Abstract
This paper argues that there are scientifically provable differences between the brains of men and women. Specifically, the paper explores how the brains of men and women evolve over time. It also considers how men and women have different intellectual competencies. Lastly, evidence provided by Doreen Kimura suggest that boys and girls differ in their levels of aggression because they really do have minds shaped by widely divergent hormones.

From the Paper
"The next several pages will argue that there really are scientifically provable differences between the brains of men and women. Specifically, the paper will explore how the brains of men and women evolve (atrophy) over time, and the paper will also look at how men and women have different intellectual competencies - differences which, broadly stated, suggest that men are better in the realm of mathematics and mathematical logic while women are better in the realm of language arts and visual memory. Lastly, evidence provided by Doreen Kimura suggest that boys and..."

Tags:men, women, differences

Abstract
In this essay, the writer provides a critique of Ann Moir and David Jessel's article, which is provocatively entitled "The Differences". The writer notes that the differences to which these two authors allude are the differences that they claim exist between women's and men's brains. The writer points out that according to Moir and Jessel, it is an irrefutable scientific fact that women's and men's brains differ substantially, and moreover that this is reflected in their vastly different aptitudes, interests and abilities. The writer discusses that the authors take issue with what they clearly see as a politically correct vogue of denying that such differences exist, and urge readers to simply accept the differences as a fact of biology. The writer maintains that in so doing, they implicitly attempt to negate much of the work done by feminists to date, and arguably contribute to the backlash against feminism.

From the Paper
"In addition, given the misogyny that lurks just below the surface of this article, it is hard to believe that the authors did not have the deliberate intent of countering the feminist movement. The misogyny is evidenced for example by the fact that Gustave Le Bon's statement that many women's brains are closer in size to those of gorillas than those of men is quoted without censure, indeed, with tacit approval, as the authors then immediately go on to imply that we are in a devastating social revolution due to the fact that women are stupidly refusing to accept their inferiority. And the fact that one of the authors is a woman should not distract us from the charge of misogyny - sadly, the ranks of women also have their share of Uncle Tom's."

Tags:intelligence, female, male, scientific

Abstract
This paper explores the impact of television with respect to child rearing, further considering how parents use the television as a baby-sitter and/or an educational tool. Various studies are cited that show how certain types of television programming can be an effective learning tool for older children, yet many questions remain about the positive and negative effects television has on learning and cognitive development in very young children.

From the Paper
"Since the 1950s, television has increasingly become a part of mainstream culture and the American way of life. With respect to child rearing, many parents today use the television as a baby-sitter and/or an educational tool. While studies have shown that certain types of television programming can be an effective learning tool for older children, many questions remain about the positive and negative effects television has on learning and cognitive development in very young children. Along these lines, the following study examines the positive and negative effects..."

Tags:cognitive development, effects television, childhood development

Abstract
This paper summarizes an article from Scientific American - 'His Brain, Her Brain,' by Larry Cahill. It talks about the research into structural and functional differences in male and female brains and the implications for medicine.

From the Paper
"The article 'His Brain Her Brain' by Larry Cahill describes the research that has been carried out and is ongoing into differences between male and female brains. The is no longer considered a sexist claim because there are differences not only in the structure of male and female brains but in the way different areas of the brain react to various stressors. Back in ... Scientific American published an article which described how sex hormones directed divergent reproductive behavior in rats which was thought to be controlled by the..."

Tags:brain, amygdala, hippocampus, male, female, medicine

Abstract
This paper discusses the brain, a wonderful and complex mechanism which is still largely undiscovered territory with infinite possibilities. The writer explains that this infinite capacity is the result of a complex interaction between the structures of our brains; these structures have more than one function. By describing the different areas of the brain and its structures and functions, and explaining with lucid examples from the writer's own experience how these structures are used in everyday life, the paper brings home to the reader with vivid immediacy how the brain controls our whole body.

Outline:
Brain Diagram
The Reticular Formation
The Medulla
The Cerebellum
The Basal Ganglia
The Basal Forebrain
The Basal Forebrain
Hypothalamus
Amygdala
Hippocampus
Frontal Lobe
Primary Motor Cortex
Brocas's Area
Parietal Lobe
Primary Somatosensory Cortex
Occipital Lobe
Temporal Lobe
Wernicke's Area
Corpus Callosum

From the Paper
"The basal ganglia appear to coordinate movement, cognition and voluntary movement. The basal ganglia are located deep inside of the cerebral hemispheres, in the telecephalon area of the brain. The telencephalon area is the anterior portion of the brain. The exact function of the basal ganglia in behavior is not totally established, but it appears to be the "traffic cop" so to speak, that decides which of the actions the cortex may be planning, to act on, to carry out. It is responsible for making sure that movement results in a pleasurable reward; this structure increases activity when the reward is pleasurable, and does not increase activity when the results do not include a reward. This structure has been implicated in Parkinson's Disorder."

Tags:stimulus spatial sulcus impulse pituitary hormone midbrain, spinal cord, pons

Abstract
The paper overviews the functions of the human brain and its many parts. The paper first describes what our brain looks like and compares it to the brains of animals and fish. The paper then explores whether the mathematical and scientific abilities of geniuses have something to do with their brain development. Furthermore, the paper discusses the main function of the human brain that is its ability to store, retain and subsequently retrieve information. The brain activity that causes dreams is also discussed.

