Out of the many fascinating topics we discussed in psychology this year, one topic struck me to be the most interesting. That is the idea of faceblindness or prosopagnosia, which is a disorder that around 2% of the worlds population suffer from. 
Prosopagnosia, for me, is a disorder that is difficult to wrap my head around. It is hard to image that there are some people who cannot tell the difference between the faces of their friends, family or even themselves. These people most definitely feel isolated from social situations, which would be simply devastating. Basically to break it down, face perception is a process where the brain and mind understand and can then interpret a face. People who have damaged their inferotemporal cortex, tend to have difficulty recognizing faces. These people cannot recognize human faces, but can recognize patterns and physical characteristics such as the color of a person's hair. I know that this topic will stay with me for life because I am currently starting a Prosopagnosia Awareness group for students on campus. The more information we can learn about this disorder, the closer we can get to helping those suffering from face blindness. For more information or general knowledge, check out FaceBlind.
adams944: April 2012 Archives
Have you ever heard of a little purple berry called Acai? Acai is found mainly in Central and South America and has been all the rage for weight loss supplements within the past few years. There are sites all over the internet allowing for free trials or samples of the pills. It is important to be wary of these sites because free trials often lead to monthly payments for these berry supplements. Also many sites that sell the Acai berry often fail to mention that they are simply extracts or blend of the actual berry and may contain more added chemicals than berry itself. But do the supplements actually help you loose weight in three days as some ads suggest? First off, it is known that Acai berries are very good for the body. They are packed with healthy omega fats, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fiber. These berries are antioxidants that can play a role in the body's cell protection system and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. 
Although this berry is good for you, it may not affect the body any different from any other fruit. Scientists are gaining knowledge of super foods like the Acai berry, but little research has been found for its adverse effects on weight loss. However, eating a diet rich in antioxidants is generally supported for weight loss. Bottom line is: do plenty of research on suspicious diet claims before beginning a free trial or sample. For more information on the Acai berry and its connection to a healthy diet, visit <Acai Information>
