...Adjustable Brain Cells Neighboring neurons can manipulate astrocytes. By Ruth Williams | February 18, 2016 Neurons (magenta) signal to astrocytes (green) TODD FARMER, MCGILL UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE eurons in the adult mouse brain can shape N the features and physiologies of nearby astroglial cells, according to a study published today (February 18) in Science . Researchers at McGill University in Montreal and their colleagues have identified a molecular signal called sonic hedgehog (Shh), secreted by neurons, that acts as the agent of change. “What’s very exciting about the paper is this notion that a cell’s fate might be determined—after it has already established its morphology and location in the brain—based on interactions with its neighbors,” said neurologist Ed Ruthazer of the Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill who was not involved in the research. “And the conversion is not superficial,” he added, “it really does seem to fundamentally reorganize the transcriptome of the cell.” Astroglia are nonneuronal cells in the central nervous system that generally support and modulate neuronal function. The mammalian brain has an assortment of astrocytes, which perform a variety of specialized functions. This diversity was largely thought to be established during embryogenesis and early postnatal development, said Keith Murai of McGill who led the new research. “But after that,” he said, “the properties of these cells were thought to be solidified ...
Words: 738 - Pages: 3
...COURSE: CHRISTIAN BELIEFS COURSE CODE: THE 205 LECTURER: REV. F AMOLO ASSIGNMENT: THE CHURCH AS THE NEW ISRAEL & THE RELEVANCE OF THE CHURCH RUTO KORIR-12S03EBT004 The “Church” has been in existence for quite a number of centuries, in the book of Acts we see the fellowship of believers coming together in unity “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their numbers daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42 & 46). This illustrates to us that the body of Christ came into existence a little while after he had resurrected into heaven. The church has been described in a number of ways, some in their lack of understanding have described the church as a piece of real estate or just a building where individuals hold their religious masses. But in truth the church is a community of those who believe that Jesus Christ is their Lord and saviour, the church is composed of those who have a common faith and belief. Others have gone on to describe the church as a body, a family, the New Israel and the body of Christ. It has also been described as the spiritual reflection of the society and humanity as a whole. Churches can exist in small and local communities ranging from small to large...
Words: 1099 - Pages: 5
...Beliefs of Ancient Egyptians with Medieval Christians This paper compares and contrasts the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians with those of the medieval Christians, particularly as those beliefs found expression in the art of each time. The ritual mysticism of Egypt's worship of the sun gave way to a more egalitarian view of the present world and a less literal conception of the next. Christianity offered a broad vision of life after death, promising the possibility of salvation to commoners as well as to the kings, who could expect it as their right in Egypt. The art of this newer religion also allowed for individual expression and interpretation, giving a glimpse of the sweeping historic changes that would eventually transform the world of antiquity into a more complex dialogue between humanity and its gods. The religion of the ancient Egyptians grew out of their connection with the earth and their surroundings. Early beliefs followed those of other peoples whose lives were dictated by the elements and the seasons; Joseph Lindon Smith (1956) describes Egypt's early religion as a "simple agricultural pantheon of earth, rain, and sky" (p. 316). More than any other developing culture of antiquity, however, the Egyptians began to concentrate their attentions on the single most prominent feature of their landscape, the sun. The religion of the builders of the pyramids became the most striking example ever seen of sun worship. Ra, the personification of the sun, was identified...
Words: 1685 - Pages: 7
...Transcendentalism and Christianity Have Incompatible Beliefs Transcendentalism is “a group of new ideas in literature, religion, culture, and philosophy that emerged in the early to middle 19th century” (Wikipedia). Transcendentalism first started with Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of the pioneers of the Transcendentalists, who in his essay “Nature”, criticized several things, especially the Unitarian church (Wikipedia). Many other Transcendentalists such as Thomas Parker, Henry David Thoreau, Amos Bronson Alcott, and James Freeman Clark, along with Emerson, were critics of their society because they didn’t like the fact that people had “unthinking conformity” (Stanford 1). Transcendentalists work to make the world better through “social reform movements” and also strongly believe that one’s intuitive ability is a gift from God (Lewis). These might be the reasons why Transcendentalists tried to build their own religion based on certain principles which they said came from the “inner essence of the human” (Wikipedia). The Transcendental movement came out of a religious group of Christians in order to create their own group in many points incompatible with Christianity (Stanford 1). This is why Transcendentalism and Christianity have incompatible beliefs. One of the ways the beliefs of Transcendentalists and Christians are incompatible is that they have incompatible beliefs about Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus came to human beings to show them the way to salvation (Certificate...
