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Articles by Katherine Gianni
Q&A: Out with the old, in with the new-the science behind memory clutter and aging
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Ever feel like those catchy song lyrics or random pieces of trivia won't leave your head, and it's affecting your memory? Boston University associate professor of psychological & brain sciences Dr. Rob Reinhart, along with his postdoctoral associate, Dr. Wen Wen, dive into this issue in their new PLOS Biology study.
Q&A: New research unveils three distinct language comprehension phenotypes in autistic children
According to The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, can affect children's language development and communication in a variety of ways. While some children with ASD may encounter difficulties communicating verbally, others exhibit impressive vocabularies and the ability to speak on specific topic areas in detail.
Fear Engrams Unlocked: A Neuroscientific Journey Into Memory and Behavior
In new research, Boston University neuroscientist Dr. Steve Ramirez and collaborators examine the dynamic nature of fear responses in varied environments and their impacts. In a world grappling with the complexities of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, new research from Boston University neuroscientist Dr. Steve Ramirez and collaborators offers a unique perspective.
Q&A: Memory, brain function, and behavior-exploring the intricate connection through fear memories
In a world grappling with the complexities of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, new research from Boston University neuroscientist Dr. Steve Ramirez and collaborators offers a unique perspective. The study, recently published in the Journal of Neuroscience, delves into the intricate relationship between fear memories, brain function, and behavioral responses.
Vibrational photothermal microscopy: Seeing tiny sample details
When microscopes struggle to pick up faint signals, it’s like trying to spot subtle details in a painting or photograph without your glasses. For researchers, this makes it difficult to catch the small things happening in cells or other materials.
Q&A: Unveiling a new era of imaging-engineers lead breakthrough microscopy techniques
When microscopes struggle to pick up faint signals, it's like trying to spot subtle details in a painting or photograph without your glasses. For researchers, this makes it difficult to catch the small things happening in cells or other materials.
Q&A: New lymphedema-on-chip platform holds promise Original
In a new PNAS study co-authored by Boston University biomedical engineer Dr. Chris Chen, researchers say they're getting closer to understanding the mysteries of lymphedema—a condition characterized by the buildup of fluid in the body due to a malfunctioning lymphatic system. Until now, the reasons behind this disorder have remained elusive. As part of the study, the research team created a tiny 3D cell culture model that mimics the function of lymphatic vessels.
Q&A: 'Crystal ribcage' technology pioneers new approaches to lung health
It's no secret that our lungs play a vital role in our daily lives—ensuring we can breathe, fend off infections, and adapt to various challenges. Despite their importance, the organs still puzzle many medical experts, especially when they're affected by diseases.
Experts use new microscope, AI algorithm, and voltage indicators to image electrical activity deep in the brain
When studying the brain, researchers are just beginning to use a method known as voltage imaging to track neural activity in the living animal. While this approach is a promising way to better understand neuron firing, behavior, and cognition, there are limitations and risk factors. The practice requires putting a lot of light into the brain (which can lead to overheating) and only has the capacity to image ten neurons at a time.
Why You've Having Freaky Dreams During COVID-19
By Katherine Gianni, Boston University, Futurity If you’re experiencing unusual or scary dreams during the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s simple ways to get a better night’s sleep, says neurologist Patrick McNamara. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some confess to crawling into bed at an earlier hour, while others have found themselves running on just a few hours of sleep to keep up with work and personal responsibilities.
Quaran-Screen: Everything You Should Know About Screen Time During The Pandemic
Worried about the effects of prolonged screen time while at home in quarantine? Experts offer advice for setting healthy boundaries. By Katherine Gianni Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash.
The Soul of the Sole for Nearly 40 Years
Nancy MacMullen always had a passion for working with her hands. That passion not only fueled an almost four-decade long career, but also an Island-wide legacy as the last Vineyard cobbler. “It was my identity,” Ms. MacMullen said on Tuesday morning from her home in Vineyard Haven. “That’s who I was.” But after 37 years in business, Ms. MacMullen has closed up her cobbler shop for good. She expressed a sincere sadness over the shop’s final days and the subsequent end of her cobbling career.
