The Angel and the Assassin: The Tiny Brain Cell That Changed

The Angel and the Assassin: The Tiny Brain Cell That Changed the Course of Medicine

A thrillingÂ story of scientific detective work and medical potential that illuminates the newly understood role of microgliaâ€”an elusive type of brain cell that is vitally relevant to our everyday lives.
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â€œThe rarest of books: a combination of page-turning discovery and remarkably readable science journalism.â€â€”Mark Hyman, MD, #1Â New York TimesÂ bestselling author ofÂ Food: What the Heck Should I Eat?

Until recently, microglia were thought to be merely the brainâ€™s housekeepers, helpfully removing damaged cells. But a recent groundbreaking discovery revealed them to be capable of terrifying Jekyll and Hyde behavior. When triggeredâ€”and anything that stirs up the immune system in the body can activate microgliaâ€”they can morph into destroyers, impacting a wide range of issues from memory problems and anxiety to depression and Alzheimerâ€™s. Under the right circumstances, however, microglia can be coaxed back into being angelic healers, able to repair the brain in ways that help alleviate symptoms and hold the promise to one day prevent disease.

A fascinating behind-the-scenes account of this cutting-edge science, The Angel and the Assassin also explores the medical implications of these game-changing discoveries. Award-winning journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa began her investigation with a personal interestâ€”when diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder years ago, she was convinced there was something physical going on in her brain as well as her body, though no doctor she consulted could explain how the two could be interacting in this way. With the compassion born of her own experience, she follows practitioners and patients on the front lines of treatments that help to â€œrebootâ€ microgliaâ€”from neurofeedback and intermittent fasting to transcranial magnetic stimulation and gamma light flicker therapy. She witnesses patients finding significant relief from pressing symptomsâ€”and at least one stunning recoveryâ€”offering new hope to the tens of millions who suffer from mental, cognitive, and physical health issues.

Proving once and for all the biological basis for the mind-body connection, the discovery of the true role of microglia stands to rewrite psychiatric and medical texts as we know them. Hailed as â€œriveting,â€ â€œstunning,â€ and â€œvisionary,â€ The Angel and the Assassin offers us a radically reconceived picture of human health and promises to change everything we thought we knew about how to heal ourselves.
Country USA
Brand BALLANTINE GROUP
Manufacturer Ballantine Books
Binding Hardcover
Color White
ReleaseDate 2020-01-21
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781524799175

Country	USA
Brand	BALLANTINE GROUP
Manufacturer	Ballantine Books
Binding	Hardcover
Color	White
ReleaseDate	2020-01-21
UnitCount	1
EANs	9781524799175

The Angel and the Assassin: The Tiny Brain Cell That Changed the Course of Medicine

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