Category Archives: Optimization

You really do need to sleep right

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Lascap

Two years ago, I wrote extensively why getting sufficient sleep is crucial to a good life and how to go about getting establishing sufficient levels of quality and quantity. Since then,  the situation has – if anything – gotten even … Continue reading →

Posted in Neuroscience, Optimization, Science, Social commentary | 2 Comments

On the importance of consistent mapping

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Lascap

The problem I’m about to write about has been persisting for quite a while and I thought Google would have fixed it by now. Alas, no such luck, thus far. In a nutshell, we have been aware of the extreme … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc, Optimization, Pet peeve | Leave a comment

PSA: Your “sleep monitor” is probably anything but

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Lascap

As the “quantified self” (probably ill-named) movement gains steam, all kinds of apps that purport to measure important physiological parameters that are related to health gain popularity. In principle, this development is to be welcomed, as individual lifestyle and metabolism … Continue reading →

Posted in Data driven lifestyle, Optimization, Pet peeve, Social commentary, Technology | 7 Comments

Meditations on the proper handling of pigs

Posted on July 21, 2012 by Lascap

Popular wisdom is not short on advice on how to handle pigs. This goes back to at least biblical times, which counseled that one  should Neither cast ye your pearls before swine. Matthew, 7:6. The point here is that the … Continue reading →

Posted in Optimization, Social commentary, Strategy | Leave a comment

A video says much more than a thousand words – rapid communication of scientific concepts via the “Podster”, a historic waystation towards a truly dynamic presentation surface

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Lascap

Background The efficient communication of complex scientific concepts at an academic conference poses a challenge that is as old as it is formidable. The use of dynamic visual stimuli and intricate experimental designs have exacerbated the problems associated with this … Continue reading →

Posted in Conference, Optimization, Science, Technology | Leave a comment

What you should do

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Lascap

It actually doesn’t happen that infrequently that students seek me out for advice on this very question – what should they do with their life? I’m usually happy to oblige, but there is now sufficient data (including long term feedback), … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Optimization, Psychology | 4 Comments

Gas warfare: Could it be Inulin?

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Lascap

The fact that fiber aids in digestive health, heart health, and regulates blood sugar levels, to say nothing of potential benefits for weight control are becoming increasingly well known in the general public. In addition, these benefits are extremely well … Continue reading →

Posted in Nutrition, Optimization | 150 Comments

Circadian synesthesia: Light therapy seen (heard?) in new light

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Lascap

Therapy with extremely bright light (10,000+ lux) has been known for a long time to bring about remarkably strong and – if done right – remarkably positive effects. It can “cure” Seasonal Affective Disorder (aptly named SAD), as well as … Continue reading →

Posted in Neuroscience, Optimization, Psychology, Technology | 1 Comment

What is the true cost of attending SfN?

Posted on November 28, 2010 by Lascap

This post marks a transition from the thematically focused and daily “official” SfN reporting to a thematically broader and more relaxed posting schedule. As a matter of fact, it has been more than a few days since the last one. … Continue reading →

Posted in Conference, Data driven lifestyle, Optimization | 3 Comments

How physically taxing is SfN? Quite a bit!

Posted on November 18, 2010 by Lascap

Oh the daze of the post-SfN haze. If you did what I did, and feel like I feel, you can probably relate to this. The intensity of this particular pilgrimage is legendary. Having just come back from it, I can … Continue reading →

Posted in Conference, Data driven lifestyle, Optimization, Technology | 4 Comments

Food for thought

Posted on November 4, 2010 by Lascap

I am starting to get really psyched about the upcoming meeting of the minds. The 40th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience should be an epic event, in every sense of that term. However, it is important to note that we … Continue reading →

Posted in Conference, Data driven lifestyle, Optimization | 5 Comments