Friday, January 23, 2009

Possible Research Topics?

The following are the top three choices for my research paper:

Hypothyroid

I have a condition called Hypothyroidism, which is when the pituitary gland of the brain is not sending enough signals to the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland (which is located at the base of the neck under your adam's apple) to produce the thyroid hormone. This hormone controls your metabolism and many other vital functions of the body. Since I know very little about what Hypothyroidism actually is and what it does to my own body, I decided that it would be in my best interest to pursue it as a possible subject for my research paper. There are so many unanswered questions I have about this life-long condition of mine, but the main thing that I need closure on is how to live a happier and more full-filling life with Hypothyroidism.
Depression
Everyone gets hit by what they would call depression at least once in their lifetime. The concept of depression can be a very controversial issue, and a fascinating subject to research. Anyone could connect personally to depression, and I have had bouts of it myself, but the aspect of this unfortunate state that I would really like to research is the physiological affects depression has on the human brain. Many have heard of the diagnosis called a chemical inbalance, yet others call it bogus and just an excuse to take "happy pills," but something must go on in the brain to make a person feel this way, and though others may know the answer already, I have very little knowledge about the subject.
Islam
I am not a religious person, and I don't identify myself as a member of a particuar religious group, but the subject does strike curiosity in me. Islam, in particular, seems like such a mystery; I know nothing about it. In fact, I don't believe hardly any Americans really do know much about Islam (except our president, of course). The muslims of the Middle-East are constantly being stereotyped by Americans, when the muslims themselves probably know far more about our rituals than we do theirs. It may be a lack of curiosity that plagues the citizens of this nation, but in order for me to make a judgement, I need to get inside of their minds and see what they see. Therefore, researching Islam would clear up a lot of confusion. What states-of-mind does the religion of Islam promote to its followers in the Middle-East?