From the Paper
"The human brain is a unique creation - it is wonderfully made to enable us to think, plan, move, see, speak, hear, taste, smell and imagine. It is the central organ of sensation, thought and the true seat of intelligence. The brain is responsible for the major functions of the body in order to survive. It is the one in charge of controlling the body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. The human brain accepts and processes information through our senses - seeing, smelling, hearing, touching, and tasting. Even our capacity to handle physical motion when we do our daily activities is controlled by our brain. It dictates the parameter the way we talk, walk, sit, run, and perform other locomotors. It also has coordinating and regulating functions that allow us to use our logic, provide reasoning, experience emotions, and even to dream."

Tags:memory, neurons, cells, dreams

Abstract
The paper focuses on Searle's Chinese room experiment and how he believes that a machine could never have a "mind" or any sort of mental capacity for understanding, no matter how technologically-advanced it is. But, the paper explains that while the brain is not a computer, Searle insists that the brain is still a machine, which by means of energy transfers causes and sustains consciousness. The paper highlights how Searle believes that both computers and human brains are machines, but in his view the computer is less of a machine in that it does not have the capacity for consciousness.

From the Paper
"The computer has been compared to the human brain ever since the first invention of the computer: neurons are like a microchip, specialized parts of the brain are like graphic cards and system components, etc. There has been long controversy about this topic, however, since it raises a very important philosophical debate. Are our brains like computers? If so, then what does it mean to be human? John Searle, a modern day philosopher who did extensive work in philosophy involving language and meaning and the philosophy of the mind, suggests that the answer to that question what does it mean to be human has to begin with a discussion of the mind for it is "a mental bridge by which we connect with the rest of the world" (Mind: A Brief Introduction)."

Tags:systems, reply, machines, technology, consciousness

Abstract
This paper discusses how reverse engineering is the process of replicating an existing system without the help of designs, drawings or computer models. In particular, it examines how scientists have been toying with the idea of creating artificial brains or computers capable of mimicking the cognitive functions of the human brain for a long time. In particular, it looks at how considerable research is being carried out on using non-invasive techniques to develop and implant neural prosthetic devices.

From the Paper
"Invasive neural prosthetic devices interact directly with the brain. These "brain computer interfaces" usually consist of electrodes that are either placed on the surface of the brain or penetrate the brain. Non invasive neural prosthetic systems have an indirect interaction with the brain with the help of transmissions occurring through the skull. These transmissions can be done with the help of magnetic sensor systems, electroencephalography -- EEG, or functional magnetic resonance imaging -- fMRI. Invasive methods involving cortical stimulation through surgery of the cranium have several disadvantages as well as advantages. One of the primary disadvantages is that surgery involving the cranium can lead to serious surgical complications. "

Tags:cognitive, functions, electroencephalography, invasive, neural

Abstract
The effects of alcohol abuse on the unborn child, on society and on relationships are quite well-known, but the fact that alcohol can affect the brain is a fact that is less known. The paper shows that in fact alcohol stops the cortex from serving its role in integrating cognitive processes, resulting in disorganized thinking and motor control difficulties. The paper examines research that shows that individuals with a history of chronic alcohol abuse had significantly smaller brains than non alcoholic individuals. Finally, the paper concludes that continuous research on the subject may help combat alcoholism in the future.

From the Paper
"The actions of several neurotransmitters are significantly affected by the actions of alcohol. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the most prevalent neurotransmitters in the human brain, and alcohol is clearly linked to affects on the GABAergic system in the human brain. For example, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are reduced by blocking the activity of the neurotransmitter by the use of drugs that are well known to block GABA receptors. This evidence suggests that alcohol may play an important role in the biological underpinnings of human alcoholism. Researchers have also noted that tolerance and dependence on alcohol can be explained by the neuropharmacological effect of chronic alcohol use (Brain & Mind Magazine)."

Tags:ethanol, occipital, cortex, Gamma-aminobutyric, acid, GABA

Abstract
This paper examines how the obvious biological differences between men and women have inspired a search for corresponding mental differences. It looks at how much of the oppression suffered by women in the traditionally patriarchal world of business and society has been blamed on the preconceived notion that women were somehow not as good as men in certain areas and how the rise of feminism negated all such difference. It analyzes, through a literature review, how recent research has brought to light new information regarding definite biological differences in the brains of girls and boys and how the true effect of these differences on behavior appears to be the issue of current debate.

From the Paper
"Further revealing studies are cited by Cathy Young (1999). According to research, much overlap exists in studies conducted to determine behavioral differences between boys and girls. Three out of 10 boys for example exhibited behavior that correlated well with the behavior of five out of 10 girls. Such findings are not sufficiently conclusive to substantiate the theory that brain differences make a substantial difference in behavior. Young holds that gender differences should thus not be viewed in the extreme, but rather, as mentioned above, as a guideline for optimally educating boys and girls."

Tags:hypothalamus, neurons, cerebral, cortex, behavior