Tami Port's Blog
Posted by Tami Port
Fall flu season is starting early, as everyone waits for the new H1N1 vaccine to be released. The focus on swine flu vaccines is creating a problem with distribution of seasonal influenza vaccines. Hopefully everyone who is at risk will be able to get flu vaccines, whether they need one, the other or both.
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are behaviors you can engage in to decrease (and those that increase) your risk. Knowledge is power!
Below are the links to several new Microbiology articles that relate to the approaching influenza season. Reading them will help you understand the risks and protect yourself during this double-barrel influenza season.
H1N1 Swine Flu & Seasonal Influenza Article Series
1. What Is the Difference between Seasonal Flu and the New H1N1 Virus?
2. Simple Steps to Help Prevent the Flu
3. Who Should Get Vaccinated for the Flu: H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza?
4. Is the New H1N1 Vaccine Safe?
5. Cover Your Cough and Sneeze to Prevent the Spread of Infectious Disease
6. Safety of H1N1 Flu Mist and Injected Vaccine
7. Why Is Flu More Common in Winter?
8. Diagnosis of Novel H1N1 vs. Seasonal Influenza Virus
Posted by Tami Port
Two new articles are now available describing a simple experiment that can be done to examine how well mouthwash works to kill oral bacteria. The experiment compares alcohol and non-alcohol mouthwashes as well as time spent rinsing the mouth.
This experiment can be found in the new Suite101 articles:
For a Word document of this experiment, go to the Science Prof Online Virtual Cell Biology Classroom. The lecture page on prokaryotic cells contains a link called Mouthwash Experiment on Controlling Oral Bacteria. This link will allow you to download the document.
Geek out and have fun!
Posted by Tami Port
The Virtual Microbiology Classroom offers both free lecture and lab material from an introductory-level college microbiology course.
Virtual Microbiology Lab exercises and PowerPoint topics include:
- Basic Microscopy
- Bacterial Growth Media and Culture
- Differential Staining (Gram, Acid-fast and Endospore)
- Bacterial Control (Heat, UV, Antibiotics and Chemical Disinfectants)
The site also provides free images of lab materials and procedures, including:
- Bacteria: Smears, Heat-fixing & Staining
- Bacterial Colonies
- Bacterial Growth Media
- Compound Microscope
Posted by Tami Port
There are now several articles in the Suite101 Microbiology collection that specifically address the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Here are the links so that you can easily find the cell biology information that you need.
Cell Biology Article Series
- Biology of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
- Prokaryotic Microbe Cell Biology
- Eukaryotic Biology Cell Structure and Function
- What Is a Eukaryotic Cell?
- Eukaryotic Endomembrane System
Posted by Tami Port
I have been slowly but steadily adding a number of microscopy articles to the Microbiology topic at Suite101.
If you are a Cell Biology or Microbiology student first learning to use a scope of trying to re-familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of microscopy, the following articles should help get off to a good start:
Suite101 Microscopy Articles
- What Is a Compound Light Microscope?
- Focusing and Finding Objects with a Light Microscope
- Viewing Bacteria under Oil Immersion
- Preparing a Microscope Slide of Bacteria
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Posted by Tami Port
There are many recognized virally-mediated exanthems. This article series covers some of those most commonly encountered during childhood, including those caused by DNA viruses (chickenpox, erythemia infectiosum, roseola) and those caused by RNA viruses (rubella and rubeola).
Childhood Exanthem Article Links
- Classic Childhood Infectious Rashes: Transmission of and Immunization against Viral Exanthems
- Childhood Rashes & DNA Virus Infection: Viral Infectious Disease Chickenpox, Erythemia infectiosum & Roseola
- Childhood Rashes & RNA Virus Infection: Togavirus & Paramyxovirus -- Viral Diseases Rubella and Measles
Posted by Tami Port
Each lecture topic listed has a main page that offers both practice test questions and review questions that are used in an actual college-level introductory cell biology classroom. The following link takes to to the main page.
