Discusion Topic #4
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2) Summarize the main points of the TED Talk video and discuss why has is presenting this information to his audience?
1.
In his TED Talk, Allan Jones delves into the revolutionary concept of mapping the brain's intricate protein distribution. He highlights the potential implications of this
groundbreaking approach, emphasizing its capacity to pinpoint precise targets for drug interventions, ensuring their desired effects. Moreover, Jones underscores the remarkable
similarity in brain chemistry at the protein level among individuals, accentuating the common thread that unites humanity. Jones presents this information with the aim of
shedding light on the extraordinary advancements in brain research and its potential impact on medicine and neuroscience. By revealing the potential of brain protein mapping,
he encourages his audience to recognize the vast possibilities that lie ahead in this new frontier of science. Jones seeks to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm for further exploration
in this field, emphasizing that there is still much more to discover, and this knowledge can potentially transform our understanding of the human brain and its functions.
3) The presenter discussed recent studies. Why are these studies being conducted (Think about what the overall, “big picture). Discuss what specific question the researchers set out to
answer. Does the presenter do an adequate job of convincing his audience that this is an important or interesting question? (Why or why not? Do not simply answer ‘yes’ or no’)
2.
Allan discusses recent studies in the context of advancing our understanding of the human brain's protein distribution. The overarching goal of these studies is to unravel the
intricate map of proteins within the brain and comprehend their roles and functions. Specifically, researchers aim to answer questions about how proteins are distributed across
the brain, what roles they play in various brain regions, and how these proteins may be implicated in neurological disorders and diseases.
Jones effectively convinces his audience
that these studies are of paramount importance and interest. He presents compelling evidence of how mapping brain proteins can provide crucial insights into the brain's
functionality and its potential implications for medical advancements. By showcasing potential applications, such as precise drug targeting, he underscores the real-world impact
of this research. Overall, he conveys a sense of excitement and optimism about the potential of these studies to transform our understanding of the brain, making a strong case
for their significance.
4) Considering the research discussed by the presenter, discuss how the study was conducted - what are the primary methods that they use to answer their question? Please ensure you
explain the following in your answer:
hypothesis
how was the study designed? (random assignment; experimental group; independent and dependent variables, etc..)
3.
The primary methods used in the study involved exploring the brain's protein distribution. The researchers likely started with a hypothesis that specific proteins play crucial roles
in brain function and that mapping their distribution would provide valuable insights. To conduct the study,
(………..)
5) Consider and discuss potential limitations or challenges associated with the study.
6) Discuss any ethical considerations that arise from the video's content.
7) Are there remaining questions at the end of the study that are important to answer? Do the authors mention these or address them at all?
8) In your point of view, how does the question answered in this study contribute to the larger, “big picture” issue?
9). What did you learn about the Biological Perspective that you did not previously know?
List the name of the presenter (last name and initial). Read his biographical information and do some basic background research on the internet about him. (This section is mandatory
but does not count towards your 350 words)
What area of psychology does he work in?
What degree does he have? What’s his education?
1) The presenter is Jones A., a notable figure in the world of neuroscience and bioscience research. He has earned a Ph.D. in genetics and developmental biology from Washington University
School of Medicine, and a B.S. in biology from Duke University. The area of psychology his work would fall under is psychobiology.
Summarize the main points of the TED Talk video and discuss why he is presenting this information to his audience?
2) In this TED Talk Allan Jones presents an interesting exploration of the genetic activity mapping within the human brain. He sheds light on the brain's intricate nature, the pivotal role played by
genes, and the importance of understanding where genes become active in the brain. His intention in sharing this information is to highlight the progress made in brain mapping technology and
its potential implications, including drug development and a deeper understanding of brain-related disorders.
The presenter discussed recent studies. Why are these studies being conducted (Think about what the overall, “big picture). Discuss what specific question the researchers set out to answer.
Does the presenter do an adequate job of convincing his audience that this is an important or interesting question? (Why or why not? Do not simply answer ‘yes’ or no’)
3) The recent studies Allan discussed in the TED Talk aim to answer a fundamental question: where and how do genes become active within the human brain? These studies work to create a
comprehensive map of gene expression in the brain, which has widespread implications for our understanding of brain function. Allan effectively conveys the significance of this question by
highlighting its potential applications, such as drug development and
unraveling the mysteries of brain disorders.
Considering the research discussed by the presenter, discuss how the study was conducted - what are the primary methods that they use to answer their question? Please ensure you explain
the following in your answer:
hypothesis
how was the study designed? (random assignment; experimental group; independent and dependent variables, etc..)
4) The study's approach involves several crucial steps. Initially, normal human brains meeting specific criteria are gathered. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) establishes the foundational
framework for brain mapping, followed by diffusion tensor imaging to map the brain's major neural pathways. Afterwards, the brain is sectioned into one-centimeter slices, and samples are
removed for analysis. Laser scanning microdissection aids in collecting specific brain tissue samples, which are then processed to purify and analyze RNA. The ultimate goal is to detect which of
the 25,000 genes in the human genome are actively expressed in various regions of the brain.
Consider and discuss potential limitations or challenges associated with the study.
5) One notable limitation is the relatively small sample size, containing only two human brains, which may not adequately represent the full spectrum of human brain genetics. Additionally, the
study relies on post-mortem brain samples, potentially missing the dynamic nature of gene expression during an individual's lifetime. Ethical considerations revolve around obtaining consent
for brain donation and the gender bias present in the collected brain samples.
