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Showing posts with label IMZAIA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IMZAIA. Show all posts

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Karma And The Game Of Duality - Premlatha Rajkumar by IMZAIA.Com




In my younger days in my country, people spoke a lot about Karma, and that karma was the reason that we are bound to the earth and that we take many life times to settle that which is called 'Karma'.

As I was growing up I started searching for answers for "Karma", for I was so upset by so much of poverty, sadness, and sickness among people.

The Divine orchestrated my life in such a way that many spiritual teachers, healers, books, dreams, and miraculous situations came my way and I was given much understanding about the physical and its connection to the Spiritual. 

Through all my journeys one thing I understood about karma was that 'We are the Creators of Karma' through our severe judgements, judgements of ourselves and others. For example, let us see the situation of a mother who gives her child for adoption because of poverty. If she is happy about it and blesses the child to be well, and is happy about what she did then she has not created any karma. At the same time if this mother is feeling guilty of what she has done and is sorry for herself and her child all her life then she has bound herself with "karma" to be balanced with another lifetime for her and the child.

Knowingly or unknowingly we bind ourselves with so many harsh judgements about ourselves and others. It is very difficult for humans to accept and choose to see the gift is every situation. This human tendency of constant judgement is the one that imprisons us to every kind of discord.

Karma is not a Universal Law, we choose to believe in it and we have made it a belief system to build the game of Duality. By judging ourselves we choose to punish ourselves.

It takes immense trust in the Divine to accept life situations, and to see the gift that every situation brings. We volunteered to be here in this body, in this lifetime now. We are not wounded, and we are not learning lessons or undergoing punishments, we are EVOLVING. 

We are in total freedom, for through our challenges we are exploring different levels of consciousness. Our challenges makes us focus on the physical and the Spiritual. We are here to gather knowledge, to resolve our experiences by knowing ourselves in a much more conscious level.

Let us choose to be kinder and non-judgemental in dealing with every aspect of life so that we come into our freedom and our enlightenment!

Blessings!
~Premlatha Rajkumar~

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Settling Accounts - Lisa Renee Reposted from Imzaia's official Spirit report



reposted from IMZAIA's Spirit Official Spirit Report

Dear Family,

During the course of entering the current Astrological year, which commences around the Equinox on March 21st, we have been host to a variety of explosive energies and important shifts in the planetary body and its relationship to the Solar, Galactic and Universal bodies. The result of that change in the planetary architecture has a great impact on the future of humanity and the ongoing management of various resources, such as "energy" or power sources at many different levels of usage. For those of us paying attention during this Ascension shift, we are remembering how to return to inner balance and to place a priority on personal and inner spiritual development. As we return to inner balance, a result of spiritual initiation and soul embodiment, we are learning to manifest within a parameter of balanced energy exchanges, which is a necessary new skill. This means the inner light manifests its will, through guided energetic containment and clear purpose that harmoniously interacts with others resonance by respecting the life force of all of its creators. ("Harmoniously" is used within these terms to mean, not generating karmic loads, however, harmony may need to be balanced through conflict, as we observe the discordance existing between the "spiritual light" and the "dead light" creating destruction or completions. This is the credo of the "polarity integrator", whose synthesis of these polarities is the alchemy which creates embodied neutrality.)

This recent planetary shift will (shortly) become a demonstrated support system that impacts how future resources and their energy fields are used to manifest in this physical reality. To create worlds in balanced manifestation, is by placing true value on energy exchanges, by valuing life force, and the original source of that life force, as held within the natural laws of creation. The architecture records all memory as to what energies are sourced from each being, and how all energies are being used, at individual, planetary, and beyond levels. There is no faking this energetic accounting and it is being settled at the end of the cycle, as it is now. This is not a judgment. What it means is that every being must come to terms with their own energy source and draw upon it from within to manifest their will. Since the inner light will not energize shadow manifestations, one must learn to align to their true self in order to manifest.

The power of the ego and its shadow body to manifest physical structures through the superimposition of force on other bodies or hitchhiking on group energies, is crumbling. This is the end of consumptive modeling, which means humanity is in the transition to end parasitic relationships that push ongoing karmic loads onto the backs of others. The "free ride" is coming to an end for the hidden agenda of enslaving others energies through manipulation or vampirism, which creates incredible loads of "dead energy" and phantom spaces.

