medicine

  • What does it feel like to die? This article is all about the specific. E.g., on drowning:
    When victims eventually submerge, they hold their breath for as long as possible, typically 30 to 90 seconds. After that, they inhale some water, splutter, cough and inhale more. Water in the lungs blocks gas exchange in delicate tissues, while inhaling water also triggers the airway to seal shut - a reflex called a laryngospasm. "There is a feeling of tearing and a burning sensation in the chest as water goes down into the airway. Then that sort of slips into a feeling of calmness and tranquility," says Tipton, describing reports from survivors.
    (via bb) (4) #
    10/11/2007
  • Judge Richard Posner, who more often than not sides against government regulation, is actually open-minded about the trans fat ban in New York City.
    [E]ven those of us who distrust government regulation of the economy should be open to the possibility that the ban on trans fats would produce a net improvement in the welfare of New Yorkers by satisfying a preference that most of them would have if the cost of absorbing information about the good in question were not prohibitive.
    But like his first commenter, I question the cost of opening the door to further regulation in this area, which Posner doesn't mention. (9) #
    12/18/2006
  • Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, suffered from Spasmodic Dysphonia, which is a mysterious condition where the part of your brain that processes everyday speech is no longer accessible. He wasn't able to speak in certain contexts, but in others, like public talks, he was able to speak perfectly fine. A few days ago he realized that he could speak in rhymes perfectly, and soon afterwards his brain remapped his speaking process and the condition for the most part disappeared. Very strange stuff. (via kottke) (12) #
    10/25/2006
  • If you're one to think that medical malpractice suits are getting out of control, consider this. (9) #
    7/11/2006
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