Words: 1105 - Pages: 5
...Christianity What and where is heaven and hell? Many Christians today can answer these questions based on the beliefs they’ve obtained through the church. Most Christians would answer that heaven is a place in the sky where an obedient person’s soul goes after they die, and hell is a place in the ground where a misbehaved soul goes. These beliefs of afterlife are often taught in Christian churches; however, these beliefs weren’t always this way. This change was important because it answered the critical question in Christianity about the Last Judgment Day. This change took place after the church had to create specific writings of the beliefs of the Christian religion to refute the popular beliefs of Gnosticism and Marcionism. The ideas about heaven and hell came out of neo-platonic philosophy, which played the major role of influence in the Christian religious cults Gnosticism and Marcionism, who then prevailed with the same ideas that were adopted by the Christian orthodox. Another importance of this change in the history of the church is that the Christian orthodox today still practices these neo-platonic ideas that were first present in the Gnosticism and Marcionism. The Christian orthodox beliefs about heaven and hell would not be the same without the Gnostic and Marcionic influences on the church. Neo-platonic philosophy about heaven and hell show up in the beliefs of Gnostics and Marcionites and the Christian orthodox. However, the neo-platonic ideas didn’t show up...
Words: 2352 - Pages: 10
...Christianity. Jews and Christians will view this piece at the Christian and Jewish Interfaith Cultural and Historical Center; this piece will appropriately represent both faiths. Team C will discuss beliefs on how the piece will reflect Jewish and Christian concepts of humanity's relationship to the world and deity also how the piece will enhance intellectual and physical environments. Representations of developments in world events and cultural patterns past and present in Judaism and Christianity The designed piece placed in the new the Christian and Jewish Interfaith Cultural and Historical Center will promote unity among the Jews and Christians. A number of sensitive issues separated these two faiths. However, this piece will force both Jewish and Christian leaders to look past their differences and conflicts and seek a common ground. Doing this will give their children and followers a solid foundation to pursue their own religious journeys based on learning both Judaism and Christianity, respect for other religions, and a personal sense of spirituality and ethical values. Appropriate location for proposed piece Placing this piece in the entrance of the Christian and Jewish Interfaith Cultural and Historical Center is very much appropriate. The Christian and Jewish Interfaith Cultural and Historical Center is a place where Jews and Christians can develop an appreciation for spiritual and moral values in one another and in society. Both Jewish and Christian leaders and their...
Words: 989 - Pages: 4
...fundamental and the major text for Christianity and still today is the Bible. From its very beginnings in Jerusalem, Christianity has been profoundly influenced by various events. Christianity suffered many early persecutions but by 381 CE, it had been confirmed as the central religion of the Roman Empire. However, the collapse of the Roman Empire and its eventual division into the Eastern and Western Empires brought more conflict, and by the 11th century the Christian Church has become the Church of the West- the Roman Church- and the Church of the East- the Orthodox Church, known as The Great Schism. The sixteenth century brought more division with the Reformation in Europe and in England, with dividing into Protestant Churches and the Catholic Church, due to inadequacies in the Medieval Church such as the selling of indulgences and clerical concubinage. In addition, from the Protestant Churches, the many variants, which sub-divided from that helped created the concept of Pentecostalism- Variations of all Churches. The Christian Bible is a...
Words: 1124 - Pages: 5
...Christianity appear to be very different, but core beliefs behind them are very similar. Most of Islam’s population came from the Middle East, but there are still large amount of Muslims throughout the United States (Nation Master, 2010). Islam has grown significantly in the past twenty years within the United States. They both, belief in one God and that both religions result from the direct descendent of Abraham, a quality that is also shared with Judaism. The doctrinal beliefs of each religion are each different. Islam is the most important figure in the world, and a name that is recognized by most around the world is the prophet Muhammad. Muhammad was born in approximately 570 C.E. in the town of Mecca. At the time of his birth the area of Mecca was populated by many people who practiced polytheism, and a minority of the population was devoted to Christianity and Judaism. Instead of pursuing any of these practices, instead Muhammad would find himself meditating in a cave on the outskirts of town quite frequently, and it is there where Muslims believe their religion was founded. One night while meditating it is said that an archangel visited Muhammad and declared him as one of God’s prophets. Over his lifetime he had many more visions and through the help of his wife and cousins the words he received were written down, and would later be used to form the Koran, or the fundamental doctrine of Islam. There are six key beliefs or articles of faith as far as the Islamic doctrine...
