Can math cause pain?

 A new study by Dr.Ian Lyons of the University of Chicago, has linked the sensation of physical pain with the anticipation of math in "math anxious" groups.

Using fMRI brain scans, they found that when people in the "math anxious" group were told that they would be doing math problems the area of the brain known as the posterior insula would  become active. This is the same area of the brain that is responsible for registering threats and experiencing pain.

Interestingly though, once the participants started actually doing math problems the area was no longer active.
A true case of a "dogs" bark being worst than its bite.

Read more about this at:
Popular Science
or read the actual research study at:
PLOS one, open access journal

Take Back the Term

Take back the term is day long workshop centered around improving your academic standing in school. But here is the kicker, it is completely FREE.

That is right FREE!

To Register and to find out more info check out: This Link

Problems with Anxiety in University?

Worrying that Works

 The U of A's Mental Health centre (2-600 SUB) will be starting a weekly workshop called Worrying that Works. The objective of this workshop is to help students better manage their anxiety symptoms and to help reduce the impact anxiety has on their lives. It will be ran by a professional psychologist as well!

Here are the details:
Eligibility: any U of A student that is struggling with anxiety (general worry, panic attacks, etc.)
Time: Thursdays (weekly) from 2-3:30pm
Start Date: Thursday October 25th, 2012

So if you have an issue with Anxiety and it is affecting your University experience I would urge you to go check out this workshop and learn how to take control of these issues!

http://www.mentalhealth.ualberta.ca/