Honoring a major scientific contribution
A seminal chapter in the history of modern neuroscience closed this Tuesday when Henry Gustav Molaison passed away at age 82. Mr. Molaison, previously known only as H.M., underwent experimental surgery in 1953 to remove part of his hippocampus as treatment for severe seizures. After surgery, Mr. Molaison found he could not form new memories of people, places or experiences, although his personality, the memories of his life prior to surgery, and his capacity to form other types of memories (e.g. muscle memory) remained intact. His case revolutionized our understanding of memory and identity, and is familiar to any student of modern psychology or medical science. The New York Times has an interesting piece on his life, including accounts from the scientists who worked with him over the years.
“He was a very gracious man, very patient, always willing to try these tasks I would give him,†Dr. Milner, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at the Montreal Neurological Institute and McGill University, said in a recent interview. “And yet every time I walked in the room, it was like we’d never met.â€
Thank you, Mr. Molaison.
Prop 8 the Musical
This appears to only have dropped 15 hours ago, so spread the word:
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones
Cult of Mac
Guess those smug Mac commercials worked too well. IN YR APPLEZ, STEALIN’ A;LL YR DATAZ!1!