Words: 1996 - Pages: 8
...has various denominations. All of these Christian groups and churches, however, adhere to the central tenets of Christianity. Christians have a distinct understanding of the nature of God, the identity of Jesus Christ, and the role of salvation. While most of the Christian holy sites are in Rome and Jerusalem, two of the earliest centers of the religion, Christian sites can be found in all countries where the religion is present. The early Christian missions, located primarily in Florida and California, are an example of important sites for the religion in the United States. This paper provides an overview of the religion, information regarding St. Augustine Mission in Florida, an interview with a Christian, and a comparison between Christianity and Islam in order to provide a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Christianity is currently one of the world’s largest religions. Approximately 33% of the world’s population or around 2.1 billion people profess the Christian faith (Major Religions…, 2007). Who are these people? What do they believe in? Where do they come from? Where are they going? These are some of the basic questions many people, unfamiliar with Christianity, could have about the religion. Many Christian symbols, such as the cross, are well known, but the meaning behind the main symbols is less frequently known. A glance at the history of Christianity, one of its important sites, the experience of a Christian, and a comparison with Islam, another common...
Words: 3059 - Pages: 13
...affect our patients and their family members. In this paper we will compare the philosophies of three diverse faiths. The faiths chosen are Islam, Christian Science and Buddhism, and how they compare to Christianity. We will learn about basic beliefs, spiritual perspectives on healing, and the components of healing such as meditation, prayer and other rituals they follow. Furthermore, addressing the importance and perceptive of how to care for a patient with a different faith and cultural view. In the field of nursing we are in constant contact with patients of several different faiths. This requires an abundance of knowledge and acceptance towards multiple beliefs and religions. The philosophies of Christian Science, Buddhism and Islam compared to Christianity have significantly diverse beliefs surrounding health, illness, death and healing. From a spiritual perspective we will learn about each of these faiths. We will place focus on their beliefs on healing, meditation, rituals, prayer and their views on afterlife. We as healthcare providers need to know what is viewed with importance in their faith in order to treat the patient with respect and dignity. Buddhism is a religion based on the teaching and traditions of Siddhartha Gautama, who is also referred to as the Buddha implicating “the Awakened one”. Buddhists mimic a belief of freedom from the world (Tanaka, 1999). From the Buddhist perspective healing comes from within the body and mind. They feel that the mind is...
Words: 1541 - Pages: 7
...vs. Naturalism In a society that is increasingly hostile to the Christian worldview, one must understand that that hostility is forming changes in the culture. Many businesses in America have operated under the presupposition that Business’ only mandate is to make money with no further responsibility to society. It is the philosophical belief of Naturalism that society owes business the framework upon which to operate with no corresponding obligation to benefit society in return. As America continues to struggle economically it is fair to wonder why. In Business, the conflict between differing worldviews is paramount to the health and sustainability of the economy. Understanding the differing beliefs between the Christian worldview and the worldview of Naturalism, as they pertain to business, will help people see the affect those views have, and potentially have, on the economy of the United States. It is important to define these two worldviews philosophically in order to fully grasp their intent and scope. The metaphysical, epistemology and axiological beliefs of Naturalism will introduce a deeper understanding of this particular worldview. The metaphysical belief of Naturalism is that the natural order is eternal, self sufficient and uncreated. The epistemological belief of Naturalism is that knowledge is gained through human experience and scientific method. Finally, the axiological belief of Naturalism is that ethics and beauty are relative. Naturalism rejects...
