Welcome back to this week's edition of the Sunday Spectrum, your weekly snapshot of knowledge and culture. We hope last week was a good week.

There are some new followers amongst us so I am going to break down what to expect from today’s edition.

• Article - articles that I have found interesting and informative

• Content - Informative content that I have consumed in the last week

• Entertainment - entertaining things I have consumed this week - could be a movie, tv series etc

• Quote - a quote that will provide you with some value

Table of Contents

• Articles / Education

  • Revolutionising Treatment: How Repurposed Anti-Can …

• What Does Body Temperature Have to Do With Depress …

• The Surprising Genius of Jealousy and Envy

• Content

  • 12 Unexpected Laws Of Human Psychology - Morgan Ho …

  • Marcus Aurelius: The man who solved the universe

• Entertainment

  • Passengers

• Quote

Articles / Education

Revolutionising Treatment: How Repurposed Anti-Cancer Drug Reverses Neurodegenerative Disease Symptoms

In this study, researchers have made a significant step towards treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by focusing on 'fixing' rogue brain cells.

Scientists have identified that glial cells, which are supposed to support nerve cells, can sometimes go awry and contribute to the progression of these diseases.

By repurposing an existing anti-cancer drug, researchers have successfully returned these malfunctioning glial cells to their normal state in animal models, thereby reducing the symptoms of these debilitating conditions. This innovative approach not only opens new pathways for treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's but also highlights the potential for existing drugs to be used in novel ways to combat neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery marks a promising step forward in the quest to understand and eventually cure these complex conditions, offering hope to millions affected worldwide.

What Does Body Temperature Have to Do With Depression?

This article from Psychology Today explores the intriguing connection between body temperature and depression, shedding light on how thermal regulation might play a role in mental health.

Researchers have found that individuals with depression often exhibit altered body temperature patterns, potentially due to dysregulated circadian rhythms.

This dysregulation may lead to difficulties in emotional processing and a disrupted sleep-wake cycle, contributing to the symptoms of depression. The piece delves into the biological underpinnings of this phenomenon, suggesting that the body's inability to effectively regulate temperature could mirror the difficulties encountered in regulating mood. Furthermore, it discusses therapeutic implications, including the potential benefits of treatments aimed at stabilising body temperature, such as warm baths before sleep, to help alleviate depression symptoms. This emerging field of study opens new avenues for understanding and treating depression, emphasising the complex interplay between our physical states and mental health.

The Surprising Genius of Jealousy and Envy

This article from Psychology Today delves into the often misunderstood emotions of jealousy and envy, arguing that these feelings, rather than being purely negative, hold an evolutionary advantage and can act as catalysts for personal growth and self-improvement.

It distinguishes between jealousy (fear of losing something we have) and envy (desire for something someone else has), highlighting how both emotions can motivate individuals to assess their values, aspirations, and relationships more critically. By acknowledging and understanding these feelings, people can harness them as a drive for positive change, pushing themselves towards achieving their own goals and improving their interpersonal connections. The piece encourages a reevaluation of jealousy and envy as not just social taboos but complex emotions with the potential to inspire self-reflection and ambition. This perspective offers a fresh lens through which to view these often stigmatised feelings, suggesting they can be a source of insight and motivation when approached constructively.

Content

12 Unexpected Laws Of Human Psychology - Morgan Housel

Marcus Aurelius: The man who solved the universe

Entertainment

Passengers

Another older movie but first time watching, this 2016 movie offers a compelling exploration of themes such as loneliness, ethical dilemmas, human connection, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Through the story of two individuals awakened 90 years too early on a spaceship bound for a new planet, the film delves into the complexities of making life-altering decisions out of desperation, the fundamental need for companionship, and the capacity for forgiveness and redemption. It challenges viewers to consider the value of human interaction, the weight of moral choices, and the power of love to transcend extraordinary circumstances. Despite its controversial plot points, "Passengers" prompts reflection on the essence of human nature and the lengths to which one might go to avoid isolation and forge meaningful connections.

Quote