As we are well aware, the point of external power and how that energy source has been directed (and stolen) has long been the crux of an ancient heated Extraterrestrial dispute, among those shadow selves that intentionally exploit and enslave others on this planet. We are reliving the pinnacle of these disputes now. As a result, the shadow and its energetic imbalances existing in our own lives (and relationships) are being brought blaringly into surface view, as now is the time ofSettling Accounts. This shift in the larger field is starting with us, and many of us will undergo these "return to energy balance" corrections, as well as face to transcend the shadow selves, in the months to come.

Desperate Means for Desperate Measures 

We all are becoming accountable for our own energies and how we direct them in this physical world, at a level of energetic responsibility that has immediate repercussions. This change has resulted in "desperate means for desperate measures" because the majority of people, and the energies and/or entities controlling them, feel backed into a corner. This creates a lot of desperation in people, and that does not generate good behavior. This also means we have to really discipline ourselves to not feed or reinforce that bad behavior by losing our cool or calm in high pressure situations. If you succumb to feed the bad behavior, and engage with a drama designed for interference, the result at this time is similar to a piranha feeding frenzy. That desperate sensation existing in the external energy field may feel like a wild or feral animal, looking for any vulnerability to pounce and find a way in to extract your light. As one understands the power of the light source and the consciousness that you carry, you become equipped to defend that light, and to direct it (as a divine vessel) to multiply goodness into your life and the lives of others. This prevents the shadow selves from consuming it, thereby energizing its hidden or selfish desires. This is a period where we must find discernment to exercise "tough love" over "idiot compassion", as many desperate beings will attempt to destroy what you are creating in order to consume it, from their blindness or judgment to the larger overview.

Interdimensional Chess Game 

As we are literally thrust with great intensity into this new cycle, it comes with quite the "game change" being made to the playing field. Most people are not quite yet aware of that changing playing field, however, many sense the intensity behind the scenes that "the shoe is gonna drop". There is an explosiveness and intensity that is electrifying in the collective fields now. Behind the scenes, with multiple agendas operating on this prison planet, it is similar to an inter-dimensional chess game. If one allows themselves to be in flow as a neutral witness, and act accordingly when the moment is clear to take action, one may note the incredible orchestration of a smooth, yet, complex and deliberate strategy. This strategy in no way sources from your conscious mind, as it is immediate and spontaneous, never pre-meditated.

It is easier to see the incredible patterns of people playing out their respective roles to complete and contribute some part of the orchestration that is completing this dark cycle on planet earth. As within the Art of War, this deliberate strategy is required to play out each part fully, and yet this at its highest causation, is not a game of human ego. It is a game existing between the most immense and powerful forces imaginable. Yet it is our human being that is the game piece directing these forces on the chess board. As we are held out as the pieces to play the game out on the interdimensional chessboard, that allows for two choices. One may act from the wisdom and clarity to be consecrated as the divine vessel of God Spirit, or be jacked around by the ego domination of its shadow self, to be pushed around the board like a lifeless pawn.

Casting Judgment Destroys 

These forces are immense and without an inner spiritual rudder, can throw you to the wall and to your knees with an effortless swipe. Without the ego checked at the door and the superficial masks removed, this is a very difficult time to get entangled and be wound up with the perceived wrongs, injustices and brutal betrayals that are around us at this time. This time has a similar energy as a "witch-hunt", trolling for something or someone to take the blame for your pain and be the symbol of "wrongdoing". This time forward will bring many of these life circumstances to the surface, for many it is perceived as a "wrong-doing" from the ego mind of the shadow self. For many people this is an unconscious (or conscious) playing out of lifetimes of unresolved karmic memories. This sense of "injustice" and the need to extract some kind of justice through personal vengeance or self-righteousness, will become increasingly common in the external world. This dark overlay makes people desperate for a sense of meaning in their lives and to feel justice in this world. Some people will believe it is their job to extract justice from others in whatever way their shadow mind and their manipulators tells them is real. Some people will think it is their job to preach for others to repent their sins to some angry god. Others will believe it is their job to correct others life path and attack their efforts or projects. Unfortunately in all cases with dark manipulation, no one wins, even if it is believed to be just, as everyone can get hurt. This is a grave mistake of ego, to condemn through judgment, destroys, rather than saves.

