Is there a link between differences in IQ test performance and the activity of certain genes? Researchers from Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin have shown that modifications in the structure of a specific gene have a negative impact on individual test performance. This suggests that environmentally-induced epigenetic changes to our genetic material have a greater impact on intelligence than previously thought. Results from this study have been published in Translational Psychiatry. Continue reading “Does our environment affect the genes in our brains?”
Do you want to see God?
Abba Olympios recounts: ‘One time, a pagan priest came down to Skete and slept in my cell. When he saw the way the monks lived he asked me: Continue reading “Do you want to see God?”
Aetius, the winner of the Catalaunian Fields – a quick view
Aetius was the most powerful general in West (magister militum) from 433 until his death in 454. Continue reading “Aetius, the winner of the Catalaunian Fields – a quick view”
Caliph Abd Al-Malik – a quick view
Abd Al-Malik was the Umayyad caliph from 685–705. Until 692, he was preoccupied with internal rebellions. Continue reading “Caliph Abd Al-Malik – a quick view”
The Abbasid Caliphate – a quick view
The Abbasids, descended from Muhammed the Prophet’s uncle Abbas, came to power in 749 in a revolt against the Umayyad Caliphate. Continue reading “The Abbasid Caliphate – a quick view”
What constitutes ‘Hubris’ and how it is punished from above? Is there ‘Collective responsibility’?
Here we present and analyze an excerpt from «Bibliotheca», or «Library» by Apollodorus of Athens (or Pseudo-Apollodorus) that answers our question. Continue reading “What constitutes ‘Hubris’ and how it is punished from above? Is there ‘Collective responsibility’?”
Novo Scriptorium 