on being sad
December 10th, 2005 by Lawrence David
some scientists have recently presented further proof that people really do get more depressed as the days get shorter. abc news has reported on this; if you’re too lazy/busy/uninterested, here’s the gist of it:
Up to 20 percent of Americans report they feel more depressed during the winter months as a result of a condition known as seasonal affective disorder. Now scientists have shown that hamsters experience the same sluggishness when their exposure to light is reduced. By studying these sad hamsters, the researchers hope to find new ways of helping people combat seasonal depression.
this just seems wrong to me. i mean, i work in a lab where they stick electrodes into monkey brains. but at least they’re just monitoring what’s going on in there. messing with a hamster’s feelings on the other hand? that’s going too far. hell, look at this test:
Another test involves placing the animals in water and seeing if they swim or simply give up and float. Hamsters don’t sink apparently, but float in water.
sick, sick, sick.
