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Showing posts from March, 2026

Problem-Solving – Reification or Making the Abstract Real

  1.      Introduction The paradox of problem-solving: To solve abstract problems, they often must be transformed into real problems. The human pursuit of knowledge is a constant negotiation between the internal mechanics of the mind and the external complexities of the universe. To navigate this landscape, we rely on a sophisticated cognitive architecture that allows us to solve problems, yet this same architecture often leads us into the "fallacy of misplaced concreteness," which is the reification of abstract models into physical realities. From the microscopic structures of memory to the macroscopic debates over the nature of spacetime, our intellectual progress is defined by our ability to create models and our occasional failure to recognize them as such. 2 .  Memory and Intelligence Problem-solving begins with the coordination of distinct memory systems. According to the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, information moves from sensory memory to short-te...

MICROPLASTICS AND YOUR BRAIN

  Microplastics, tiny plastic particles 5mm down to 1 nanometer in size, often breaking down further into nanoplastics, are ubiquitous environmental pollutants derived from sources like degraded plastic waste, synthetic textiles, tire wear, and cosmetics. They enter the human body primarily through ingestion (via food and water), inhalation (from air), and to a lesser extent, skin absorption. Once inside, they can circulate via the bloodstream and accumulate in various organs and tissues. Presence and Accumulation in the Body . Research has detected microplastics in numerous human tissues, including blood, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, placenta, breast milk, and even bone. A 2025 postmortem study analyzed tissues from decedents and found concentrations ranging from hundreds to thousands of micrograms per gram in organs like the liver and kidneys.   Polyethylene (PE) was the most common type identified, often appearing as nanoscale shards or flakes. Inhalation appears ...