I was born and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua: a border city to El Paso, Texas. There, it is common to be exposed to English (e.g. Saturday morning cartoons, FM radio while driving, workplace and studies among others). Not 100% of the population is bilingual, but this continuous exposure to English pushes some "Juarenses" (people … Continue reading Science of productivity: Bilinguals
Science of productivity: Creativity (From Jazz to Mozart)
In this post, I want to provide you with a humbling perspective on the relationship of our brains with music. As a musician, I have always been fascinated by how a person (a musician) can develop and master an instrument. They say that your instrument is an extension of your body. Certainly, it is. Our … Continue reading Science of productivity: Creativity (From Jazz to Mozart)
Metabolism and emotions: connecting the dots
Primitive human behaviors were the first evidence that led us to the conclusion that our metabolic state can directly affect our emotions. Hungry humans - and basically any other hungry animal - are encouraged to look for food. By suppressing the fear circuit, hunger gives even the most cautious living being the necessary "motivation" to … Continue reading Metabolism and emotions: connecting the dots
The Science of Productivity: Human Intelligence
While contemporary and popular science is shifting its focus toward artificial intelligence, I think it is nice to go back to the aspects that make human intelligence human (for perspective purposes). These aspects orchestrate cognitive (or "mental") processes that allow us to observe, reason, question, learn, and recall facts and experiences. Have you ever questioned … Continue reading The Science of Productivity: Human Intelligence
How does your immune system “talk” to your brain and vice-versa
Being sick after catching a flu usually comes with a “doing nothing mode”, meaning fatigue, lower mood and lack of motivation to perform day-to-day activities. The close connection between physical illness and behavior might sound counterintuitive if one considers the body and mind as fundamentally distinct in nature. However, it has been repeatedly proven that … Continue reading How does your immune system “talk” to your brain and vice-versa
Scientific method: this is NOT what it looks like
I have been thinking a lot about meat consumption. I do not think I could stop eating meat. But what if I reduce my consumption? Good for the environment and good for me, right? Many questions. In one of my quests for clarification, I came across an interesting review article: "Meat and mental health: a … Continue reading Scientific method: this is NOT what it looks like
The Science of Productivity: Psychological Safety
What comes to your mind when you hear the word "teamwork"? Depending on your cultural background, academic background and even your career orientation, this word can evoke a wide array of memories and associated feelings. Let me sketch an example: a nurse working on a night shift at a busy hospital is part of a … Continue reading The Science of Productivity: Psychological Safety
A CIÊNCIA DA PRODUTIVIDADE: MOTIVAÇÃO
2020 está sendo um ano maluco. A pandemia do novo coronavírus (Covid-19) teve um impacto sobre todos os principais sistemas mundialmente (sistema de saúde, econômico, educacional e de pesquisas). As medidas tomadas pelos países, como o confinamento e o distanciamento social são medidas efetivas paraaliviar o fardo da conhecida “saturação” desses sistemas citados. Desde o início … Continue reading A CIÊNCIA DA PRODUTIVIDADE: MOTIVAÇÃO
The Science of Productivity: Motivation
2020 has been a crazy year. The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted all major systems globally (health system, economic, education, research). Measures taken by countries, such as lockdowns and social distancing are effective measures to relieve the burden of the so-called ''saturation'' of said systems. Since the lockdown started, we have been encouraged to … Continue reading The Science of Productivity: Motivation
Gut microbiota: A game changer for mental illness?
Over the last two decades, an ever increasing number of studies suggest that physical and mental health are largely governed by interactions between the gut and brain. In view of the effects that our gut health seem to have on our mental health and behavior, the term "gut-brain axis" was coined to describe the intimate relations … Continue reading Gut microbiota: A game changer for mental illness?
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