However, as these explosive circumstances rear themselves, conflicts and tensions are designed to bring the clarity required to see the circumstance and the players accurately. This is the positive opportunity hidden within these challenges. What has existed as imbalanced power exchanges, false friends, false priorities and other superficial or hidden motivations are being brought to your personal attention. Where there is something or someone that has access or influence to your life, (your personal energy field), if it is hidden and not declaring itself in transparency, its hidden motive will explode on the scene of your life to make immediate "corrections". Bang! Now that's divine protection! You see the weakness of interference, and are able to make corrections to secure your field immediately.

The Law of Concentric Circles 

Imagine you can see rings of energy spheres surrounding your core consciousness that exist within many layers of concentric circles, all fitting easily and moving in fluid harmony within each other. As you become aware of your energy body, you start to realize that these concentric circles are liquid light rippling outward from your core, and that is your inner life force, comprising your spiritual light bodies and consciousness. This is your energy reservoir, an intrinsic part of your spiritual being, to create and experience your life stream throughout many lifetimes. Like a serene and placid lake, rippling out circles of light, you note how the colored rings directly travel and easily attract an exchange to a vast One Concentric Circle that flushes pulses of pure liquid light into your heart centers, of which then circuit the pulsing life force throughout your entire being. The sensation is of being fully alive, and is blissful, connected, safe, secure and loving, you know that you are an abundant child of the Universe. You realize God Creator is exchanging with your light body massive amounts of life force nourishment that allow you to continually expand your consciousness and express your highest creation, while dancing with all other creators in harmony. Every cell in your being pulses with the inner will to do so, to create, to love, to express. The inner knowing is aware that there is plenty of life force for everyone that seeks it, as it exists from the inside of your heart, which connects directly to the heart of God Source.

Moving through many life experiences on earth the energy ripples in your field constrict and many energy colors are now missing. As you scan your energy body you see many people lodged in your energy body located in various levels and layers of the concentric circles. You see that some light bodies are even gone, as they were consumed and used by others that thought that they could take your energy body without asking you. From tracking your missing light body you find other people abundant, successful and that they have been using your body as the light source to manifest, rather than accessing the God source from within their own being. You start to not feel well, as the life force has been drained from your personal light body. The drain is so rapid, the vast One Larger Concentric circle, the God Source, has been fully disconnected from your heart and energy body. There is no longer any portion of your light body left in order to exchange or connect with the One God Source. The pain of disconnection is felt, your heart shuts down, and the lack of nourishment and the depletion of creativity become apparent. You are starting to feel lifeless and depressed. From the inner knowing, you realize you have to take action, reclaim your energy bodies again, and evict those beings that had inhabited your light body for their own personal gain or ignorance. You also check yourself to see where you may have taken others energies that did not belong to you, and you ask for forgiveness for its return to the rightful owner. As you reclaim your light bodies and reclaim your energies, those people that were living in your energy field, were happy manifesting their desires, and now they are not. Their reality is falling apart. They cannot manifest anymore what they want. They believe it is your fault and get very angry. Some people will listen when you tell them that they can access the living energy of God from inside themselves, they do not need to take your energy, and they happily change their focus, while others do not. The others do not want to change as it requires they stop manifesting from their lower desires. From this experience you realize you have to take better care of your light bodies and be responsible for all of your energies. This strengthens your energy core as you return to energetic balance. Now, with your returned light, you are able to manifest the highest potential of your spiritual expression in partnership with God Source. Filled with the wisdom these experiences have brought you, happiness and fulfillment are returned in the joyous moment, knowing that you are fully connected and always will be, with the eternal sustenance of the Source Light. 



