#physiology seminar

[magicforghosts]

I can't wait to subject my classmates to this [I'm panicking, but I'm also so glad that people from my group are equally as weird]

[galescafe]

human phys revision at the library / yesterday's fit check

24 APRIL 2024 | 73/100 DAYS OF PRODUCTIVITY

sorry for the mini hiatus! spring hit and i had to do some frolicking, but, unfortunately, it is lock-in season

had my last gender and health seminar today! talked about aging and menopause and how the health system will always pathologize women for simply living

got lunch with my usual wednesday crew! there was also a little farmer's market today, so i bought some apples and brussel sprouts

went to the library to study for my human physiology test next week (yikes omg i'm scared)

had my sociology lecture! fun stuff about how science never will be objective and is unfortunately (?) carried out by humans

had an interview for a program i'm applying for next year omg it was so scary but i tried my best!

went home and cooked brussel sprouts and pasta because self care

working on more human phys revision and also mcat revision

🎧: blood orange (playlist by me) 📚: the southern past - w fitzhugh brundage

[liveandyouwillsee]

29/02/2024

Started my day with a health politics lecture. First of the semester. I don't really enjoy this subject, but It was actually really fun.

Then I had lunch (lasagna, which I reeeally love) and barbados cherry juice.

In the afternoon, I had a basic imunology lecture and it felt very productive. Then I had an oral physiology lecture that was more of an introduction to the subject.

Now, at night, I studied imunology and revised some basic physiology that I learned last semester.

Since is only the beggining, I don't have a lot to study, but I already have a health politics seminar to present. I'm always nervous about seminars, but I hope I get used to it someday.

P.S: For non-portuguese speakers. The "cãonino" in the orange agenda is a pun with the words "dog" (cão) and the"canines" teeth.

[spockanalia-archive]

Spockanalia #1: A Proposed Model of the Vulcan Heart

By Sandra Deckinger

Art by Sherna Comerford and Kathy Bushman

(Part of a seminar report on E-T biology given at the Federated Planets Academy on 21-19-2368, by Lieutenant Sandra Deckinger, R.N.)

I would like to propose a six-chambered model for the Vulcan heart. Please refer to your diagram slides, as I explain this model of the circulatory pattern and give my reasons for its unusual features.

As in the human, oxygenated blood enters the heart from the superiour and inferiour vena cavae into the right atrium. From the atrium, the blood passes into the right ventricle. Both the atrium and the ventricle are much larger than in the human, because they must be more muscular to handle a greater blood volume.

From the ventricle, the blood goes via two pulmonary arteries to the lungs. The lungs are much larger than ours, and can take on more oxygen. They have greater expansion than human lungs, because the respiratory muscles are larger as an adaption to the heavier gravity. More oxygen is taken into the body because the greater lung expansion leads to greater negative pressure in the lungs, and this in turn increases the amount of oxygen pulled into the body.

From the lungs, the blood goes back to the heart via two pulmonary veins. Here, each vein enters into a separate left atrium. The blood flows into the ventricles from the atria, and then is pumped to the body through the aortae. The double system allows the heart to handle a very high blood volume.

Vulcans require a larger heart than humans because their blood is more dilute, and must therefore flow at a higher rate than ours does. Having a double left-sided heart would decrease blood pressure, and result in an almost undetectable pulse at the extremities. A low blood-pressure would also decrease blood flow to peripheral areas, and this would result in an inability to tolerate cold.

It has been said that the Vulcan heart rate is about 250 beats per minute. A heart beating that quickly needs more oxygen than a human heart beating at 80. This would certainly require a very rapid respiration or an oxygen carrier of greater efficiency than hemoglobin, or both.

The next paper will discuss this problem, and the physiologically related one of the carbon dioxide feedback system, which is one of the regulators of the respiratory rate.

Are there any questions?

A proposed six-chambered model of the Vulcan heart (from a sketch by Sandy Deckinger)

Note: With the help and guidance of Open Doors, we digitized the first volume of Spockanalia and imported it to AO3, which you can view here. In order to meet AO3's terms of service, some of the content was edited or removed. The full version of the zine is preserved on this blog. The masterpost is here.

[skwpr]

[14.02.24]

Everyday routine of a student, going to a cafe. Preparing for a seminar on human and animal physiology.