Virtual Cell Biology Classroom Topics Include:
- Scientific Method
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Prokaryotic Cell Biology
- Eukaryotic Cell Biology
- Enzymes & Catalysts
- Metabolism: Aerobic Cellular Respiration
- Metabolism: Anaerobic Cellular Respiration & Fermentation
- DNA Replication
- DNA Transcription & Translation
- Cell Division: Mitosis
- Cell Division: Meiosis
- Human Genetics: Mendelian Genetics & Probability
Posted by Tami Port
Selective media only grows certain types of microbes. Differential media exhibits a color change when microbes with certain metabolic capabilities are present. See the following articles for more information on both general and specialized bacterial growth media.
- Selective Bacterial Growth Media
- Differential Bacterial Growth Media
- Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA)
- MacConkey's Agar (MAC)
- Blood Agar (BAP)
For additional information on microbiology see the SPO Virtual Microbiology Classroom and Todar’s Online Textbook of Bacteriology.
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Posted by Tami Port
There are several new articles in Suite101’s Microbiology topic related to procedures used in the identification of bacteria. This page provides links to help you find what you are looking for.
Differential Stains
Differential & Selective Media
- Differential Bacteria Growth Media
- Selective Bacterial Growth Media
- Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA)
- MacConkey's Agar (MAC)
- Blood Agar (BAP)
Metabolic Tests for Specific Bacterial Identification
More Microbiology Resources
For more information on Microbiology, see the SPO Virtual Microbiology Classroom, or Todar’s Online Textbook of Bacteriology.
Posted by Tami Port
Each lecture topic listed has a main page that offers both practice test questions and review questions that are used in an actual college-level cell biology classroom.
Virtual Cell Biology Classroom Topics Include:
- Scientific Method
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Prokaryotic Cell Biology
- Eukaryotic Cell Biology
- Enzymes & Catalysts
- Metabolism: Aerobic Cellular Respiration
- Metabolism: Anaerobic Cellular Respiration & Fermentation
- DNA Replication
- DNA Transcription & Translation
- Cell Division: Mitosis
- Cell Division: Meiosis
- Human Genetics: Mendelian Genetics & Probability
Posted by Tami Port
Differential Stains
Gram, Acid-fast and Endospore stain don’t identify bacteria down to the species level, but each technique does provide specific information about structural aspects of the stained bacteria that are helpful in choosing appropriate microbial control measures to kill pathogens.
The following links will take you to each article in the differential staining series:
More Microbiology Resources
For more infomration on Microbiology, see the SPO Virtual Microbiology Classroom, or Todar’s Online Textbook of Bacteriology.
Posted by Tami Port
Microbiology Review
For students interested in finding review questions to help prepare for microbiology exams, see the Science Prof Online Virtual Microbiology Classroom.
Each lecture topic listed has a main page that offers practice test questions, review questions and PowerPoint lecture presentations that are used in an actual college-level microbiology class.
Topics Include:
- History of Microbiology
- Chemistry of Microbiology
- Prokaryotic Cells & Taxonomy
- Eukaryotic Cells & Taxonomy
- Viruses & Other Acellular Particles
- Microbial Growth
- Microbial Metabolism
- Microbial Genetics
- Cellular & Acellular Agents of Infectious Disease
Cell Biology Review
For students looking for help reviewing cell biology topics, see the SPO Virtual Cell Biology Classroom.
As with the Virtual Micro Classroom, each lecture topic listed has a main page that offers practice test questions, review questions and PowerPoint lecture presentations that are used in an actual college-level cell biology class.
Topics Include:
- Scientific Method
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Prokaryotic Cell Structure & Function
- Eukaryotic Cell Structure & Function
- Enzymes
- Metabolism: Aerobic Respiration
- Metabolism: Anaerobic Respirtation & Fermentation
- Genetics: DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation
- Genetics: Mitosis & Meiosis
- Human Genetics
Posted by Tami Port
Antibiotics and Bacteria
If you go to the doctor with a viral infection, you will generally not be sent home with a prescription for antibiotics. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, and should only be prescribed when a bacterial infection is suspected.
Different antibiotics have different modes of action (MOA), each class very specifically targeting some aspect of the bacterium’s physiology or structure in a way that kills or disables the pathogen without harming out cells. There are vaccines to prevent some bacterial infections.
Antivials and Viruses
There are ways to fight viral infections. We can be vaccinated against some of the more serious viral infectious diseases. For a few others there are antiviral drugs that don’t cure, but do help slow down the virus or relieve our symptoms. Most common viral infections that are brief and not potentially life-threatening usually just have to run their course before our own immune system either suppresses or evicts them.
