Anger kills brain cells

By ERIKA KINETZ Published May 08, 2019 Features Associated Press Facebook Twitter Comments Print Image 1 of 2 ▼ Dr. Li Dianyou uses a tablet computer to adjust the settings of a deep brain stimulation device implanted in the brain of a methamphetamine user named Yan, left, on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai, China. Western attempts to push forward with human trials of DBS for drug addiction have foundered, even as China has emerged as a hub for this kind of research. But the vast suffering wrought by the U.S. opioid epidemic may be changing the risk-reward calculus. Now, the experimental surgery Yan underwent is coming to America. (AP Photo/Erika Kinetz) Patient Number One is a thin man, with a scabby face and bouncy knees. His head, shaved in preparation for surgery, is wrapped in a clean, white cloth. Continue Reading Below Years of drug use cost him his wife, his money and his self-respect, before … [Read more...] about Experimental brain implants studied as opioid deaths rise

By ERIKA KINETZ Published May 08, 2019 Features Associated Press Facebook Twitter Comments Print Image 1 of 2 ▼ This Monday, Oct. 29, 2018 photo shows a brain scan of a methamphetamine addict with the path of electrodes that doctors at Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai, China implanted to stimulate an area of the brain associated with addiction. Western attempts to push forward with human trials of deep brain stimulation for drug addiction have foundered, even as China has emerged as a hub for this kind of research. But the vast suffering wrought by the U.S. opioid epidemic may be changing the risk-reward calculus. Now, the experimental surgery for addiction is coming to America. (AP Photo/Erika Kinetz) Patient Number One is a thin man, with a scabby face and bouncy knees. His head, shaved in preparation for surgery, is wrapped in a clean, white cloth. Continue Reading Below Years of drug use cost him his wife, his money and his … [Read more...] about Electronic implants studied for treatment of drug addition

BOSTON (AP) — During Aaron Hernandez‘s double murder trial, the former NFL star’s lawyer wanted to drive home his point that the prosecution’s star witness was a “three-legged pony” whose testimony could not be believed. So he galloped like a horse in front of the jury.It was vintage Jose Baez: flashy, theatrical and willing to do anything for his clients.With Hernandez’s acquittal, Baez burnished his status as one of the most recognized defense attorneys in the U.S., six years after his high-profile gig successfully defending Casey Anthony, the Florida mother accused of killing her toddler because she didn’t want the responsibility of raising a child.His no-holds-barred style has won him both praise and scorn.Prosecutors who have gone up against Baez say there is nothing he won’t do to win, while defense attorneys who have worked with call him a brilliant strategist who rips open holes in the prosecution’s case.“If you … [Read more...] about Jose Baez: Hernandez Acquittal Burnishes Lawyer’s Reputation

Though there’s no exact equivalent in the English language, there is no shortage of names given to illnesses that can stem from the stresses of work: heart disease, depression, irritable bowel syndrome and panic attacks, to name a few.There are plenty of fields that have characteristics that can cause stress levels to skyrocket; the stakes are high in medicine, and social workers deal with situations ranging from complex to tragic. But lawyers are particularly susceptible to such problems because of the unique interplay of the legal profession and the lawyer personality. It’s the adversarial nature of lawyering that sets it apart from other professions, says Amiram Elwork, director of the Law-Psychology Graduate Training Program at Widener University in Chester, Pa. The third edition of Elwork’s book Stress Management for Lawyers comes out this month.“By definition, the adversarial system is conflict-ridden, and conflict creates certain types of emotions like … [Read more...] about Stressing Yourself Sick