👩🏼‍🔬sampling in the laboratory

laboratory romance❤️

[fuckyeahilike]

David Diamond - Demonization and Deception in Cholesterol Research

For the past 60 years there has been a concerted effort to demonize saturated fats, found in animal products and tropical oils, and cholesterol, in our food and blood. Despite the well-established health benefits of diets rich in cholesterol and saturated fat, flawed, deceptive and biased research has created the myth that a low fat, plant-based diet is ideal for good health. Poorly conducted epidemiological research, U.S. government intervention and misinformation conveyed by contemporary lifestyle researchers have contributed to the current state of confusion on dietary influences on health. The public must educate themselves on how to optimize their diet and cardiovascular health.

David M. Diamond is a professor in the Departments of Psychology and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida and is a Research Career Scientist at theTampa Veterans Hospital, where he has directed his research program on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). He has also served as the Director of the USF Neuroscience Collaborative program and is a Fellow at the American Institute of Stress and the International Stress and Behavior Society.

Dr. Diamond has served on federal government study sections and committees evaluating research on the neurobiology of stress and memory, and has over 100 publications, reviews and book chapters on the brain and memory. He has served on the editorial boards of numerous medical journals and has received over 25 years of federally funded support for his research.In the past decade, Dr. Diamond has expanded his research program to include cardiovascular disease and nutrition. His controversial research is an extension of an advanced seminar he directs at the University of South Florida entitled “Myths and Deception in Medical Research”, which emphasizes the critical evaluation of methods and conflicts of interest in health-related research. In recent years he added to his list of publications controversial papers on diet, cholesterol and statins, including one paper published in the peer-reviewed medical journal “Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology”, which described the deceptive practices employed by researchers promoting statins for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Diamond has been invited to present his myth-busting views on nutrition and cholesterol to lay people and physicians at nutrition, cardiology, obesity and diabetes conferences all over the world.

Dr. Diamond received his Ph.D. in Biology in 1985, with a specialization in Behavioral Neuroscience, from the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory at the University of California, Irvine.

[hababnaim]

"INFLUENCING PHYSICAL FITNESS THROUGH EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP"

In today's sedentary lifestyle, the significance of physical fitness cannot be overstated. As HUMMS students, we bear the responsibility of shaping the future, not only academically but also in terms of overall well-being. One impactful avenue to influence our peers positively is by leading through example in the realm of physical fitness. This essay explores the profound impact of leading as an example, providing opportunities for physical activity, and emphasizing the importance of proper fitness practices in shaping a healthier and more active future.

One of the most compelling ways to inspire others is by embodying the change we wish to see. As HUMMS students, we can set ourselves as paragons of proper physical fitness, demonstrating dedication to regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. By showcasing the positive outcomes of these choices, such as increased energy levels, improved concentration, and enhanced overall well-being, we can serve as powerful motivators for our peers. When others witness the tangible benefits of a physically active lifestyle in our lives, they are more likely to be inspired to follow suit. In addition to personal commitment, fostering a culture that encourages physical activity is crucial. As HUMMS students, we can take the initiative to organize and participate in sports or other physical activities. Establishing soccer or basketball teams, for example, not only provides enjoyable outlets for exercise but also creates a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Such initiatives not only contribute to the development of physical skills but also instill values such as discipline, perseverance, and cooperation – qualities that extend beyond the realm of sports and into various aspects of life.

Encouraging our peers to participate in these activities not only expands their opportunities for physical exercise but also contributes to the creation of a supportive and encouraging environment. The sense of belonging to a community with shared fitness goals enhances motivation and helps break down barriers that may prevent some individuals from engaging in physical activities. While participation in physical activities is essential, the importance of doing them correctly should not be overlooked. As HUMMS students, we can take the lead in educating our peers about proper fitness practices. This includes understanding the importance of warm-ups, cool-downs, and proper technique in various exercises. By organizing workshops, seminars, or even casual discussions, we can share knowledge about the physiological benefits of different exercises and the potential risks of improper practices. This knowledge equips our peers with the tools to engage in physical activities safely and effectively, contributing to the long-term sustainability of their fitness routines.

In conclusion, as HUMMS students, we possess the potential to be influential leaders in shaping a healthier and more active future. By leading as examples, providing opportunities for physical activity, and emphasizing the importance of proper fitness practices, we can inspire our peers to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle. In doing so, we contribute not only to the well-being of individuals but also to the cultivation of a society that values and prioritizes physical fitness as an integral component of a fulfilling and prosperous life.

