. Davenport and E. Check Newsweek Sept. 27, 1999, pages 50-56 (Evidence showing lifelong health is determined by life in the womb)
Psychological Influences of Stress and HPA Regulation on the Human Fetus and Infant Birth Outcomes C. A. Sandman, et al. Annals of the NY Acad. of Sciences 1994, 739:198-210 (Stress in third trimester can permanently influence brain mechanisms and behavior)
The Neurobiological Consequences of Early Stress and Childhood Maltreatment M.H. Teicher, et al, Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 2003, 27:33-44 (Documents physical and behavioral changes induced by neonatal stress)
The Potential Influence of Maternal Stress Hormones on Development and Mental Health of the Offspring M. Weinstock Brain, Behavior and Immunity 2005, 19:296-308
Antenatal Maternal Anxiety and Stress and the Neurobehavioural Development of the Fetus and Child: Links and Possible Mechanisms. A review. B.R.H. Van den Bergh, et al, Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 2005, 29:237-258 (Discusses role of maternal mood/emotions on child’s neural development and stress system)
The Effects of Prenatal Stress on Temperament and Problem Behavior of 27-month-old Toddlers B. M. Gutteling, et al, Eur. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2005, 14:41-51
Weight Matters, Even in the Womb D. Christensen Science News 2000, 158:382-383
Severe Emotional Stress in First Trimester Linked with Congenital Malformations D. Hansen et al. Lancet 2000, 356:875-880 (High stress hormones in first trimester linked to 50% increase in cranial malformations)
The Mental Butler Did It B. Bower Science News 1999, 156:280-282 (Most behavior operates subconsciously from repeating “tapes” created from “programmed” life experiences)
Effects of Neonatal Handling on Age-Related Impairments Associated with the Hippocampus M. J. Meaney, et al. Science 1988, 239:766-768 (Perinatal parenting impacts brain function throughout life)
Solving the Brains Energy Crisis* A. Gibbons Science 1998, 280:1345-1347 (Important: see sidebar regarding genomic imprinting and role of mother’s perception in fetal brain development)
The Heritability of IQ B. Devlin, et al. Nature 1997, 388:468-471 The Democracy of Genes* M. McGue Nature 1997, 388:417-418 (Emphasizes prenatal environment influences upto 50% of IQ)
Nurture Helps Mold Able Minds I. Wickelgren Science 1999, 283:1832-1834, and, Kids Adopted Late Reap IQ Increases B. Bower Science News 1999, 1546:X (Early environment influences shape and “reshape” IQ development)
The Importance of a Well-Groomed Child* R. M. Sapolsky Science 1997, 277:1620-1621 (Role of parenting produces life long [genetic/biochemical] influences on offspring)
Child Abuse and Neglect: Usefulness of Animal Data D. Maestripieri and K. A. Carroll Psychological Bulletin 1998, 123:211-216 (Child neglect and abuse derived from “learning” experience)
Genetics of Mouse Behavior: Interactions with Laboratory Environment J. C. Crabbe, et al. Science 1999, 284:1670-1672 (Genetically identical strains, different environments produce different behaviors)
Multiple Pathways to Conscience for Children with Different Temperments G. Kochanska Developmental Psychology 1997, 33:228-234 (Conscience development linked to mother’s child-rearing style)
Tourette Syndrome: Prediction of Phenotypic Variation in Monozygotic Twins by Caudate Nucleus D2 Receptor Binding S.S. Wolf, et al. Science 1996, 273:1225-1227 (Prenatal environmental influences offspring’s gene expression)
Your Child’s Brain S. Begley Newsweek 2/19/96, pgs 55-62 (Reviews role of parents in child’s brain development)
A New Look at Maternal Guidance Elizabeth Pennisi Science 1996, 273:1334-1336 (Describes new work on maternal experiences selecting gene programs in offspring)
The Moral Development of Children* W. Damon Scientific American August 1999, pages 72-78 (Parent behaviors shape child’s moral behavior)
Duke Study Faults Overuse of Stimulants for Children E. Marshall Science 2000, 289:721 and Study of Stimulant Therapy Raises Concern B. Bower Science News 2000, 158:69 (Half of Ritalin using ADHD kids DO NOT have ADHD!)
