Bernard Katz - Böcker

According to Jon Karlsson, the influence of genetic factors on human mentality has been neglected for many years in the study of intelligence. He contends that the evidence for biological influences on human intelligence is too compelling to be ignored any longer. Karlsson believes that such influences can be positive, and that ways can be found to measure their importance.Serious efforts are necessary to extend the scope of basic conceptions concerning the structure of the brain and to explore the mysteries of the physiological mechanisms that govern the human mind. The research reported in this volume suggests some approaches that might prove useful. Karlsson believes that an effective approach to the genetics of mentality can be built around studies of serious brain abnormalities. Beginning with the idea that psychosis probably has a genetic bond to creativity, he argues that parallel possibilities exist in relation to other frequently occurring disorders. The product of many years of research, this work is certain to be a source of both controversy and of new ideas for the study of human intellectual development.

This symposium entitled Calcium, Neuronal Function and Transmitter Re­ lease, was in the framework of the regional meeting of the International Union of Physiological Sciences, that took place in Jerusalem between August 26-31, 1984. The symposium dealt with the role of calcium ions in regulation of a large number of important processes in modern neurobiology, from molecular and cellular points of view. In this context, we consider heart and most cells as 'honorary neurons'. The meeting was comprised of lectures and quite intense discussions. We hope that the transcription of the discussions which follow the articles will give the reader a feeling of the intense, but pleasant atmosphere that per­ vaded during this symposium. It is our pleasure to thank Mrs. Miriam Silber, the assistant editor of this book, for her hard work in transcribing the discussions, retyping large portions of the book, and getting the approval of the authors. We express our thanks to Dr. Halina Meiri and Dr. Simona Ginsburg for their editorial assis­ tance. The unfailing help of Ms. Rachel Klein and Ms. Shoshana Wineberg is greatly appreciated. xxvii SECTION 1 CALCIUM CHANNELS, TRANSPORTERS & CALCIUM REGULATED CHANNELS EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON SINGLE CHANNEL AND WHOLE CELL Ca CURRENTS A. M. BROWN, D. L. KUNZE, H.D. LUX AND D. L. WILSON INTRODUCTION Calcium tall currents have a large,fast component which Is not detectable when the currents are turned on or acti­ vated from the completely rested state (Brown et aI, 1983).

This symposium entitled Calcium, Neuronal Function and Transmitter Re­ lease, was in the framework of the regional meeting of the International Union of Physiological Sciences, that took place in Jerusalem between August 26-31, 1984. The symposium dealt with the role of calcium ions in regulation of a large number of important processes in modern neurobiology, from molecular and cellular points of view. In this context, we consider heart and most cells as 'honorary neurons'. The meeting was comprised of lectures and quite intense discussions. We hope that the transcription of the discussions which follow the articles will give the reader a feeling of the intense, but pleasant atmosphere that per­ vaded during this symposium. It is our pleasure to thank Mrs. Miriam Silber, the assistant editor of this book, for her hard work in transcribing the discussions, retyping large portions of the book, and getting the approval of the authors. We express our thanks to Dr. Halina Meiri and Dr. Simona Ginsburg for their editorial assis­ tance. The unfailing help of Ms. Rachel Klein and Ms. Shoshana Wineberg is greatly appreciated. xxvii SECTION 1 CALCIUM CHANNELS, TRANSPORTERS & CALCIUM REGULATED CHANNELS EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON SINGLE CHANNEL AND WHOLE CELL Ca CURRENTS A. M. BROWN, D. L. KUNZE, H.D. LUX AND D. L. WILSON INTRODUCTION Calcium tall currents have a large,fast component which Is not detectable when the currents are turned on or acti­ vated from the completely rested state (Brown et aI, 1983).

Bernard Katz smartly turns biblical tales and religious declarations back on themselves to expose their mythical origins and obvious contradictions. This remarkable and entertaining collection of essays takes an atheistic and humorous look at the most popular religious beliefs, including the concept of God, biblical morality, magic and miracles, the much-touted mental health benefits of religion, and the impact of archeology on religious beliefs. Katz has a biting and succinct style and a knack for presenting the fresh fruits of atheistic thinking to a wide general audience. He clearly illustrates in these essays that morality and goodness are of human origin, not divinely inspired, and that religion can in fact breed immorality.