The Most Amazing Machine: Influence of Neurotransmitters, The
After the electrical signal, also called the action potential, reaches the end of the axon it stimulates the release of chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers carry information from the sending n..
The Most Amazing Machine: Lower Level Brain Structures
The brain stem, which some refer to as the old reptilian brain, exists in all mammals. It is engaged in activities that regulate the body and its basic survival responses. The limbic areas are involved in generating ..
The Most Amazing Machine: Neural Communication
The neuron is the fundamental unit or cell in the brain. Neurons interact with each other by generating small blips of electricity which zap down an axon at rates up to 250 miles per hour. Each neuron is networked wi..
The Most Amazing Machine: Splitting the Brain
Connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain is a large bridge of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum. Little was known about this section of the brain until neurosurgeon Joseph Bogen cut the corpus callo..
The Most Amazing Machine: Tools of Discovery
Methods for studying the brain have evolved with the technology. The development of the electroencephalogram (EEG) allows researchers to measure electrical activity in the brain. Positron emission tomography, or P..
The Nation's Welfare: Beginnings of Social Support in the United States
The fierce individualism that has marked this nation since its inception focuses on hard work and self reliance rather than dependence on the state. Contemporary welfare started in the early 20th century with state progr..
The Nation's Welfare: Contrasting Attitudes of Europe and America Toward Social Welfare
Few policy issues facing government officials incite greater controversy than questions related to the country's responsibility to assist those in need. Guest commentators Michael Sandel, Seymour Martin Lipset, and Joel ..
The Nation's Welfare: Countering the Transmission of Poverty from Generation to Generation
"Poverty," says Joel Handler, "is the biggest predictor of all the things we ascribe to welfare": poor school performance, poor health, poor employment prospects. The focus is on "punishing the adult and we are not payin..
The Nation's Welfare: Court and Public Assistance Programs, The
The court has placed its imprint on public assistance programs by correcting the disparities in welfare benefits among states. Most of the cases that have come before the court era were clear examples of discrimination a..
The Nation's Welfare: Gap Between Rich and Poor Widens
The gaps between rich and poor is widening, not only in the United States but around the world. Many people are working more than one job and still find it difficult to make ends meet. Often they do not have the necessar..