Altered Nociceptive Neuronal Circuits After Neonatal Peripheral Inflammation M. A. Ruda, et al Science 2000, 289:628-630 (Early painful stimuli rewire neonatal brains, cause increased sensitivity to pain in later life)
Stress And Biology
The Influence of Social Hierarchy on Primate Health Sapolsky, R. M. (2005) Science 308:648-652 [stressful character of social rank, profound physiologic and behavioral consequences on health and disease]
Don’t Stress* K. Leutwyler Scientific American Jan. 1998 pgs 29-30 (Stress causes developmental problems and neurodegeneration)
Psychological stress and the human immune system: A meta study of 30 years of inquiry. Segerstrom, S. S. and Miller, G. E. (2004) Psych. Bulletin 130(4):601-630 [Science of psycho-neuro-immunology (PNI), mind over immune system
Functions of Ceramide in Coordinating Cellular Responses to Stress Y. A. Hannun Science 1996, 274:1855-1859 (Reveals how cell behavior is divided into Growth and Protection functions)
Healthy Functioning Takes Social Cues* B. Bower Science News 1998, 153:391 (Stressful jobs/lonely life increase physical illness)
Immigrants Go from Health to Worse* B. Bower Science News 1998, 154:180 (US culture increases stress and leads to mental disorders)
Physical Ills Follow Trauma Response* B. Bower Science News 1997, 152:372 (Title self-explanatory)
Probing the Biology of Emotion* C. Mlot Science 1998, 280:1005-1007 (Emotions trigger behavioral and brain changes)
Gigantism in Mice Lacking Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling-2 D. Metcalf Nature 2000, 405:1069-1073 (Suppression of immune system leads to greater growth of organism)
Stress Hormone May Speed Up Brain Aging* B. Bower Science News 1998, 153:263 (Title self-explanatory)
The Biology of Being Frazzled* A. F. T. Arnsten Science 1998, 280:1711 (stress reduces intelligence)
The Cortisol Connection:Does Stress hormone play a role in AIDS?* K. Fackelmann Science News 1997,152:350-351 (Title self-explanatory)
Tracing Molecules That Make The Brain-Body Connection* E. Pennisi Science 1997 275: 930-931 (Regulation of immune system by stress)
Gene Expression Profile of Aging and its Retardation by Caloric Restriction C-K. Lee, R. G. Klopp, R. Weindruch and T. Prolla Science 1999, 285:1390-1393 (How stress signals select genes that promote aging)
Iatrogenic Illness And The Drug Companies
The Truth About the Drug Companies:How They Deceive Us and What to do About It Marcia Angell, MD (former editor of The New England Journal of Medicine) [2004, Random House]
Selling Sickness:How the Worlds Biggest Pharmaceutical Companies are Turning Us All into Patients Ray Moynihan and Alan Cassels (Great read on how “medical conditions” are created by industry and AMA) [2005 Nation Books, NY]
On the Take:How Medicine’s Complicity with Big Business Can Endanger Your HealthJerome P. Kassirer, MD (former editor of The New England Journal of Medicine) [2004, Oxford University Press]
Overdo$ed America:The Broken Promise of American Medicine John Abramson, MD (Harvard Medical School professor) [2004, HarperCollins]
Powerful Medicines:The Benefits, Risks and Costs of Prescription Drugs Jerry Avorn, MD (Harvard Medical School professor) [2004, Knopf]
Critical Condition:How Health Care in America Became Big Business & Bad Medicine Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele (Pulitzer Prize recipients) [2004, Doubleday]
No more free lunches:Patients will benefit from doctors and drug companies disentangling Abbasi, K. and R. Smith [editors of BMJ] (2003) British Medical Journal 326:1155-1156
Pharmaceutical industry sponsorship and research outcome and quality:systemic review Lexchin, J., L. A. Bero, B. Djulbegovic and O. Clark (2003) British Medical Journal 326:1167
Who pays for the pizza? Redefining the relationships between doctors and drug companies. 1:Entanglement Moynihan, R. (2003) Education and Debate. British Medical Journal 326:1189-1192