Waging Peace, Fighting for Justice, Together
Sitting together in the living room of their Aquinnah home, Cora and Peter Weiss work in tandem to tell the stories of their lives. The couple could fill countless books with tales of their colorful careers, political and social activism and raising three children. But on this particular August afternoon, Mrs. Weiss began with the story of a love affair. “It all started in June of 1956,” Mrs. Weiss said. “We were in love, got married and went to Mexico for our honeymoon.
Cinema of the World Opens Minds
For Martha’s Vineyard Film Society founder and executive director Richard Paradise the coming of September is never a tearful farewell to summer. Rather, Mr. Paradise is enthusiastically gearing up to host the 13th annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, a six-day long celebration of feature-length and short films that offer a diversity of cultural perspectives.
Keeping It Simple Through Layers of Artistic Intricacies
In a world filled with the visual complexities of multimedia art, contemporary artist Stelios Mormoris has always prided himself on keeping his paintings simple. “It’s just oil,” Mr. Mormoris said at an artist reception at his Chilmark studio on Sunday afternoon. “My work is about traditional painting.” An architect by trade and an oil painter at heart, Mr. Mormoris’ studio is where his two passions come together.
To the Spiritual Heart With Ram Dass
In their new book, Walking Each Other Home: Conversations on Loving and Dying, spiritual teachers Ram Dass and Mirabai Bush share intimate dialogues on the topics of dying, grieving, change and acceptance. Such conversations will continue on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Peter Simon Gallery in Vineyard Haven. Ms. Bush will read excerpts from the book, set to release on Sept. 4. Mr. Dass, the author of Be Here Now, will join, health permitting, via Skype.
A Poster Boy for Tragedy and Hope
On August 28, 2010, 18-year-old Tyler Clementi began his freshman year at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. Thirty-nine days later, Mr. Clementi’s body was discovered floating in the Hudson River. He had taken his life by jumping off the George Washington Bridge one week prior. The event became a major news story that brought to light issues of harassment, isolation and how people treat those they perceive as different in the digital age.
Integrating the Art of Curating and Conservation
Megan Ottens-Sargent is a woman of many passions — two of which come together at the Sargent Gallery in Aquinnah. “I reopened the gallery in 2011 to integrate my two passions,” Ms. Ottens-Sargent said. “Art curating and conservation.” Formally Gay Head Gallery, Ms. Ottens-Sargent owns and operates the business with the help of her daughter, Anastasia Sargent. The two women live and breathe the artwork, literally.
Agricultural Fair Delights Young, Old and Everyone In Between
The 157th annual Agricultural Fair was one for the record books. More than 45,000 people walked through the gates between Thursday morning and Sunday evening, said Brian Athearn, president of the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society. “On Thursday we had 11,900 people come through,” Mr. Athearn said. “That’s 4,000 more then we ever had before.” He added that the previously held record for Sunday attendance was 4,700 people. This year’s final day welcomed 10,500 fairgoers.
Agricultural Fair Dog Show Is Sunday Special Treat
Before the gates officially opened on Sunday morning at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair, a line began to grow at the ticket window. Those waiting were not youngsters eager for the first ride on the ferris wheel, skillet throwers or sheep shearers. Instead, dogs of all breeds walked their owners into the fairgrounds for the annual dog show, a mainstay of the fair for over four decades. Rosemarie Haigazian has served as show steward for the last 43 years.
Keeping the Lights of Tradition Glowing at Grand Illumination
While thousands of onlookers gathered at the Martha’s Vineyard Campground for the 149th annual Grand Illumination Night on Wednesday evening, there was one moment where the chatter, laughter and song subsided, and all was quiet. The moment occurred when music director Bob Cleasby ceremoniously carried the first illuminated lantern down the center aisle of the Tabernacle.