See Suite101 Microbiology topic or SPO's Virtual Microbiology Classroom for more information on microbes and infectious disease.
Posted by Tami Port
For students interested in finding practice test questions to help prepare for microbiology exams, see the Virtual Microbiology Classroom.
Each lecture topic listed has a main page that offers both practice test questions and review questions that are used in an actual college-level microbiology classroom.
Topics Include:
- History of Microbiology
- Chemistry of Microbiology
- Prokaryotic Cells & Taxonomy
- Eukaryotic Cells & Taxonomy
- Viruses & Other Acellular Particles
- Microbial Growth
- Microbial Metabolism
- Microbial Genetics
- Cellular & Acellular Agents of Infectious Disease
Posted by Tami Port
New Resource for Quick Micro Answers
Most people looking for information on the internet want to be able to quickly reach straightforward explanations that specifically address their question. This Microbiology blog will be frequently updated with answers to common cell and microbiology questions.
What Is the Difference Between Bacteria and Viruses?
Bacteria
Bacteria are single-celled living prokaryotic organisms. Prokaryotes are evolutionarily ancient, simple cells. But simple and primitive certainly doesn’t mean unsuccessful. These microbes are found nearly everywhere. Some bacteria live independently, others exist in symbiotic relationships that can be beneficial to humans (such as the normal flora that exists in our GI tract and helps us digest food and produce vitamins). Other types of bacteria are pathogens which cause illness (such as Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA is a particularly virulent strain of this species).
Viruses
These infectious agents are not alive and all are parasites. Viruses are not considered a life form because they are not made of cells; they do not grow; they cannot reproduce on their own; and they don’t transform energy (metabolize nutrients).
Viruses must infect a living cell in order to make more viruses. A viral particle is composed of at least genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protective protein coat called a capsid. There are no viruses that are directly beneficial to us, although we have found ways to use viruses to our benefit, such as viral cancer therapy.
See Suite101 Microbiology topic or SPO's Virtual Microbiology Classroom for more information on microbes and infectious disease.
Posted by Tami Port
How in the world do antibiotics kill bacteria without harming our cells? Why are there so many different types of antibiotics? What do these chemotherapeutics do to disable microbes? Find the answers to these and other questions in Suite101’s new article series exploring the mode of action of some of the main classes of antibiotics.
Click on the following links to go to the article describing how each class of antibiotic exerts its effect:
- Aminoglycosides
- Cephalosporins (a Beta-lactam)
- Macrolides
- Penicillins (a Beta-lactam)
- Quinolones (Fluoroquinolones)
- Sulfonamides (Sulfa Drugs)
- Tetracyclines
Posted by Tami Port
Viral Gene and Drug Therapy
Viruses are parasites that specialize in getting their genetic material into living cells. And science is now finding a way to put the talents of viruses to good use. Dr. Myongsoo Lee and his team of researchers at Yonsei Univeristy, recently published an article in Angewandte Chemie in which they reported successfully using an artificial virus to transport genes and drugs into cancer cells.
Natural & Artificial Viruses
Naturally occurring viruses are good at moving genes into cells and have been used for gene therapy, but natural viruses can trigger the body’s immune response and some can even cause cancer.
Artificial viruses don’t have these side effects, but have not been shown to be particularly effective so far because their size and shape (features vital to a viruses’ effectiveness) have been hard to control. It looks like Myongsoo Lee has developed a new strategy that allows the artificial viruses to maintain the shape the require in order to work in gene therapy.
Moving Genes and Therapeutics into Cancer Cells
Lee performed trials using human cancer cells and demonstrated that his artificial viruses could effectively transport RNA (a nucleic acid similar to DNA) into a cancer cell and block the expression of a target gene.
These researchers were also able to attach other molecules to the artificial viruses that then transported these molecules into the nuclei (the genetic command center) of tumor cells, where many antitumor drugs exert their effects.
