If Looks Could Kill - Graphic Art & Design

Interesting excerpts from an article on the placebo effect:

“For years, scientists have looked at the placebo effect as just a figment of overactive patient imaginations. Sure, dummy medications seemed to curb epileptic seizures, lower blood pressure, soothe migraines and smooth out jerky movements in Parkinson’s - but these people weren’t really better. Or so scientists thought.

Now, using PET scanners and MRIs to peer into the heads of patients who respond to sugar pills, researchers have discovered that the placebo effect is not “all in patients’ heads” but rather, in their brains. New research shows that belief in a dummy treatment leads to changes in brain chemistry.”

“A signal starts out at an injured site and travels up to the brain, Mackey explains. But, until the brain interprets that electrical signal, you don’t actually ‘feel’ pain.”

Placebo’s power goes beyond the mind
Scientists tap into fake pill’s effects to help real pains

Other than seeing the kitten pictures a while back, which seriously upset me, there are very few cases of this with humans in this modern age:

Pictures | Story

In the comments, some fucktard smugly replies:

“Apparently, some people are willing to care for a child regardless of the difficulties she might have. Not everyone is interested in terminating pregnancies simply because a child might have a difficult life.”

Are they fucking blind? Perhaps they did not see the pictures associated with the article, how decrepid the so-called hospital is. Perhaps they are lacking empathy, for the tortured creature lying on the table, and the life she will face if she lives long enough.

I am amazed that someone would feel this particular article was a GREAT place for their pro-life agenda. Fucknuts.

I’ve a new fascination, thanks to Castevet who is always a fascinating read. Truly the Smallest People in the World. (I have the DVD on order.)

Snippet 1 | Snippet 2

Sometimes individuals strike me as far too precious for this world, not intended for all of the cruelty and ugliness found here. They do not live long either, typically only into their twenties, but what they endure during their short lives probably makes it more than enough.

This little girl, in particular, is so beautiful she’s unreal!

• Picture 1
• Picture 2
• Picture 3
• Picture 4
• Picture 5

All of the photos referenced above were taken by the talented photographer, Gary Parker.