DanaZ

Why is it that activation of the NMDA receptor by glutamate is responsible for neuronal plasticity, memory and learning but NMDA receptor antagonists (such as memantine) are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease? It seems that a perceived side effect of the NMDAR antagonist would be memory and learning deficits? Also, since NMDARs are responsible for excitotoxicity would it stand to reason that antagonists such as dexomethorphan dosed regularly might be effective in treating stroke victims, or those predisposed to schizophrenia? I have read an exhausting 16 hours about all of this and the potential for use of NMDAR antagonists in antinociception, potentiating opioids and mitigating withdrawal - plus antidepressant effects? Does glutamate play a role in depression and pain? Too many questions, I know, who is really, really smart- :-)

(note, this originally was errantly placed in biology section_

because I trained my cat with a string??!

Please help me. My husband seems to think that when you go to a fertility clinic they give out pornographic magazines or videos along with the sample container? Is he delusional?

Ever walk out of the doctor's office and wonder what the heck?

I'm trying to find better ways to increase teaching effectiveness. thank you

(any details would be appreciated!)

I read somewhere that someone did a study on Ouija boards - where they blindfolded participants and they couldn't formulate a message. My rationale is that there must be a unique psychology to who will chose to move the Ouija when playing, and who will sit back and allow the Ouija to be moved. Did you move the Ouija? And if you did, did you conceptualize this as actuality?

Would you do something about it now, or turn a blind eye?

And...how many people leaving bars are over the limit to drive? What percentage?

Ultimate seriousness is required in this round of questioning. No tom-foolery, buffoonery, clownishness, horseplay, jesting, joking, joshing, kidding, making light*, mockery, nonsense, spoofing, teasing or skylarking aloud, er, allowed!! I mean it, don't mess with me.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070529/ap_en_ce/peopl...

"The world has been very hard on her," said Michael Heller, an attorney and Lohan family friend. "She has a lot of personal issues and family issues. There's an incredible amount of pressure on this 20-year-old.">>

Sure, we can all see how Lindsay's life has been harder than the average person. It's no wonder she turned to cocaine. (this is sarcasm)

He also noted on Tuesday that Lohan has "gone from one movie to the next," spending long stretches of time away from her family.

"She's living in a hotel," he said. "It's a very lonely existence.">>

That's right, tell Lindsay why she's so depressed and makes all those bad bad choices. Forget about holding her accountable and tough love....just sympathize with her. Well, he is her paid attorney..but still!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070529/ap_en_ce/peopl...

It's getting quite tiring, I'd like to knock off.

This problem, it started 'round quarter to ten,

(after I hurried my son quickly to bed)

I read him a story I really do like.

It's about a sweet elephant who finds a who

I read it especially when we're sick with the flu

I think the name's Horton, oh, I'm teasing-

I know it is,

I'd marry this elephant, that's just how it is.

He's cute and endearing and all of that twice

He saves the whos from a bird who's not nice!

Yet now I'm stuck with each set of thoughts

Rhyming in rhythms and it just won't shut off.

?

I have often wondered if all the attention one gets from having beauty, talent or intelligence can spoil ones soul and lead to grandiose delusions about human worth. Sometimes mediocrity can be a blessing because it allows growth of a more accurate self perception, intrinsically, within what you, yourself, values. Is Paris Hilton really happy? Is it really that fun to base your self worth on anything that isn't earned? The rules change so often and do we really pay attention? We reward worthless attractive people for their selfishness. We also reward talented heroin addicts for their brilliant albums. (Wow, we reward people for internal disease BUT THEY appear to be, what, is this success?) Now we have humble, real people walking around, healthy minds and souls. They are happy to avoid the spotlight. Is this a function of healthy behavior? Maybe those who yearn for the limelight (in some cases, not all) like those who end up in power, in control, on top, are ego impaired, unhealthy.

I'm wondering whether or not people are clustered within groups of healthy or unhealthy people by either familial relation which may influence choices in friends who are also either healthy or unhealthy - or is society a mix randomly. It seems to me that everyone in my family has some sort of mental health issue or alcoholic/dependent features. I wonder if the choices I've made in my life are a reflection of my role models as I've realized I often place myself around unhealthy people. Not only do I see this in my family, but extended family and their friends and network etc. Or maybe this unhealthy behavior is peppered throughout society without a pattern. I'm wondering...any thoughts?

My husband says it's 'stuffed', I say it's 'stuck'-- asking what his reasoning was, he's says the pig is 'stuffed' as in fatted for the slaughter. What say you?

I have a surprise for my friend who likes Yahoo Answers. It's very likely that she'll find out about this question and then wonder what I've done!! I'm not telling (of course) but I will say she will be shocked when she finds out what the surprise is!

Now, my question is, what feels best...giving the surprise or getting one? (granted it's a good surprise)

Do monkeys laugh? Have a sense of humor? My husband says that animals have a sense of humor but don't laugh like we do.....that they have their own animal laugh. Is he crazy?

and you love them, how do you not take their actions personally, and how do you approach them when they're depressed?

I have a friend that I met on the internet. We actually didn't hit it off real well but then became good friends. I flew out to meet her last year and had the best time. She is always there for me in the ways I need most, and above all, she is the most fun, the most well rounded, the most compassionate, grounded, loving friend I've ever had. I love her so much. How can I make her feel just fantastic about who she is? Any ideas?

What characteristics would you most likely have?

How talented are you, really?

Can this be fixed? I meet women who never marry from time to time in my line of work. What did they have that made them so smart? haha