Author of Study: Myongsoo Lee, Yonsei University, Seoul (Korea)
Title: Filamentous Artificial Virus from a Self-Assembled Discrete Nanoribbon
Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2008, 47, No. 24, 4525
To learn more about viruses in general, see these Suite101 articles:
Posted by Tami Port
Three new studies just published in the May 2008 issue of the journal Nature Genetics may provide us with information that could ultimately lead to genetic screening that will help us assess our risk of skin cancer.
Even without genetic screening most of us know that that people with fair complexions are more prone to sunburn than those with darker complexions. New research now links certain variations in the genes that control the color of our skin, hair and eyes with an increased risk of melanoma and carcinoma, two potentially deadly forms of skin cancer.
See the new Suite101 article ‘Genetics of Pigment & Skin Cancer’ to read a summary of these new research findings or go to the source, Nature Genetics to find the studies themselves.
Posted by Tami Port
Here’s a new collection of Suite101 articles that explain what mutations are and how these changes to the DNA code impact the evolution of life.
What Is a Genetic DNA Mutation?
A mutation is a rare change in a gene's DNA sequence that can result in a defective cellular protein. This article covers the basics of genetic mutation.
Hereditary & Somatic DNA Mutations
There are two main categories of genetic mutation based on the type of cell they occur in. Changes to a person's DNA can be inherited or acquired after fertilization.
A mutation is an alteration of a gene's DNA sequence. Mutations are usually bad news, but those rare changes that benefit an organism are the raw material of evolution.
This article describes types if small mutations involving a change in one, or just a few nucleotides; covers point mutations, insertions, deletions and frameshift mutations.
Posted by Tami Port
There is great deal of potentially confusing terminology associated with chromosomes and their number. For example, duplicated chromosomes are called 'sister chromatids' as long as they are attached, but as soon as they separate, they become 'daughter chromosomes.' And a pair of copied or replicated chromosomes are not the same as a pair of homologous chromosomes. The following articles will help you brush up on DNA lingo and detangle these and other genetic technical terms.
Articles on Chromosomes & Their Number
Ploidy - Diplod and Haploid: Chromosome Number of Somatic and Sex Cells
DNA - Duplicated and Homologues: Difference between Homologous and Replicated Chromosomes
Chromosomes & Sister Chromatids: Terms Used to Describe DNA during Cell Division
Posted by Tami Port
Stem Cells
Hematopoietic adult stem cells have been used in transplants for decades. There is ongoing controversy surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells. However stem cells can also be easily collected and stored from umbilical cord blood.
Stem Cell Banks
Cord blood banking is not cheap. Who should be saving their child’s umbilical cord blood? When does the likelihood of need justify the initial expense of collection and ongoing cost of storage? Are cord blood banks largely preying on the fears parents have about the potential for future health issues of their children?
See the following article to explore these questions and learn more about stem cell storage:
Posted by Tami Port
Genetics & Evolution now has a collection of new and recent articles exploring the theory of evolution and Charles Darwin' discovery of natural selection.
People typically associate the name Charles Darwin with the concept of evolution, but Darwin was certainly not the first to understand that populations of organisms change over time. His groundbreaking contribution came in discovering how evolution occurred, its mechanisms of action – natural selection.
The link Darwin, Evolution and Natural Selection will take you to a collection of articles on the history of evolutionary thinking, what lead Darwin to his pivotal discovery as well as explain how natural selection works as a shaper of traits.
Posted by Tami Port
Blood tests were used in the past, but blood type (A, B, AB & O) can only eliminate a man from consideration as the possible biological father of a child. The genetic techology of DNA fingerprinting now enables us to easily, specifically and reliably look at the relatedness of individals.
See the following new Genetics & Evolution articles for more information on paternity testing and DNA fingerprinting:
1. DNA Fingerprinting Paternity Test
Posted by Tami Port
Nucleotides are important and versatile organic molecules of living organisms. Depending on the specific type, they can:
- transport energy within our cells (ATP)
- be built into polymers that function as the cell’s genetic blueprint (DNA)
- function as the “go between” for DNA, transcribing and translating the genetic code to build proteins
The latest piece in this Nucleic Acid Article Series provides a summary of, and link to, each of the specific articles, which range from explaining gene recognition to defining ATP, RNA and DNA. Take a look and beef up on your molecular genetics!