Women Write the World Discussion
All the Women in My Family Sing: Women Write the World is an anthology featuring 69 female authors. On Wednesday, August 22, the voices of four of those authors will join together, not in song, but rather as part of a panel discussion on their essays and experiences as women of color at the rise of the 21st century. The anthology includes the essays of women aged anywhere from 16 to 77, all with different cultural backgrounds, religions and personal identities.
Film Inspires Conversation of Color
In addition to serving as the first African American mayor of Atlanta, Maynard Jackson Jr. was a musician. At least that’s how Vernon Jordon remembers him from their days at David T. Howard High School in Atlanta. The two played alongside each other in the school band, and while Mr. Jackson’s music career was short-lived, Mr. Jordon said his late friend carried those talents well into his political career.
All the World Truly Is a Stage for the Fabulists
As audience members took their seats at the Tisbury Amphitheatre on Saturday morning, Fabulists’ cast member Paul Padua informed the crowd that they would be traveling together many miles from the canopy of the Tisbury trees. “We’re now in the hottest place in the United States,” Mr. Padua announced, gazing up at the audience from his spot onstage.
Maynard Jackson Jr. Film Inspires Conversation of Color
In addition to serving as the first African American mayor of Atlanta, Maynard Jackson Jr. was a musician. At least that’s how Vernon Jordon remembers him from their days at David T. Howard High School in Atlanta. The two played alongside each other in the school band, and while Mr. Jackson’s music career was short-lived, Mr. Jordon said his late friend carried those talents well into his political career.
Thrift Shop Heaven at Chicken Alley Art and Collectibles Sale
Before the clock struck noon in Vineyard Haven on Sunday, a crowd of almost 100 people began to gather for the annual Chicken Alley Thrift Shop Art and Collectibles sale. The event, which started at 1 p.m. and benefitted Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, served as the culmination of a weekend’s worth of activities. The annual fashion sale took place two days earlier, on Friday evening.
In Telling Story of Refugees, Poet Uses Art to Hit the Heart
In March of 2018, Justen Ahren left the Vineyard for another small Island, over 4,000 miles away. He spent two weeks on the isle of Lesbos, Greece volunteering with the refugee aid organization, A Drop In The Ocean. This experience became the culmination of an art project he started somewhat inadvertently years earlier, the results of which debut on August 12 at Tisbury Water Works in Vineyard Haven.
In Rare Appearance, Brown Booby Takes a Shine to Menemsha
Menemsha fisherman Walter Dickson had a surprise shipmate join his fishing trip on Monday afternoon. A brown Booby, a seabird more commonly seen in the Caribbean, landed on Captain Dickson’s dragger Peddler late in the day approximately five miles southwest of Gay Head. “He came crashing right on board,” Captain Dickson said from his boat in Menemsha Tuesday afternoon.
For Cecile Richards, Making Trouble Is in the Genes
Cecile Richards, former president of Planned Parenthood, comes from a family of troublemakers. And she’s proud to admit it. On Sunday evening Ms. Richards addressed a sold-out crowd at the Chilmark Community Center as part of the Martha’s Vineyard Author Series. Moderated by fellow author Alexandra Styron, Ms. Richards discussed her new memoir, Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead.
All Island Art Show Celebrates Creativity at Every Level
As temperatures climbed into the 70s and beyond early Monday morning at the Tabernacle, over 70 artists gathered to participate in the 60th annual All Island Art Show. The exhibition featured artists across mediums, skill levels and corners of the Vineyard.
Summer Business Sees Mixed Reviews Across the Island
Back Door doughnut lines snake through the streets of Oak Bluffs. Crowds linger in Menemsha long past sunset. Dancers rock the dock, literally, every Tuesday night in Edgartown. It’s officially August on Martha’s Vineyard and business is booming. Or is it? With summer at the halfway point, Island businesses have begun to tally the numbers for the first couple months of the season.
