This study shows how the genes within the neurons of the SCN express their protein products. Something Snapped , Philip LoPiccolo, Technology Review , October 1996. Recently, more and more cases of violent crimes have been committed by people who appear to be normal until such an event happens. These cases suggest a new syndrome of psychological disorder. This syndrome could be a form of kindling of the limbic system, which is the locus of emotional control.
Depression is an emotional state that afflicts a significant proportion of our population.
Thus it is not surprising that scientists spend much of their time and talents trying to understand the mechanisms and possible treatments of this condition. Why Stress Is Bad for Your Brain , Robert M. Sapolsky, Science , August 9, 1996. We are right in believing that it is not good for us, but the actual mechanisms of how this emotional state can adversely affect our physical bodies have not yet been revealed. Learning and Memory 34. Information stored in the brain can be classified qualitatively, such as being episodic or semantic memories.