Through the Return to Rightful Owner, the Law of Concentric Circles is that which define the energetic source signature (life force) and return it back to the energetic body or to the "original creator" for its direct use for spiritual expansion, creative expression and manifestation. Conversely, all energy that one has taken from others energetic bodies, (that have not been appropriately exchanged in balance), must be given back. This is the benevolent action being applied in this cycle, that require we learn to self-source our own manifestations. Anything one puts forth into the world, their consciousness and energy signature is present, their unique spiritual inspiration is imbued within it. Whether it is energetic life force or a manifestation of your life's work, manifest or unmanifest, if it is connected to you or through you, and has been taken or used from imbalance, it is returning. And vice versa. (However, one must learn to behave in accordance to the Law and not continually steal energies that are not theirs to use. In this case penalties and suffering will ensue.) All energetic exchanges must be settled, and in this way, within the Law of Concentric Circles, there are NO DISPUTES. The Universal Laws of Creation are this "just", there is no mind involved to determine it. It is what it IS, as the Law of Creation, without judgment. The life force is tracked, the energy signature is known, the energy is measured and the Great Universe dispenses its ruling as it Returns to the Rightful Owner. As this cycle accelerates and many people are dismantled from their manifestations, naturally without context, this creates a ball of energetic confusion and chaos in the collective. Practice participating with aligned energetic exchanges (where a personal resonance is present) and giving energetic value to life force, in whatever form the energy takes, when it shows up in present awareness. One will be way ahead of transcending the rampant collective poverty consciousness, by understanding that this change is present in the planetary architecture, which will continue to enforce this change in the laws of manifestation in the future.

Overcoming Self Doubt

By now most of us that have taken the intermediate to advanced pathway in the Ascension, have been flung into the frying pan to "learn as you go". At this level of experience, we in the light family know they "crucify the Christ" on this planet. Regardless of that fact, we came anyway during the end cycle to change that event and help transition this world by bringing God's promise of freedom and eternal life to all. This is the hidden light to be revealed inside our own bodies. Before we are capable to be this divine chalice, we must find God existing within our own image and restore energetic balance to our bodies through inner spiritual sustenance. As we face the created shadow and compare its reflection to the eternal light that radiates from inside us, the radiated light consumes the shadow reflection. From this experience, of facing the shadow to find God, we become knowers that there is nothing else in this realm but the radiated light of this eternal truth in Source. No Light can come from the perpetration of evil, while evil can be vanquished by the propagation of Light.

While in this spiritual process of energetic mastery, (of which some of us have no other choice but to participate) we are placed in the throes of extremes. During these end times, extremes are coming at us from every direction, which is similar to learning how to be an energetic "kung fu master", staying in your core, locking down your field, no matter what. This is the "dark arts" discipline. Know that self-doubt takes you out of your core, and allows weakness to overtake you. Dark entities (shadow) know this very well and will jump on any vulnerability to weaken effectiveness and clarity. There is a progression of learning that is "exacting" in these mastery stages. First stage, you will need to overcome the weakness from believing in yourself, and overcoming any self-doubt by calling upon "Faith". Without overcoming self-doubt, you will not get to the stage of having strong and immovable "Faith". As one places all of their consciousness power in faith, faith in yourself, faith in God, faith in the goodness that is present, one will be exploited for weaknesses created by any place of lingering self-doubt. When in Doubt, Apply Faith. One cannot get to the sensory ability (present in the spiritual body) of "direct knowing" through the process of self-doubt. Never will doubt lead to knowing. 

As one masters the application of faith to replace self-doubt, as one pays attention to life lessons to strengthen the core and rid the body of shadow, the process of "knowing" begins. Through strong faith overcoming self-doubt, the spiritual body can anchor into the core, to which the experiences of direct cellular knowing occur. As one shifts from learned "faith" to direct "cellular knowing", there is nothing anyone on the external can say, through harassment, or criticism, to move you away from the core truth living inside of you.

Until one reaches the place inside themselves to experience "direct knowing", practice applying strong faith. Make an effort to eradicate self- doubt. Look within to the places where you do have knowing and apply all the faith you have there. Faith strengthens, while Doubt weakens.