Discuss any ethical considerations that arise from the video's content.
6) Ethical considerations in the video include the process of acquiring human brains post-mortem and the necessity of obtaining consent for tissue donation. The presenter also briefly refers to
the gender imbalance in the collected brain samples, highlighting the ethical complexities associated with brain research.
Are there remaining questions at the end of the study that are important to answer? Do the authors mention these or address them at all?
7) Although Allan doesn’t specifically mention any remaining questions, he highlights the intricate nature of the brain and the need for continued research in this field. He hints at the vast
uncharted territory that awaits exploration in brain mapping.
In your point of view, how does the question answered in this study contribute to the larger, “big picture” issue?
8) The question explored in this study significantly adds to the larger perspective of understanding genetic activity in the human brain and how it influences brain function. The creation of a
gene expression map in the brain provides researchers with unique insights into conditions like neurological disorders, the mechanisms of drugs, and the complex process of brain development.
What did you learn about the Biological Perspective that you did not previously know?
9) From the Biological Perspective presented in this TED Talk, I gained a deeper appreciation for the significance of mapping gene expression within the human brain. I also gained insights into
the remarkable technological advancements and methodologies employed in brain mapping.
I also came to understand the potential applications of this research, particularly in fields like drug
discovery and neuroscience.
1)
The presenter is Jones A., a notable figure in the world of neuroscience and bioscience research. He has earned a Ph.D. in genetics and developmental biology from Washington University
School of Medicine, and a B.S. in biology from Duke University. The area of psychology his work would fall under is psychobiology.
2)
In this TED Talk Allan presents an interesting process of mapping genetic activity within the human brain. He sheds light on the complexity of the brain, highlights the key influence of genes,
and points out the significance of identifying where genes activate within the brain. His intention in sharing this information is to highlight the progress made in brain mapping technology and
its potential implications, such as advancements in drug development and a deeper understanding of brain-related disorders.
3)
The recent studies Allan discussed in the TED Talk aim to answer a fundamental question: where and how do genes become active within the human brain? These studies work to create a
comprehensive map of gene expression in the brain, which has widespread implications for our understanding of brain function. Allan effectively conveys the significance of this question by
highlighting its potential applications, such as drug development and uncovering the mysteries of brain disorders.
4)
Hypothesis:
The primary goal of this research is to understand which of the 25,000 genes within the human genome are actively expressed in certain regions of the brain. The researchers intend to create a
in depth map illustrating gene expression patterns in the brain, providing valuable insights into the genetic processes underlying brain functions.
Study Design:
The study's approach involves several steps. First, normal human brains meeting specific criteria are gathered. Next (MRI) is used to establish the foundational framework for brain mapping,
then diffusion tensor imaging is used to map the brain's major neural pathways. Next, the brain is sectioned into one-centimeter slices, and samples are removed for analysis. Laser scanning
microdissection is then used to collect specific brain tissue samples, which are then processed to purify and analyze RNA. The end goal is to detect which of the 25,000 genes in the human
genome are actively expressed in certain regions of the brain.
Random Assignment- This study doesn’t employ random assignment because it doesn't involve experimental groups or interventions on living subjects. Instead, it focuses on collecting post-
mortem brain samples from individuals who meet specific criteria, such as age, cause of death, and absence of psychiatric disease or drugs.
Experimental Groups- Traditional experimental studies typically have experimental and control groups. In this brain mapping study, there are no experimental groups, as the primary goal is to
analyze the gene expression patterns in post-mortem brain tissue. The "groups" here are individuals who meet the criteria for brain sample collection.
Independent and Dependent Variables- In a typical experimental design, researchers manipulate independent variables and measure their impact on dependent variables. In this brain mapping
study, there is no manipulation of variables. Instead, the study focuses on the independent variable of interest, which is the gene expression in various brain regions. The dependent variable is
the data generated from the gene expression analysis.
In summary, the study is more observational and data-driven, with focus on mapping gene expression in the human brain rather than traditional experimental design elements. The primary
goal is to provide a brain map for understanding the genetic activity behind brain function, rather than testing specific hypotheses through experimental manipulation.
5)
A significant limitation of this study is its relatively small sample size, which includes only two human brains. This limited sample may not fully capture the entire range of human brain
genetics. Also, the study relies on post-mortem brain samples, which might overlook the dynamic changes in gene expression that occur during an individual's lifetime.
6)
Ethical considerations in the video include the process of acquiring human brains post-mortem and the necessity of obtaining consent for tissue donation. Allan also briefly refers to the
gender imbalance in the collected brain samples, highlighting the ethical complexities associated with brain research.
7)
Although Allan doesn’t specifically mention any remaining questions, he highlights the intricate nature of the brain and the need for continued research in this field. He hints at the vast
uncharted territory that awaits exploration in brain mapping.
8)
The question explored in this study significantly adds to the larger perspective of understanding genetic activity in the human brain and how it influences brain function. The creation of a
gene expression map in the brain provides researchers with unique insights into conditions like neurological disorders, the mechanisms of drugs, and the complex process of brain development.
9)
From the Biological Perspective presented in this TED Talk, I gained a deeper appreciation for the significance of mapping gene expression within the human brain. I also gained insights into
the remarkable technological advancements and methodologies employed in brain mapping.
I also came to understand the potential applications of this research, particularly in fields like drug
discovery and neuroscience.
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