If You Though Reading Was Meditative, Try Binding a Book
On any given afternoon, one of three sounds can be heard coming from Mitzi Pratt’s Aquinnah bookbinding studio: the dull squeak of a 19th century press, sheers clipping through paper, or the piercing bang of a weighty backing hammer. While two may seem more tranquil than the other, Ms. Pratt describes all aspects of her work as meditative. Ms. Pratt has worked as a bookbinder since the 1970s and began with an apprenticeship in Northampton under bookbinder David Bourbeau.
Louisa Gould Gallery Celebrates Fifteen Years
The Louisa Gould Gallery turns 15 on August 3, but gallery owner and Island artist Louisa Gould couldn’t wait to celebrate. On Saturday, July 28, artists and art enthusiasts came together for the opening of the gallery’s anniversary exhibit 15 @ 15 Fifteen Artists for Fifteen Years. As the title proclaims, 15 different painters, sculptors and mixed media creators showcased their work.
The Hard Truth About the Rise in Hate Crimes
On Friday evening, Summer Institute chairman Bruce Eckman addressed the sold-out crowd gathered at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center with a question. “What does a LGBT group, Jews, African Americans and prisoners all have in common?” he asked. As part of the annual Summer Institute Speaker Series, Mr. Cohen spoke for an hour at the Hebrew Center describing his work as president of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Possible Dreams Auction Is Lifeline for Essential Social Services
Martha’s Vineyard Community Service’s annual Possible Dreams auction celebrates its 40th anniversary on Sunday at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Katama. Auction chairman Liza May and Community Services development coordinator Jess Rogers are painting the festivities red. Ruby red to be exact. Rubies are the theme of this year’s auction, as the gems signify passion and dedication and are often used to celebrate 40th anniversaries.
Rain Is No Match for Spirit of the Holy Ghost
For the first time in over 50 years, the Portuguese-American Club Holy Ghost Parade did not weave its way through the streets of Oak Bluffs. “It was a tough call. This was the first time I can remember not having the parade,” said club member and former parade organizer Coreen Alton. Ms. Alton helped to run the event from 1985 to 2007. “We’ve never even had a day where it has ever rained,” she said. Organizers said the impending rainstorms on Sunday left them with no alternative.
Running Away to Join the Cinema Circus
Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival artistic director Brian Ditchfield needs a new coat. Not for any impending summer rainstorms, but for his role as ringmaster at the festival’s Cinema Circus performances. “My daughter was watching The Greatest Showman and she said to me, 'Dad, his coat is way nicer than yours,'" Mr. Ditchfield said with a smile. “So I think a new coat is in order.” Much like the decorated red coat (with sleeves that hit just above Mr. Ditchfield’s wrists), Cinema Circus is a classic.
Water Tasting Event Celebrates the Hard Work of Staying Sober
Vineyard House hosted its 21st annual Water Tasting By The Sea on Thursday evening at Oyster Pond in Edgartown. While the event has taken place at a collection of different Island locations, this year’s was quite literally, by the sea. Island philanthropist Dick Friedman donated his waterfront property for the event.
Roots of a Camp Are Deep in Chilmark
Alexandra London-Thompson grew up at the Chilmark Community Center, spending summers as both a camper and a counselor, from the time she was four into her early 20s. This summer she is going back to camp, as the executive director. And she’s bringing her son Jasper with her. Jasper, called Unicorn by his friends at the CCC, is seven years old, but he began at the camp at the same age his mother did, with the four-year-old age group.
The Beat of a Lifetime: Russia Since the 1950s
Journalist Marvin Kalb lived one year as Peter the Great. Or at least that’s the nickname Nikita Khrushchev gave him. It was an evening in 1956. After having drinks with Minister of Defense Marshal Georgy Zhukov (who drank eight glasses of vodka in 40 minutes, while Mr. Kalb snuck water), he received an enthusiastic introduction to Khrushchev.