Gridworker Update 

As we entered the new cycle, the week of the March Equinox, this time was very difficult for many people that are sensitive, empaths, or gridworkers. In this year and ongoing, there are anticipated and accelerated frequency shifts creating portal networks specifically in the Four Corners Area of the United States'. This is an area of Hopi Prophecy and Hopi protection, which include both human and Extraterrestrial Guardians working together to protect these areas of the planet from destruction and infiltration. That dedication has been a long, hard and painful existence, for the many that have held the portal open for these times, they are nearing the primary reason they have incarnated here for many eons. During that week many Starseeds, (and Indigos) were called to protect this area from an invasion attack concerning a black hole technology being used to destroy the area, destroy the nature and destroy the portal from communications and spiritual access. When attempts like this are used by the Negative Alien Agenda, they will almost always use patterns of destruction present from other timelines to hijack those fields to be directed "en masse", into the current time field. This was exactly what happened the week of March 21st, and into March 26th.

That week was the anniversary of the first use of a negative alien technology, which is designed to reverse black holes on the horizontal grid networks, placing huge rips in the time /space fabric. Visually it looks similar to a large circular cone, a "portal vacuum", where it sucks a massive amount of life force, including plants, animals, and nature elementals, into its "black hole" leading to dead energy or phantom spaces. When it operates it renders the earth landscape, "energetically dead" and barren. For sensitives or beings that can see this happening, the pain is excruciating. The anniversary of that date was March 23rd , it was used to create the same event again to attempt to destroy the Four Corners Network from opening communication portals that allow more benevolent E.T's, Blue Star Families and other Christed intervention to access this dimension and help the planet at this time. They were not entirely successful, albeit created damage. Many of us in contact with ET's were contacted during that week (or earlier weeks) by Benevolent's for various reasons, such as preparation, introduction, contact and support. Others that were not consciously aware of this event, felt a dark, black cloud of despair, either in the planet, near them or around them, and it was very difficult to endure. The depth of the dark cloud of melancholy depression, for most, has lifted by now. However, we now have a tremendous amount of shadow debris and astral gunk to filter out and move away from this active portal network, and other areas, as we work with the benevolent teams in partnership, to clean up this mess. This shadow debris is landing on people and ( without clearing tools) making them act out the negativity of its energy impact.

The Four Corners Area is to be an area of accelerated Extraterrestrial contact, a communication hub and interdimensional port, which will become more prevalent this year and ongoing. Contact is personal at this time due to the extreme fragility of the human mental bodies and explosive dynamics present on earth. However, as mentioned last month, guidelines for positive contact and preparation for those communications, is suggested for Starseeds, that have not been contacted already. Overcoming fear, self-doubt and the tendency to glamourize E.T.'s is critical for successful contact. Some contact will be applied through dream state, telepathy, virtual realities, computer technologies, ufo sighting and some dark arts training is needed to discern and enforce who you allow to communicate with you. Do not accept blindly what anything is telling you, use your 12 D shield, employ boundary testing and appropriate guidelines for establishing rules (on your terms) for contact.

Additionally in the human 3D realm, because of this aggressive feral energy, the patriarchal mind and its energy distortions, as they apply to these structures, are extremely amplified to the point of total chaos and utter insanity. Software programs (mind control) around the archetype of "False King of Tyranny" and "Crown of Thorns" (a type of crucifixion implant in the logos) are both false constructs tied into the legal, financial, religious, and corporate operations, with those male dominates (women also polarized in male tyranny or enslavement) who drive division through war and economies, through the use of force, fear, control, insanity and terrorism - is off the charts.

The pressure is so great to the weakened body and mind, for the unprepared person who has been heavily brainwashed, that insanity and spinning out of control through these software programs are very present. It is very saddening, however staying in observer mode is necessary to not be pulled into the abyss created by those that are floundering, or attacking, without the inner rudder. We are most effective as embodied beacons of light, the Lighthouse, and we must protect our boundaries and know our limits. To our planetary stewards and leaders, it is not effective to let anyone take you out, hijack your mission, or drain your blood. Defend yourself and stay clear of idiot compassion. We are in the crux of the heated conflict and in some cases, it calls for triage measures.

We are in the best of times and worst of times. We sit in the timeline of where every single moment counts, there is no other place in the Universe where we can do what we came here to do, like we have the opportunity to accomplish RIGHT NOW. Remember who you are, and that you came here for this, because you wanted to help, because you valued life. Know we are in this together, and you are never alone.

Stay in the luminosity of your Avatar Heart Path! Be Gentle with your hearts and each other.

