Q and A: about health and research

Despite decades of effort, ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Long COVID remain poorly understood. One possible reason may be the continued underrepresentation of neurochemical research in these fields. In biomedical science, certainty comes only when cause and effect are demonstrated through rigorous laboratory and imaging tools—yet much of the research on these conditions still skirts around the complex interplay of brain function, hormonal regulation, and psychological symptoms. The Neurobiology of Depression: A Parallel Worth Revisiting There’s a familiar pattern in research on chronic, poorly-defined illnesses: a search for answers that tends to overlook what's been apparent for years—the central role of the brain in both physiological and psychological dysfunction. Beyond well-documented cases of direct brain infections from pathogens, the underlying mechanisms of hormonal and neurochemical imbalance—particularly involving the hypothalamic-pitu...

A Neurobiological and Environmental Perspective Abstract Dangerous and violent human behavior has long been a subject of interest in neuroscience, psychology, and criminology. Among biological factors studied, monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) has received particular attention due to its role in regulating neurotransmitters critical for emotional control and impulse regulation. This article reviews the function of MAOA in the brain, its interaction with environmental stressors—especially early-life trauma—and clarifies common misconceptions that falsely portray MAOA as a deterministic cause of psychopathy or violence. The role of monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) is contrasted to highlight its lack of association with aggressive or antisocial behavior. 1. MAOA: Function and Brain Distribution MAOA (monoamine oxidase A) is an enzyme expressed across multiple brain regions , rather than a single anatomical structure. Its primary function is to metabolize monoamine neurotransmitters, including:...

Salt, chemically known as sodium chloride, is essential for human life. Its importance lies mainly in its sodium component, a vital electrolyte that plays a central role in maintaining fluid balance, enabling nerve communication, supporting muscle contraction, and regulating blood pressure. The heart, brain, and kidneys are particularly dependent on tightly controlled sodium levels to function properly. The Role of Salt in the Body Maintaining Fluid Balance Sodium is the primary regulator of fluid distribution in the body. It controls how much water is retained in the bloodstream and how much enters or leaves cells. By maintaining this balance, sodium helps stabilize blood volume, blood pressure, and overall hydration. Without adequate sodium, cells can swell or shrink, impairing normal function. Enabling Nerve Signaling and Brain Function The brain and nervous system rely on sodium to transmit electrical signals. Sodium ions move across nerve cell membranes to generate action pot...