Video 4. Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction

Spreading depression, the most likely cause of migraine aura and pain, propagates at the unique speed of 3 millimeters a minute. The causes for this brain event are beginning to be understood. The fact that the brain of migraineurs is more excitable than normal takes on added importance when one considers a fascinating chemical reaction that can be demonstrated in a Petri dish. The reaction is called a Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. When special chemicals are mixed in a dish and made sufficiently excitable at a triggering point, a slowly propagating chemical oscillation is created -- much like what can happen when increased brain activity from a triggering event evoke a migraine. As a result, recurrent waves begin to travel from the stimulus point, like waves from the sea coming ashore as shown in the video. Remarkably these waves travel at three millimeters / minute, just like spreading depression. (This video was created with the assistance of Ms. Jane Babiarz from the University of Chicago.)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Migraine
• aura
• migraine
• headache
• spreading
• depression
• Belousov-Zhabotinsky
• reaction

[nickharvey7]

Nice video!

This is an invitation to everyone or anyone to see an artist theory on the physics of light and time!

This theory is based on two postulates

1. Is that the quantum wave particle function Ψ represents the forward passage of time ∆E ∆t ≥ h/2π itself

2. Is that Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle ∆×∆p×≥h/4π that is formed by the w- function is the same uncertainty we have with any future event that we can interact with turning the possible into the actual!

[rkraig]

@nickharvey7 Thanks. I'll need to think about your postulates.

[dragonamt]

So you are using chaotic dynamics to model the neurological processes of a migrianeur's brain is what you are saying correct?

[rkraig]

@dragonamt That's a fair assessment. But so far- we recognize it but haven't found the the best way to exploit it to identify mechanisms.

[nickharvey7]

@rkraig I am an artist and when I create a work of art it takes energy and is a process over a period of time ∆E ∆t ≥ h/2π. There is always uncertainty ∆×∆p×≥h/4π of how the art work will turn out in three dimensional (4π spherical) space the position of the lines and curves π on the canvas. Every movement I make will have to start at the quantum level and will have an uncertainty of momentum and position

[rytallica898]

@radionlibrarian These chemicals are not actually present in the brain. However, this reaction is an example the power of cellular automatons. Go look them up on wikipedia. Cellular automatons, which is related to this chemical reaction's explanation, ARE heavily being used to simulate the spreading of cortical activity in the brain.

[rkraig]

@angelstarbright, I think th emost important aspect of an answer to your questoion, is to do something that's a bit challenging that is, makes you "think." In addtion, while it might be moderatley and transiently strressful, it should, overall, be fun. Good luck. Keep that brain working!

[angelstarbright]

@rkraig Hooray!! :)) - best sign up for that math class... only kiddin, a windy walk and a crossword will do, . . . Is it equally important to do 'left and right brain' things? such as reading and learning combined with writing and singing/drawing x

[rkraig]

@angelstarbright "Don't let the moss grow in your brain." Indeed, good advice - follows the science that indicates brain can improve with USE and deterorate from LACK OF USE.  We (and others) are studying the "why" and "how" of this to improve health.

[angelstarbright]

@rkraig And Sugar be the cause of migraine and depression and lack of movement and physical activity (ie seeing things worth wile being done that you have had a hand in, which is why gardening is good for example) .. the reaction is similar to how a sort of lichen or fungus may grow on a tree or stone? So don't let the moss grow in your brain! keep those stones rolling, cogs turning and water flowing! (oo arr) x