Love Always, Lisa



Friday, April 20, 2012

Scientists Rediscover Dandelion for Cancer Therapy

Reposted from our beloved Imzaia's Official Body Report

(Imzaia.com) The beautiful and abundantly growing dandelion (taraxacum officinale) has stolen this one's heart a long time ago. Without having any knowledge of this plant's health properties, I couldn't wait for spring to arrive to be able to pluck the new dandelion leaves out of the lawn, not because I considered them weeds but because they make such a delicious salad. My body just craved dandelions and fortunately there was never any lack of it! I also use the tiny buds and the open flowers in salads or as a snack. They are not only very decorative but also deliciously sweet with a very delicate, slightly citrusy flavour. A dandelion salad is a feast for the eye and the taste buds. I also use dandelion as a herb, chopping it finely to add to salads or stir-fries. 

Traditionally, dandelion has been used for culinary purposes since recorded history. Its taproot can be roasted and used as a caffeinefree coffee. Leaves and flowers are used for tea, in salads or as vegetable - raw, stir-fried or boiled. Eating it raw, you can really taste and feel its life force. The earthy and slightly bitter taste of the leaves might be an acquired taste for some, but for the rabbits amongst us it truly is a delicacy.

Furthermore, dandelion is a major source for nectar collecting bees in the northern hemisphere. Its taproot brings nutrients to shallow-rooting plants, as well as adding minerals and nitrogen to the soil. It helps fruit to ripen by releasing ethylene gas into the air. 

Taraxacum officinale is also known for its many medicinal properties. Amongst others, it is a great source of vitamin A, C and K, beta carotene, iron, calcium, potassium and manganese. The anti-carcinogenic properties of the dandelion are now being rediscovered by scientists, as explained in the article below. Interesting facts that not many people might be aware of.

Jasmine, for Imzaia team

*****

Dandelion gets scientific acceptance as an antioxidant and "novel" cancer therapy

Dandelion is the bane of immaculate lawn enthusiasts, but holds healing secrets that few people realize. Dandelion is a delicious super-food to add to salads and soups. It contains substantial vitamins and a host of plant-based minerals, especially potassium. The herb stimulates the flow of bile from the liver into the gall bladder, making dandelion a key ingredient in liver cleanse formulas. It helps to break down liver fats and is an effective diuretic. The scientific community has been frenetically studying dandelion recently, due to encouraging evidence that dandelion suppresses the growth and invasive behavior in several types of cancer.

Scientists "approve" dandelion extract as an effective oxidative stress inhibitor

Scientists at the University of Annunzio Chieti-Pasaca in Italy compared extracts of tumeric, dandelion, rosemary, and artichoke in a study released in 2010. The researchers acknowledged the positive effect that these herbs have on the liver and gallbladder, and wanted to compare their anti-proliferation (spreading), antioxidant (combating free radical activity), and protective effects. While tumeric had the greatest antioxidant effects, dandelion also had these qualities. The scientists confirmed that these herbs are useful healing aids in modern phytomedicine.

The oxidative stress-reducing effects of dandelion extract was tested on rats with liver damage from carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a chemical used in fire extinguishers and refrigerants which is highly toxic to the liver. Water-based dandelion extract, or dandelion tea, was observed to significantly reduce the amount of oxidative stress and inflammation present in the livers of rats.

Medical researchers are enthusiastic about the effects of dandelion on various cancers

Medical science is finally beginning to accept the positive results from natural dietary supplements in healing cancer. Just in the past few years, clinical research has been published stating the benefits of herbal supplements such as dandelion for cancer. Here are a few studies:

The International Journal of Oncology published a 2008 clinical study showing the positive effects of dandelion leaf tea. Dandelion leaf tea decreased breast cancer cells, but dandelion root tea did not. Researchers went on to test prostate cancer cells and found similar results. The scientists concluded that dandelion extract may be considered a "novel" anti-cancer agent.

The Journal of Ethnopharmacology published a study in January 2011 which tested the effects of dandelion root tea on leukemia cells. The study showed that dandelion root tea killed leukemia cells through a process called apoptosis. It is believed that dandelion root tea signals a "kill switch" on leukemia cell receptors. Researchers found it "interesting" that dandelion root tea did not transmit the same "kill switch" signal to healthy cells. These scientists also believed that dandelion should be considered a "novel" non-toxic anti-cancer agent.

