Need a jolt of brainpower? C'mon, most of us have used up our cerebral capacity by the time we've finished lunch, let alone having a reserve for deep library work or a night class. According to an article in the New York Times by Tara Parker-Pope, scientists think the answer to gaining more brain power may be exercise. Exercise generates a chemical that counteracts bone-morphogenetic protein (BMP), which sends the brain's regenerative chemicals to sleep. Here's what the Times said about the good chemical: "... the notable increase in Noggin, a beautifully named brain protein that acts as a BMP antagonist. The more Noggin in your brain, the less BMP activity exists and the more stem cell divisions and neurogenesis you experience." Mice at Northwestern whose brains were infused directly with large doses of Noggin became, Dr. Kessler says, "little mouse geniuses, if there is such a thing. They aced the mazes and other tests." So check out the full article at http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/your-brain-on-exercise/, and perhaps plan a trip to the Mort Harris Center for some Zumba, or a take a jog around the block before that next big project, exam, or thesis/dissertation committee meeting comes up!
And speaking of brainpower, don't forget that the next HGSA meeting will be on Wednesday, July 14, at 4PM in the Bonner Room in the F/AB.
-Tim Moran
President, HGSA
