Biology Book

From Cells To Self in the Biology Of Belief
By Mary Desaulniers

What is the connection between a cell membrane and the human brain? A lot, according to cell biologist, Dr. Bruce Lipton, whose book "The Biology of Belief", details reasons why we can be the creators of our own destiny. A renowned cell biologist and former professor at the University Of Wisconsin Medical School, Bruce Lipton shows precisely how the molecular processes behind the brain’s functioning work. In fact, he is the leading authority on the new science of Epigenetics—the science that sees life to be controlled by factors other than genes. From cells to self, Bruce Lipton compels us to re-think our understanding of empowerment—how much power do we have over our own bodies and over the course of events in our lives? Simply put, he suggests that we are not victims of our genetic blueprint; in fact we have the power to program our own destiny.

In 1997, a California interior designer took part in a clinical trial to test the efficacy of antidepressant drug, Effexor. At the end of the trial period, she reported that the pills had indeed relieved her of the depression which had plagued her for thirty years. She had also experienced nausea, a common side effect of Effexor and the brain scans she received throughout the study also showed changes in the brain that suggest the activity of her prefrontal cortex had been greatly enhanced. Her elation over the antidepressant was understandable until she was told that she had been part of the placebo group. She had not been given the drug at all. So convinced was she of the effects of Effexor that she insisted the researchers re-check their records.