Posted by Tami Port
It is easy to become confused when it comes to the terminology associated with chromosomes and chromosome number. What are homologous chromosomes? What are duplicated chromosomes? What are chromatids? How do all of these terms differ and how do they relate to each other? The following article series can help sort out the lingo.
Quick Links to Articles on Chromosome Number
Posted by Tami Port
New Article Series
If the terms mitosis and meiosis bring back unpleasant flashbacks of confusion during time spent in an introductory biology course, there is help available. A new collection of articles explores these processes and how they relate to asexual reproduction, sexual reproduction and the human life cycle. Here is a list of quick links to articles that explain these processes clearly, it easy to grasp terms.
Cell Division Quick Links
Posted by Tami Port
Although a series of intermediate fossils have been identified, documenting the evolutionary transition from land to sea, the specific identity of the whales land ancestor was unknown…until now.
Little Water Deer the Granddaddy of Whales
Recently J. G. M. “Hans” Thewissen, Ph.D. and colleagues at Northeastern Ohio University established that Indohyus, an approximately 48-million-year-old deer-like ancestor to be the closest known fossil relative of whales. In the November issue if Nature, Dr. Thewissen’s team elaborates on the telltale similarities between whales and Indohyus that are evident in the skull and ear that reveal the family relationship.
And Indohyus was not just your average little deer. Like hippos, Indohyus spent much of its time in water. This was extablished when the bones of Indohyus were found to have a thick outside layer, a characteristic often seen in mammals that have a semi-aquatic lifestyle.
Ancelstral Whales Entered the Water as Herbivores
Before Dr. Thewissen’s illuminating work, it has been widely assumed that whales descended from a carnivorous terrestrial ancestor, and whales became aquatic to feed on ocean-dwelling fish. However, Indohyus is a plant-eater, and already aquatic, suggesting that the dietary shift to carnivore came after the ancestral whale habitat shift to the water.
More Information
For more information on this discovery, see the original article in the November 2007 issue of Nature or the write-up in Science Daily. To learn more about evolution in general, see the website Science Prof Online or the Suite101 articles Evolution As Theory & Fact, Evolution & Natural Selection,or Natural & Artificial Selection.
Posted by Tami Port
If you are taking a biology course and looking for a resource with practice test questons and review worksheets, here are a few links that may help:
This webpage provides links to practice test questons on a variety of science topics.
SPO is a science reference covering a wide range of topics and including practice test questions, review questions, lecture PowerPoints and both a Virtual Cell Biology Classroom and a Virtual Microbiology Classroom.
Posted by Tami Port
New Suite101 Topic Area
Hello Everyone! Welcome to the new Suite101 topic Genetics and Evolution. My name is Tami Port and I am the Feature Writer for this new, exciting topic. In addition to being a writer for Suite101, I am a college professor having taught a variety of biology subjects including General Biology, Cell Biology and Microbiology.
Genetics & Evoultion Articles
I have already begun to build the collection of articles on our topic, and I invite you to take a looks at the new information presented in Pre-Darwinian Evolutionary Theory and What Is RNA? There will soon be more basic information, current event relating to Genetics and Evolution and also reviews of books relating to this topic area.
Subscribe to the Genetics & Evolution article feeds to effortlessly keep up on the latest published articles.
Posted by Tami Port
I have just published the first PD interview with Dr. Duane Dobbert. In this first article, Dr. Dobbert describes some of the similarities between Antisocial and Narcissistic PD. We are very fortunate to have him share his professional insight with us. He has a walth of information regarding Cluster B personality Disorders.
In addition to experience as a clinician, researcher and expert witness, Dr. Dobbert has authored the training program, School Bus Drivers: The 1st Line of Defense Against Sexual Predators, and has educated thousands of School Bus Drivers through nationwide presentations and DVD training videos. He has also authored two PD books and is currently working on a third.
See Dr. Dobbert's website for additional information.
Posted by Tami Port
Dr. Duane L. Dobbert is a 38 year veteran of forensic psychology, and currently a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and Capella University. But he’s not one to dwell in an ivory tower.
In addition to experience as a clinician, researcher and expert witness, Dr. Dobbert has authored the training program, School Bus Drivers: The 1st Line of Defense Against Sexual Predator, educating thousands of School Bus Drivers through nationwide presentations and DVD training videos. He has also authored two books and is currently working on a third.
