Today, I continued extending my knowledge of neuroscience and neurobiology through a Coursera program offered by the University of Chicago. Specifically, I learned about the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The nervous system turned out to be much more of an intricate structure than meets the eye, with three meningeal layers separating the PNS and CNS: the thin and tender pia, or innermost layer; the arachnoid layer, which surrounds the spinal cord; and the dura, a tough and fibrous membrane that prevents concussions. Almost all neurons are contained within the meninges in the CNS, notwithstanding the motor, autonomic, and sensory neurons and pathways that lie in the PNS. The PNS is more vulnerable than its counterpart, but it does have the capacity to repair itself. Botulinum toxins from spoiled food, for example, affect the peripheral neurons, blocking the release of neurotransmitters that may cause temporary muscle paralysis. Certain viruses, such as polio, enter the brain through the synapse between a motor neuron and voluntary muscle, passing the meninges via the motor neuron's axon. It then kills the motor neuron, leading to weakness and the inability to move or control certain motions. Shingles gets transported through the sensory neurons and eventually reproduces and causes a rash on the skin, where the neuron eventually reaches. Brain tumors, on the other hand, exist within the cranium. Because neurons are post-mitotic cells, they never divide and cannot become tumors; other cells in the brain, however, can become tumors. Glial cells can form gliomas; meningeal cells can form meningiomas; and both the pineal gland cells, which produce melatonin, and the pituitary gland cells can become tumors. These tumors begin as small collections of rapidly dividing cells. However, these cells will soon metastasize, spreading to other parts like the cranium, causing increased pressure. What I also learned is that these tumors are caused by alterations in DNA, which are primarily a result of radiation or exposure to dangerous chemicals. Yet, so many people are unknowingly placing themselves in danger, constantly surrounding themselves with chemical exposure that could risk developing brain tumors. As I thought about this discrepancy, I concluded that the best policy options are as follows:
1. Funding and Research Policy — Increase federal and state funding for research on CNS and PNS disorders, particularly gliomas, meningiomas, and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Policy Analysis:
- Efficiency: High—More funding could accelerate scientific breakthroughs.
- Financial Feasibility: Moderate to high—depends on reallocation of government resources.
- Political Feasibility: Moderate—depends on bipartisan support and public advocacy.
2. Healthcare Access and Insurance Coverage — Expand insurance coverage for early brain tumor screenings and advanced imaging techniques like MRI scans.
- Policy Analysis:
- Efficiency: High—Early detection leads to better outcomes.
- Financial Feasibility: Moderate—Pushback may come from insurance companies.
- Political Feasibility: Moderate—Pushback may come from insurance companies.
3. Workplace and Environmental Regulations — Implement stricter workplace safety regulations to minimize exposure to neurotoxic chemicals (e.g., pesticides, industrial solvents) linked to CNS and PNS disorders.
- Policy Analysis:
- Efficiency: Moderate—helps reduce risk but may not prevent all cases.
- Financial Feasibility: Moderate—Industries may resist compliance costs.
- Political Feasibility: Low to moderate—industries may lobby against regulations.