The International Journal of Oncology published a 2011 report that a dietary supplement containing dandelion as one ingredient suppresses the growth of prostate cancer cells.

In yet another 2011 study performed with dandelion, dandelion root extract was clinically proven to induce apoptosis in human drug-resistant melanoma cells without poisoning or damaging healthy cells. Once again, tests proved that dandelion root extract should be considered a "novel" and non-toxic therapy for even drug-resistant forms of cancer.

(Source: naturalnews.com)

*****


(Imzaia.com) I always marvel at the fact that the most 'common' plants are the ones that keep our physical husk in the best shape and good health. Traditional herbalists have known this all along and I think it is extremely positive that scientists are now finally going back to nature and rediscover what a powerful healer Gaia truly is. That we should consider any plant a 'weed' and therefore a nuisance just shows how much we have forgotten about our connection with Earth.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

New Brain Connections Form in Clusters During Learning via IMZAIA'S Official Science Report

Rendering of neural network. New connections between brain
cells emerge in clusters in the brain as animals learn to perform a new
task, according to a study. (Credit: © nobeastsofierce / Fotolia)
New connections between brain cells emerge in clusters in the brain as animals learn to perform a new task, according to a study published in Nature on February 19 (advance online publication). Led by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, the study reveals details of how brain circuits are rewired during the formation of new motor memories.

The researchers studied mice as they learned new behaviors, such as reaching through a slot to get a seed. They observed changes in the motor cortex, the brain layer that controls muscle movements, during the learning process. Specifically, they followed the growth of new "dendritic spines," structures that form the connections (synapses) between nerve cells.

"For the first time we are able to observe the spatial distribution of new synapses related to the encoding of memory," said Yi Zuo, assistant professor of molecular, cell and developmental biology at UC Santa Cruz and corresponding author of the paper.

In a previous study, Zuo and others documented the rapid growth of new dendritic spines on pyramidal neurons in the motor cortex during the learning process. These spines form synapses where the pyramidal neurons receive input from other brain regions involved in motor memories and muscle movements. In the new study, first author Min Fu, a postdoctoral researcher in Zuo's lab, analyzed the spatial distribution of the newly formed synapses.

Initial results of the spatial analysis showed that one third of the newly formed synapses were located next to another new synapse. These clustered synapses tended to form over the course of a few days during the learning period, when the mouse was repeatedly performing the new behavior. Compared to non-clustered counterparts, the clustered synapses were more likely to persist through the learning sessions and after training stopped.

In addition, the researchers found that after formation of the second spine in a cluster, the first spine grew larger. The size of the spine head correlates with the strength of the synapse. "We found that formation of a second connection is correlated with a strengthening of the first connection, which suggests that they are likely to be involved in the same circuitry," Zuo said. "The clustering of synapses may serve to magnify the strength of the connections."

Another part of the study also supported the idea that the clustered synapses are involved in neural circuits specific to the task being learned. The researchers studied mice trained first in one task and then in a different task. Instead of grabbing a seed, the mice had to learn how to handle a piece of capellini pasta. Both tasks induced the formation of clustered spines, but spines formed during the learning of different tasks did not cluster together.

The researchers also looked at mice that were challenged with new motor tasks every day, but did not repeat the same task over and over like the ones trained in seed-grabbing or capellini-handling. These mice also grew lots of new dendritic spines, but few of the new spines were clustered.

"Repetitive activation of the same cortical circuit is really important in learning a new task," Zuo said. "But what is the optimal frequency of repetition? Ultimately, by studying the relationship between synapse formation and learning, we want to find out the best way to induce new memories."

The study used mice that had been genetically altered to make a fluorescent protein within certain neurons in the motor cortex. The researchers used a special microscopy technique (two-photon microscopy) to obtain images of those neurons near the surface of the brain. The noninvasive imaging technique enabled them to view changes in individual brain cells of the mice before, during, and after learning a new behavior.

In addition to Zuo and first author Min Fu, the coauthors of the paper include UCSC graduate student Xinzhu Yu and Stanford University biologist Ju Lu. This research was supported by grants from the Dana Foundation and the National Institute of Mental Health.