In his first book, “Halting the Sexual Predators among Us: Preventing Attack, Rape, and Lust Homicide," Dr. Dobbert examines disorders ranging from exhibitionism to pedophilia, and presents scenarios that illustrate the behaviors shown by people preparing to act on such disordered thinking.
I have enjoyed and reviewed his second book, "Understanding Personality Disorders," a new release of 2007, published by Pager.
So keep your eyes open for this informative series of interviews with Dr. Dobbert, in which we'll explore…
- the similarities and differences between narcissism and psychopath
- how you can recognize and protect yourself from narcissist and psychopaths
- what predators are and how parents can protect their children
…and more.
See Dr. Dobbert's website for additional information.
Posted by Tami Port
Psychopathy has been one of my primary areas of interest for as long as I have been fascinated by abnormal psychology.
The more I think about the common characteristics of Narcissistic PD and Antisocial PD, I can’t help wondering if they just represent degrees of severity along the same dimension of personality. There are about as many opinions on this matter as there are experts in psychopathology.
Psychopaths of Everyday Life
I am currently reading, and will soon be reviewing, Dr. Martin Kantor’s most recent book “The Psychopathy of Everyday Life.” In the book, Kantor discusses the ‘everyday psychopath,’ similar to what Robert Hare calls the ‘subcriminal psychopath.’ Kantor asserts that there are milder forms of psychopathy which are much more common than the highly sensationalized extreme cases that we occasionally see spotlighted in the media. Other experts consider psychopathy to be part of the continuum of narcissism, and there are those who see narcissism and antisocial personality as clearly separate conditions.
New Article Series on Narcissism & Psychopthy
I have recently published an article series exploring the relationship of psychopathic and narcissistic behavior, all of which are summarized and can be accessed through the article Psychopathy & Narcissism.
New Survey
It is also time for a new survey. So far the surveys haven’t inspired much participation. The new one will run through the end of November, its topic: The Relationship between Narcissism and Psychopathy. I hope this survey might catch your attention and I urge you to vote.
Posted by Tami Port
One of the tasks I enjoy as Feature Writer for PDs is examining and summarizing the new studies that provide insight into PDs. As an adjunct professor I have convenient access to some of the best tools for searching academic publications and am always vigilant for new items that may be of interest to my readers.
New PD Research
October 16, 2007
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Two new Suite101 articles summarize a study which was published in the May 2007 issue of Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. The research is an academic literature review of what we currently know about brain anatomy and physiology of BPD patients.
October 11, 2007
The Antisocial Brain and Violence
A recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that frontal lobe abnormalities of those with APD may contribute to violent behavior.
This new Suite101 article contains summaries and quick links to some of the latest research on Antisocial PD and Psychopathy.
October 6, 2007
Medication, Self-Destruction and PDs
What do we know about the effectiveness of drug therapies used in the treatment PD suicidal behavior? This Suite101article summarizes a literature review recently published by Dr. Robert Cardish, supervisory faculty member at Mount Sinai Psychotherapy Institute.
Subscribe to Article Feeds and Be In the Know
If you are interested in keeping up on cutting-edge PD research, subscribe by clicking on the “How to Subscribe to Feeds” icon that appears on every PD article and on the PD Topic homepage and be alerted when new information is released. This will allow you to be one of the first to know many of the important advances that never make it into mainstream media coverage.
Posted by Tami Port
PD Discussions Now More Organized
I’ve gone through the extensive list of PD discussions on the site. I’ve renamed some with titles that are more descriptive of the discussion content and eliminated others; not censorship, but just trashing old one-entry topics that were either announcements of old Polls or old Articles. Take a look at the cleaned up list, and feel free to start or join newer discussion or even reignite any of the older discussion. When an old discussion gets a new entry, it is resurrected and goes toward the top of the list, with the potential to again become a hot topic.
See New Book Review!
I have also just completed a review of the new book by Dr. Duane Dobbert, Understanding Personality Disorders: An Introduction. Click on the link in the previous sentence and see if it sounds like a good read to you.
Posted by Tami Port
At this point, the PD Suite101 site offers basic information on the 10 psychological disorders of personality as well as some recent research on PDs.