Making Art With Ancestral Meaning
The creation of wampum jewelry is a multi-layered process. For Jason Widdiss the labor begins at Menemsha Pond where he sets out on his boat to collect quahogs with a bull rake, a claw shaped basket with three-inch, dagger-like teeth. He then shucks his harvest, carefully cleaning the inside of the shells to prepare them for carving. “The main muscle is where you can actually shape it,” Mr. Widdiss says, his finger tracing the deep purple portion of the shell’s inside.
Not Just Talking About Bridging the Divide
The day after the Fourth of July, Hawk Newsome, leader of the Black Lives Matter movement in Greater New York, addressed a crowd gathered at Union Chapel for a symposium entitled Keeping Democracy Alive: Understanding What Divides Us and What Binds Us. “I love America,” Mr. Newsome said from the lectern.
Crowds Flock to Tisbury for Birthday Block Party
The smell of lobster rolls and fried dough wafted through the air as thousands of people crowded the streets of Vineyard Haven for the annual Tisbury Street Fair on Sunday evening. The event celebrates Tisbury’s birthday — it was incorporated as a town in 1671.
Everyone Wins When Chocolate Every Day Is the Healthy Way
Eat chocolate every day. Yup, you read that right. Every day. At least that’s the instructions of Not Your Sugar Mama’s founders Bennett Coffey and Kyleen Keenan in their new cookbook, appropriately titled Chocolate Every Day. The pair talked about their book, their business, and yes, their daily chocolate consumption last Wednesday evening at Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven.
Iconic Trees in Spotlight at Polly Hill
Tucked away in the woods of West Tisbury, the Polly Hill Arboretum has served as a not-so-secret garden since 1958 — officially opening as a public garden in 1998 when founder botanist Polly Hill was still alive. To celebrate its 20th anniversary as a public garden, the arboretum is offering a Twenty Iconic Trees Tour, a series of walking tours that teaches visitors about some of the most intriguing trees on the property.
Summer Music Series Rocks
The Martha’s Vineyard Summer Concert Series returns this summer, beginning on July 9 with David Bromberg and running through August 21 when Black Violin closes out the series. From reggae to R&B and country, founder Adam Epstein has included artists of all genres in the lineup. The goal? For concert-goers to embrace the feel-good power of music. “It’s that feeling of being in a room with a band you love and feeling that music course through you,” Mr. Epstein said.
All Roads Lead to Edgartown for Fourth of July Parade
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Oh, and maybe a cold drink. Such were the pleasures celebrated at the annual Edgartown Fourth of July parade, a tradition that has long delighted Islanders, summer residents and tourists alike. Hundreds of people crowded the streets of Edgartown to see the floats, whistle to the tunes of the marching bands, and wish America a very happy birthday.
Author Series Gives New Meaning to Term Beach Read
Some superstitions claim that even years are luckier than odd years. Some say the opposite. But thanks to the biennial Martha’s Vineyard Author Series and the Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival, book lovers on the Vineyard are in luck no matter what year it is. This year the author series, which runs from July 15 through August 19, will bring seven authors to the Chilmark Community Center to discuss their latest works in conjunction with current events.
All In for Community Chorus
Like a preacher before his congregation, Island Community Chorus director Peter Boak stood before his ensemble as the group rehearsed for their annual summer concert on July 3 at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs. The chorus, which includes 96 voices, has prepared a dozen songs for the show, from classics such as Beautiful Dreamer to Turn Ye to Me, a traditional Scottish folk song, arranged by chorus member Dorian Lopes, who sings tenor.
In First Fundraiser, ACE Adds Community Capital
It was an evening of firsts for Adult Community Education of Martha’s Vineyard (ACE MV) as the organization hosted its first annual fundraiser, Charting Courses, at the West Chop Club on Saturday. The event also served as a celebration of 10 years of providing educational opportunities to Islanders. But 10 wasn’t the only number executive director Sam Hart was excited to celebrate. “There’s another number I want to talk about tonight other than 10 and it’s 764,” he said.
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