[k00299539]

LSAD Seminar 02: 3D Studies with Elaine Riordan

Above: Geometric Moss Art Installation by Freecell

What is 3D Studies?

This would be a lot easier if I could just say 3D studies is the study of 3D but I doubt LSAD will allow me to away with that. 3D studies is an interdisciplinary field of study involving engagement with the physical and tactile elements of our environment. As opposed to 2D work done on flat canvases and computer screes, 3D work occupies physical space with measurable height, width, depth, weight, etc. 3D studies is relevant to every specialisation and a vital part of the art ad design process.

We are provided a handy checklist by Tutor Elaine Riordan in the seminar that summarises the "what" of 3D studies:

3D Studies may be seen as:

"...fine art or design"

"...small or large scale"

"...positive or negative in form"

"...you and the space you inhabit"

"...made from any material/media"

"...engaging us physically or emotionally"

"...site specific or not"

The elements of 3D studies covered in this seminar include Form, Structure, Texture, Volume, Weight, Space, and Location. These elements are explored through the use of materials and processes and active engagement with the contexts in which the exist. I've included below my best guess explanation of each of these seven concepts.

Elements of Exploration in 3D Studies:

Form

Above: Our given example of an artist who works with form, Ruth Asawa.

What is form?

Form in simple terms refers to the overall "shape" of any given work of art or design. Form is present in even the most two-dimensional works of art, such as the canvas on which a painting is expressed. Over time there has been great movement from artists to challenge and elevate the nature of form in art, taking it from an assumed background element to the forefront.

Further Examples of Asawa's work:

Structure

Above: Our given example of an artist working with structure: Úna Burke.

What is structure?

Structure could well be described as the "shadow" of form. If form represents the resultant, visible outcome of a work of art or design, then structure represents the underlying framework that allows form to exist. If form is often overlooked as a background element, then structure is in the background of the background. Artists who work with structure highlight not the pure outcome of their work, but the "how" and "why" of it.

Further Examples of Burke's work:

Texture

Above: Our given example of an artist working with texture, Junko Mori.

What is texture?

Texture refers broadly to the "feeling" of a given work, whether that feeling be the tactile sensation of cold marble or hardened acrylic, or simply the visible texture of dabbled brushstrokes on canvas. Ultimately texture can express and exude feeling on an entirely separate physiological level from other characteristics of 3D studies. Artists who work with texture can play with our expectations and assumptions by matching or contrasting a works texture to its form, structure, etc.

Further Examples of Mori's work:

Volume

Above: Our given example of an artist working with volume: Viktor & Rolf.

What is volume?

I've always thought of volume as synonymous with negative space in 3D art. The volume is implied by the form and structure of a given work. Much like how the negative space can't exist without positive, volume cannot exist without its container. Artist who champion volume allow is to see what is not there and in doing so, broaden our collective vision.

Further Examples of Viktor & Rolf's work:

Weight

Above: Our given example of an artist working with weight, Frances Lambe.

What is weight?

Weight refers not just to the literal mass of an object in art and design, but to its prominence in an given piece. Artists who utilise weight in their work often create a strong sense of visual hierarchy and harmony between their various compositional elements. Making the heavy appear light, or the light appear heavy challenges us not just to contemplate the creation of a given piece but to question the world around us and our own underlying assumptions therein.

Further Examples of Lambe's work:

Space

Above: Our given example of an artist working with space, Richard Serra.

What is space?

Space as a concept is similar to volume, in that it's all about the relationship between what is present and what's not. The impression of small object viewed up close from below is starkly different from that same object viewed from a distance in a large empty room, for example. Space can alter and redefine the ideas or intent of a given work by changing its context. The immense power of space is something that must always be considered when creating and appreciating art, as we can no more divorce a work of art from space than we can divorce ourselves from it.

Further Examples of Serra's work:

Location

Above: Our given example of an artist working with location, Anish Kapoor.

What is location?

Location, location, location! Similar to, but more specific than space, location deeply affects the context of a given work of art. A urinal displayed in an art gallery leaves a decidedly different impression upon the viewer than a urinal in a bathroom, for example. Location is likely the most context dependent item on this list as it plays into very real cultural and political associations. Something as innocuous as a red post box has a sharply negative connotation here in Ireland. Artists who utilise location display a keen understanding of context and a sympathy for the human experience.