I plan to continue monitoring the psych scientific journals to bring you updates on the latest research. Book reviews are the next new feature you will soon see among the Suite101 Personality Disorder offerings.
Keep your eye out for upcoming Suite101 review articles of the following new psychology-related books:
- Understanding Personality Disorders: An Introduction, by Duane Dobbert.
- Psychopathy of Everyday Life: How Antisocial Personality Disorder Affects All of Us, by Martin Kantor, M. D.
- The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings, by Monica Ramirez Basco, PhD.
- Talking Back to OCD: The Program That Helps Kids and Teens Say “No Way” – and Parents Say “Way to Go,” by John March, MD.
- The Complete Family Guide to Schizophrenia, by Kim Mueser, PhD and Susan Gingerich, MSW.
If there are specific books you are curious about, just let me know and I will try to complete a review in a reasonable amount of time.
Posted by Tami Port
Well, I’ve completed a series of Suite101 articles with basic information relating to each Personality Disorder as well as organizing links to various article series listed on the PD homepage. It should now be easier for you to quickly access PD pieces that are of particular interest to you.
In the latest PD article, Psychopathy, Sociopathy and APD, I’ve attempted to disentangle these terms so often used interchangeably to describe the Antisocial Personality. The PD thought leaders don’t even agree on the precise definitions, but I’ve presented their opinions in hopes of clarifying the murky semantics surrounding antisocial behavior.
The next issue that’s on my mind is the genetic roots of psychopathy. You can explore a summary of one recent study in the article Early Signs of Psychopathy, and before the end of the week I promise to post another synopsis of a not as recent, but equally interesting, twin study of psychopathic tendencies.
As someone educated in the sciences, I think that this type of research is invaluable in helping us understand the roots of antisocial behavior. They do, however, stir up many Orwellian questions and concerns. And although I am thinking in unlikely extremes, scientific research into childhood traits indicative of future psychopathy can’t help but bring to (my) mind a future with tests and subsequent labels for toddlers that “look suspicious.”
I joke, but perhaps you are wondering the same thing? Sounds like a future PD discussion topic that I’ll soon be posting, that is if you don’t beat me to it.
Posted by Tami Port
Hello! My name is Tami Port and I recently moved into the position of Featured Writer for Personality Disorders at Suite101.
My Vision for Suite101 PD
The task of laying a foundation of basic information on PDs is nearly completed. By the end of the week, there will be an article on each PD type, cluster, as well as a couple of PD overviews. I also plan to cover closely related topics, such as co-occurring disorders and stalking behavior.
I would like Suite101 PD to be a go-to source for basic information. Here are some quick links so you can see what is currently covered:
Cluster A PDs (Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal)
Cluster B PDs (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic)
Cluster C PDs (Obsessive-Compulsive, Avoidant, Dependent)
Latest Research on PDs
As a college prof, I have easy access to scientific journals and experience interpreting research results. I consider one of my most important tasks to be presenting you with new PD research findings.
New research articles include:
Borderline Personality Treatment
Personality Disorders and PPMD
PD Blog, Discussions and Polls
Every week I will post a new blog to let you know what's new in the world of personality disorders. I also plan to stay involved in the ongoing PD discussions as well as create new discussion topics.
I will post a monthly poll that, I hope, will help me learn more about your perspective on PDs. The current blog, discussions and poll are displayed on the PD home page.
What's on Your Mind?
I invite you to communicate with me through the discussions or my link on the PD homepage. Let me know which topics you would like to see covered. I am excited to be a part of this online community and look forward to our exploration of PDs.
Posted by Tami Port
I recently came across a new study published in the June 2007 issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry comparing the effectiveness of three different therapies that are commonly used to treat Borderline Patients: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), and Dynamic Supportive Treatment.
All of these approaches were shown to have a significant effect in reducing symptoms commonly associated with BPD. However, there were differences in the specific borderline traits most improved by each therapeutic approach and, overall, it appeared that TFP was generally the most effective.
If you are not familiar with DBT or TFP, I have recently written articles summarizing each of these therapies as well as an overview of borderline treatment and a summary of the Jun research in the AJP.
Feel free to start a discussion on any of these articles. I’d welcome the opportunity to hear your perspectives on these therapies, particularly if you’ve had personal experience with them.
