Albert Einstein’s Brain & Multivitamins for Men

• When Albert Einstein died in 1955, his brain was carefully examined by a pathologist and others for clues as to his genius. After photographing the brain, it was cut into blocks for preservation and later study. Until recently, there was little indication that Einstein’s brain was different from any other human brain. A new study comparing 14 photographs of Einstein’s brain with the surface of 85 other human brains showed that there were unusual twists and folds in certain areas of his brain. Regions of the left side of the brain connecting the face and tongue are much larger than normal, as is the prefrontal cortex, which is linked to organizing thoughts, planning, focused attention, perseverance, and other higher level brain functions. (Science, Nov. 23, 2012)

• It is estimated that about 90 percent of Americans fail to eat the recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables, although about half take some kind of vitamin supplement. Studies have shown that, for women, there is little benefit in taking vitamin and mineral supplements, but a new study shows this is not true for men. Researchers followed 15,000 men over age 50 for more than 10 years. Half received a multivitamin supplement and the other half a placebo pill. Over the study period, 8 percent of those taking the supplement were less likely to develop cancer than those in the placebo group. (The Week, Nov. 9, 2012)

• Feeling irritable? Here is a cutting-edge treatment for this condition described in the book Revolutionary Medicine 1700-1800 by Keith Wilbur (Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, CT): “Place patient’s hand in hot water to swell veins. Tie tape at the pulse. Patient opens hand two or three times to cause further swelling. Hold patient’s hand by the fingers and stretch hand backward. Use scalpel to pierce the vein longitudinally. Finally, dip hand in hot water to make the blood flow freely. Loosen tape to allow impure blood to escape.”

No wonder leeches represented a step forward in bloodletting!

(Note: George Washington’s physician, a Dr. Rush, responded to the former president’s throat infection by removing a quart of blood every 48 hours, followed by removing over two quarts of blood in 24 hours. Washington died shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, in those days it was thought that the body contained 12 quarts of blood – not the actual six.)

• Sharks do not have swim bladders like body fish and are negatively buoyant, even in seawater. This means they must swim continuously to avoid sinking. For many sharks, movement also ensures a constant flow of water over their gills, so they can breathe. Other sharks pump water into their mouth chamber and force it out over the gills. (www.bbc.co.uk/nature/uk)

• A study of 243 centenarians revealed personality traits that may to lead to longer life. People tend to live longer who are conscientious, relaxed, upbeat about life, quick to laughter, have an active social life, and tend to share their feelings with others. (Aging, online edition, May 21, 2012)