Further Examples of Kapoor's work:

[hapalopus]

Sacred Cows and Sacrificial Guinea Pigs

From The Wine of Life, and Other Essays on Societies, Energy & Living Things by Harold J. Morowitz (1981)

Somewhere in the past I had found out a sacrifice was "primarily, the slaughter of an animal as an offering to God or a deity." This seemed at first sight to be very different from the procedures so casually described in articles on animal experimentation in biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology journals. An effort to elaborate the difference took me to the encyclopedic notion that "Sacrifice is a religious rite in which an object is offered to a divinity in order to establish, maintain, or restore a right relationship of man to the sacred order" (Encyclopedia Britannica). The topic of human and animal sacrifices has been the subject matter of anthropologists, social psychologists, and religious scholars. I perused this literature in an effort to gain some insight into the modern use of the word and was led id over ego by free association to the following whimsical view of a contemporary anthropologist writing on the subject of the sacrifice of experimental animals:

Animal sacrifice had all but died out in the established religions of the western world, when in the 1800s it mysteriously reappeared among a new cult know as Physiologists. In order to comprehend the activities of this sect we must note the similarities and differences between the new elite and their historical predecessors. The Physiologists practice their rites in cultic centers called Laboratories. These structures differ from the older Temples in that the sacrificial altars which are the center of the public rooms in the Temples are found in small private chambers in the Laboratories. There is often a single large public room in the Laboratories, but it is restricted in use to one-hour devotional meetings where the congregation sits in the dark while a chief sacrificer describes his rituals. These sessions are called Seminars, and sometimes the devotees become so absorbed in the ritual that they are seen to close their eyes in prolonged meditation.

Membership of the cult of the Physiologists is very select, and an eight- to twelve-year period of apprenticeship is required. The training consists of memorizing the sacred paradigms and learning to carry out sacrifices with scalpels, needles, electrodes, and various strange potions. The entrails the blood of the victims are then placed in very varied ways into large machines. The apparent purpose of processing the blood and organs in these elaborate modes is to read omens of the future. The novitiates must learn to operate the portent machines, and they are frequently chastised by senior cult members if they fail to master these arts. A substantial number of novices are excommunicated from the cult at this stage. This sometimes happens at a formal ceremony called the Oral (an obvious contraction of the term oracle).

Unique among the Physiologists is a sacred law which requires them to divide all animals into two groups, Experimental and Control. This is reminiscent of the Old Testament sacrificial rite where two identical goats were chosen, 'one for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat.' After differing treatment, both goats are killed. Occasionally, a sacrificer will forget the sacred law of division and in the darkened room where he describes his rituals someone will intone, 'Where are your Controls?'

The modern practitioners of 'zoocide' wear simple robes usually of white (for purity) or light green (for plant fertility?). They generally have a procedure of replacing robes that have been soiled in the sacrifice by fresh robes that have been ritually purified.

After the sacrifices have been made and the blood and entrails have been removed (sometimes only a single organ is taken), the remains of the animal body are made into a burnt offering. This ceremony takes place in a subterranean room in a large fiery chamber called an Incinerator. Enigmatically, the burnt offering is made by an individual who is not a full member of the cult and often appears to do penance by sweeping the floor and removing trash. On rare occasions, the animals are not consumed by the sacred fire, but are eaten. This appears never to be the case when dogs, cats, or rodents are sacrificed, but occurs most often when the ceremonial animals are crustaceans such as lobsters.

The Physiologists do not feel that their sacrifices are effective until they have been broadcast in great detail to the maximum possible number of fellow cultists. For this reason they print large numbers of religious tracts called Journals and undertake long and arduous trips to Laboratories around the world to describe their animal killings. The importance of informing others of the sacrifices is stressed in the phrase, 'Those of ye who do not publish, shall surely perish,' which is taught to novitiates during their training period.

Some members of the cult practice the rite of withdrawing blood from living animals. Indeed, some even withdraw blood from living humans. Although human sacrifice is never practiced, the act of human bloodletting is quite common. This is thought to be a carryover from the vampire followers who were still flourishing in Eastern Europe at the time that Physiology arose. Indeed, the hollow tubes used to suck up the blood are probably modeled after the incisors of the vampire bat.