Words: 1434 - Pages: 6
...October 4, 2010 Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, with more than one and a half billion followers worldwide it is the most rapidly growing religion today. While on the surface Islam and Christianity appear to be very different, the history of the two religions and the core beliefs behind them are very similar. Most of Islam’s population comes from the Middle East, but there are still large amount of Muslims all over the world including Africa, China, and the United States (NationMaster, np). Depending on the region in which they live some customs may vary. Within the United States Islam has grown significantly in the past twenty years, largely due to the high percentage of immigrants coming over from the Middle East. Fundamentally speaking there are a few major correlations between Islam and Christianity. Two of the biggest similarities are the monotheistic bases of the religion, or belief in one God and the belief that both religions result from the direct descendent of Abraham, a quality also shared with Judaism. While there may be many similarities in the area of which the two sects were founded, they still differ in many ways most of which come from the doctrinal beliefs at the heart of each religion. The most important figure in the world of Islam, and a name that is recognized by most around the world is the prophet Muhammad. Muhammad was born in approximately 570 C.E. in the town of Mecca. At the time of his birth the area of Mecca was populated by many...
Words: 2351 - Pages: 10
...The Levels of Ethical Authority As Christians, we wonder where we should go for guidance on ethics. Stassen and Gushee in Chapter 4 take a look back at the story of the Jewish family and the holocaust. The situation was whether or not it was ethical to hide Jews during the Holocaust. The family’s strong beliefs in Christian faith and morals make this family’s actions ethical in this situation. During this period, Christians looked to their faith to help them make decisions concerning helping the Jewish people. Christians look toward five sources of authority. They are the “Bible”, “divine guidance”, “a religiously informed moral conscience”, “moral tradition”, and “church leaders” (Stassen & Gushee, 2003, p. 82). There are other sources that some turn to for guidance; examples are relatives, a husband or wife, educators, and companions. The essential point is individuals have a tendency to search for direction when they confront moral predicaments (Stassen & Gushee, 2003). This is done instinctively. When we do not know where to turn in ethical dilemmas, the one person we can look towards is Jesus. We need to look at where Jesus turned when he looked for answers. His answers came from the Bible. “Jesus lived what he understood the scriptures to teach; he immersed himself in them and knew them well” (Stassen & Gushee, 2003, p. 84). Christians must remember it is important that we must look toward the Scriptures as the authority on our ethical decisions. The...
Words: 2550 - Pages: 11
...Running Head: HEALTHCARE AND THREE DISTINCT BELIEFS Diversity in Beliefs Each culture has its own beliefs regarding healing, health, faith, treatment, health care providers, and disease. Everyone's practices and beliefs are brought into the health care system, so it is important as nurses to respect each patient's faith and beliefs. It is hard as health care professionals who have been taught Western medicine to understand other beliefs, but it is important to remember as nurses the goal is to improve patient care. Hinduism Hinduism is believed to have begun from the beginning of time, since wisdom existed. Therefore, Hinduism has many founders. Hinduism is formed by more than hundreds of sacred scriptures. Lord Krishna is god manifested in human form. Hinduism teachers that healing is a side-effect of the spiritual processes. Hindus believe that a healthy body helps the patient to go deeper spiritually and doing so will also allow the body to relax and have energy. There are two main components that are believed to heal illnesses. First, Hatha Yoga and Pranayama which are breathing exercises which increases the body's immunity causing the healing process to go faster. Second, spiritual masters who have mastered the uses of subtle energies which they use to heal illnesses by touching or wishing. When my patient goes to the hospital for care, she does not wish to hear anything about religion, faith or beliefs. She prefers to know what her diagnosis and prognosis...
Words: 1442 - Pages: 6
...health maintenance, protection and restoration of individual cultural beliefs. This evaluation helps meet the needs of different patient populations to provide quality holistic care. The purpose of this paper is to explore the Hispanic, Native American, Chinese, and the author’s own personal cultural beliefs from perspectives of health traditions, maintenance, promotion and restoration of health. The objectives are to identify different families and the own common health traditions based of the cultural heritage. Evaluate and discuss how the families ascribe to traditions and practices. The evaluation of these different cultures reveal similarities and differences in traditions that may help provide holistic optimal health delivery. The definition of cultural awareness is an individual’s awareness of their understanding between themselves and other backgrounds, attitudes to health and specific cultural values (Cultural awareness, n.d). Cultural competence refers to knowledge and skills that must be obtained to care for culturally different backgrounds (Spector, 2008). The Heritage Assessment Tool (HAT) , is a check list used by professionals to gain knowledge of patients culture and beliefs prior to initiating care (Spector 2000). In combination with questions that relate to health beliefs and practices the HAT assessment includes events in their childhood, which contribute to the values, and beliefs in adulthood...
Words: 1319 - Pages: 6