The purpose of all of these sacrifices is to ward off disease, illness, and old age both for members of the cult and for the wider society around them. This is made clear from the frequent association of Laboratories with Hospitals. It is made even clearer from an annual rite in which each cultist writes a sacred confession and sends it to the capital of his country. The confession first begins by a terrifying description of the scourges and afflictions that the sacrifices are intended to cure. It then goes on to a section called Background where a rationale is presented as to how the sacrifices will alleviate the terrible conditions that have just been described. Then follows a long passage called Progress where the sacrificer humbly laments his failure to have already achieved his goal. This is always done in guarded ritual language lest any but the cognoscenti get their hands on the document. Finally, the confession ends with a plea for the entire nation to make 'a money sacrifice' to provide the cultists with the wherewithal to buy more sacrificial animals and portent machines in order to continue his efforts to restore the right relation of man to his sacred order.

[freedomofform]

Hello, world!

Started in 2018 but new to Tumblr, our organization is making freedom of form possible through research and advocacy activities. "Freedom of form" - basically synonymous with "morphological freedom" - is the idea that you should be able to modify your body to fit your identity, expression, and other goals.

At the Freedom of Form Foundation, we have a long-term focus on ambitious, full-body changes to fit one’s personality and sense of identity. We’re especially excited about species affirmation research – despite community passion surrounding the subject, it is vastly underrepresented in the biomedical sector. We stand wholeheartedly with the rights of individuals to choose how they interact with the world, including how they appear, and we are doing everything in our power to accommodate and accelerate freedom of form.

We undertake internal research, as well as awarding grants to outside researchers, for studies we judge as strategically valuable. Our active research projects include (1) an "intelligent" neuroprosthetic tail, (2) engineering software for anatomy and physiology, (3) understanding molecular cell biology of skin and the integument, and (4) wet-lab research to engineer new interactions between signaling molecules important to fur development.

We also firmly believe in supporting the journey of patients to receive the care they need. Through our gender resources project, we are equipping gender-questioning people with comprehensive but beginner-friendly information, in one place, to help them get started in evaluating more details and to have informed discussions with their doctors.

Finally, we are undertaking more outwards-facing activities such as advocacy, education, and community-building. We're interviewing thought leaders such as Anders Sandberg, Liz Parrish, Hugh Herr, and Max More for their thoughts on morphological freedom/freedom of form. We're holding held in-person panels, and hosting seminars ranging from biological to social topics. And we're supporting a growing community of passionate people on Discord, now close to 400 members from all walks of life.

We're excited to share details about the above and so much more here on Tumblr.

Let us know what you think, and please feel free to make suggestions or anything else as well. Just a quick note - we might be imperfect about answering messages on Tumblr, so please email us using contact information on our website if you want to make extra sure we see it!

And PS - we're volunteers who live and breathe this stuff. We've only gotten so far due to grassroots support - whether volunteering hours, recommendations or putting a word in, and/or financial support. If you believe we're worth supporting, just check our website at https://freedomofform.org/ for volunteering positions and ways to donate. Thank you!

[tchaikovskym]

Every master's student (2 total) in the physiology department sitting together at the seminar pretending they haven't seen one another almost naked and even more (beyond skin), just because we all (2 people) know how hard it is to find participants and volunteer to one another's studies

[galescafe]

old photo of the greenhouses / new photo of philosophy readings in bed

19 MARCH 2024 | 66/100 DAYS OF PRODUCTIVITY

treating myself with a little grace today because, surprise surprise, the material for my cultural trauma class got a little too personal

went to my 8am physiology lecture in sweats and then came right back home lol

made a fried egg sandwich for lunch!

finished reading the first four books of aristotle's nichomachean ethics for ancient greek philosophy seminar

then went to my cultural trauma seminar which was helpful for my thesis but also very difficult; i think i might speak to my prof about it though i probably should have done that preemptively

went to my philosophy seminar, and i'm not a philosopher by any means but i'm just not invested in aristotle's argument? and the discussion in class made it worse because i just don't buy in to the idea that humans have a function, so i wasn't very participatory in class today

finished three problem sets for physio and worked on some stuff for the organization i volunteer for

working on readings for my gender health seminar tomorrow!

friendly reminder that wearing a mask is an act of love!!

[liveandyouwillsee]

14/03/2024

Here are some pictures from today. I had 7 lectures (three of health politics in the morning, in which I presented a seminar, then I had lunch and in the afternoon I had 4 more lectures, two imunology classes and two oral physiology classes too). The 7th picture quote it's really interesting. It says "When we think we have all the answers, life comes and change all the questions". I'm thinking deeply about it as I write this post.

[primarykousu]

7/100

100 days of productivity

Today was more about reflections and growing. I spent a lot of time with my friends just reminiscing and thinking about our future plans. I think it was really cathartic for all of us.Feels like we haven’t talked in a while and we all needed that.

But I managed to get a few things done:

- French first chapter of the new textbook

- French Duolingo

- Physiology labs notes

- Microbiology catchup for the next class

- half a Biochem lecture (6 out of 25)

- 30 min coding seminar

- Bullet Journal - I got so many beautiful stickers <3333

Now I’m going out to drink and have fun a little. I’m putting my makeup for the first time in a few days and I’m excited to get all glammed up. 

Cheers, sweet dreams European timezone people,

Liv

[fndportal]

What a year it's been

2022 turned out to be a huge year for the FND community, and I really felt that as someone who's been involved in advocacy for people with FND (and disability justice generally). I'm really proud of what I've been able to bring to the table this year. I also know that I've about reached the limits of what my body can do, and the likelihood of maintaining this pace for longer isn't very high. And that's OK!

So, for no other reason than to enjoy the rearview mirror (and, yeah, ok, to give myself a little pat on the back), here's what I got up to in 2022.

My 2022 Functional Neurological Disorder Projects

Cadenza for Fractured Consciousness: A Personal History of the World's Most Misunderstood Illness - an in-depth essay on the social history and neurobiology of FND, interwoven with passages about the many ways it screwed my life up.

Toronto Western Hospitals' Movement Disorder Clinic website - this is Canada's largest movement disorder clinic. They recently re-did the website, and let me write the info section on FND!

Functional Neurological Disorder: From Witchcraft to Cybernetics - a presentation I gave for the psychiatry department at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, and the University of Toronto neurology department. The talk wasn't recorded but here's the slides!

Remapping the Functional / Organic Distinction in Psychiatry and Neurology - this was a neat one-day seminar on the concept of "functional" vs "organic" in medicine (a distinction I don't personally recognize 😜). It was a blast to present there and to learn from a mix of neurologists, psychiatrists, and philosophers who are trying to figure out exactly what it means to have a biological illness, vs a subjective experience, and what is the nature of the overlap?

I offered an argument at this meeting that there is no distinction to be made between "functional" and "organic" - all illness is organic, it's just a matter of figuring out what that organicity consists of, and how its rendered through physiological brain processes into a subjective experience. But there's no illness without biology.

Neurotransmitters Podcast - Dr. Michael Kentris invited me to chat about the stigma people with FND face, what the disorder is, and where medicine should go next to try to improve things. He was a gracious, knowledgeable host and I found myself listening and learning as much as sharing here.

The FND Society Podcast - Dr. Alan Carson invited myself, musician Tom Plender, and neuroscientist Devon Oship (all of us have FND!) to chat about the concept of "conversion disorder." A lively round of dunking on Freud ensued.

FNDS 2022 - This was the highlight of my year.

Katlab's "InME" study: a really cool project being run by Katerina Fotopoulou at University College London. They're looking at how interoceptive training (that is, the accurate sensing and regulation of the internal body) may help with symptoms of FND. I'm on hand as a patient advisor.

AAN's Guidelines project for functional seizures - The American Academy of Neurology creates "Guidelines" that tell neurologists how best to treat various neurological conditions. Until now, no such guideline has existed for FND seizures. I'm excited to be contributing to this one as I hope it'll send a strong signal to neurologists, once it's completed, that it's time to take FND seriously.

The protocol that determines how the project goes forward is open for public comment until Jan 4, if you'd like to share your thoughts!

The Landing Pad - this project is maybe closest to my heart: a "what I wish someone had given me when I was diagnosed" package of resources for understanding FND, and starting the recovery process.

There's more to come in 2023. But I think I can look back with some gratitude and satisfaction at everything that happened in 2022, conscious of the fact that the most impactful projects are things we do together, in teams or communities. Contributing to these projects, bringing whatever I could to them to try to add to the collective effort, was the best I could do. And doing the best I can felt good.

Catch you in 2023!

[skwpr]

[1.12.23]

Today:

lab work genetics (seminar)

lab plant physiology

lab human anatomy

extracurricular activity in the fight against AIDS

yay! December

And I give it all away. Just to have somewhere to go to. Give it all away. To have someone to come home to.

🎧My December- Linkin Park