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Aggressive flesh-eating squirrels invade the small town of Harton's Crossing in south Ontario, Canada, as an innovative peanut processing plant nears its grand opening. SQUIRRELS - Get it Here As unlucky humans meet hideous deaths, novelist Ellie Peters comes to town, looking for peace and quiet to inspire her next light romance. When she finds a body in the woods, she becomes a police witness and has to stay in Harton's Crossing. The arrival of her wealthy snobbish fiancé complicates matters, especially when she meets Luke, a handsome wildlife service agent. When Marvin is horribly killed by vengeful squirrels, his mother shows up to make trouble double. As gruesome deaths pile up, the mayor tries of organize a rowdy mob of squirrel hunters, while environmentalists protest. Unknown to most, peanut plant owner Beverly Blake carries a terrible secret. It gets worse when blackmailers arrive with threats and demands. Caught up in the action, Luke and Ellie race against time to solve the mystery of the murderous manic squirrels, stop disaster and save the town of Harton's Crossing. It's a gory fast-paced read perfect for creature feature horror fans. SQUIRRELS - Get it Here More Sci-Fi & Creature Feature Horror: Killer Compost  - a genetically engineered compost heap on space station Pharos gets a craving for human flesh. Get it at your favorite online retailer . Attack of the Mutant Space Maggots - A ravenous horde of flesh-eating maggots invades the small town of Trinity Falls just in time for the County Fair. Get the ebook here . Giant Shrews from Outer Space - Comedy Horror - Alien shrews land in the derelict town of Abundance, Ontario, and start hoarding humans as food in a haunted gold mine. Get the ebook here . Sylvia Kay Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

A ravenous horde of flesh-eating maggots descends on the small town of Trinity Falls, just in time for the County Fair. Book details below. Attack of the Mutant Space Maggots - Get It HERE A meteorite crashes in Trinity Falls bringing a swarm of self-reproducing killer maggots. As people are devoured in ever more grisly ways, federal agents try to cover it up. Meanwhile the County Fair opens to record crowds. Can a kind-hearted deputy, a schoolteacher, a television reporter, her French Canadian camera man, a lab assistant framed for murder and two little old ladies to stop the carnage? Attack of the Mutant Space Maggots Also in the sci-fi horror genre: Killer Compost - a genetically engineered compost heap on space station Pharos gets a craving for human flesh. Get it at your favorite online retailer . Squirrels - a twisted dark horror comedy creature feature - hordes of ravenous flesh-eating squirrels invade a small town in Ontario, Canada as an innovative peanut processing plant nears its grand opening. Get the ebook here . Giant Shrews from Outer Space - comedy horror - alien shrews land in a small Ontario town and start hoarding humans as food in a haunted gold mine. Get the ebook here . Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Giant shrews from outer space discover Earth and begin hoarding humans as food in a haunted gold mine. Sixteen-year-old Claire Lawford and her mother Linda are stuck in the decaying town of Abundance, Ontario, at the edge of a provincial park, when their car breaks down on the way to Toronto. Read Description: Giant Shrews from Outer Space Ebook: Buy It Now Giant Shrews from Outer Space More Sci-Fi & Creature Feature Horror: Killer Compost  - a genetically engineered compost heap on space station Pharos gets a craving for human flesh. Get the ebook here . Attack of the Mutant Space Maggots - A ravenous horde of flesh-eating maggots invades the small town of Trinity Falls just in time for the County Fair. Get the ebook here . SQUIRRELS - Aggressive flesh-hungry squirrels invade a small Ontario town as an innovative peanut processing plant nears its grand opening. Get the ebook here . Sylvia Kay Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Copper mining is historically important to the economy of North Ontario, especially in the Sudbury to Lake Superior region. Copper was the first of the precious metals to gain attention, with nickel at first considered an unwanted corruption. Copper Mining in Northern Ontario Copper (Cu): Ruddy Metal of Myth & Magic Verdigris: Coveted Blue Green Copper Pigment Miners use candles to light the way until carbide lamps come in about 1850 Copper Mining in Northern Ontario Copper is first mined in Ontario nearly 5,000 years ago by Indigenous people. They use native copper from areas like the eastern shore of Lake Superior for tools and ornaments. In 1845, outcrops of copper ore are shown to John Keating  in the area east of Sault Ste. Marie by the Ojibwa people, who have long used the surface copper deposits. The first copper mine in Canada, Bruce Mines, opens there in 1846.  Copper (Cu) Effects on Human & Plant Health Copper Ox Hide Ingots - Bronze Age Trade Cypriot Copper & Ancient Cyprus copper nugget Significant copper discovery in Northern Ontario is linked to construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). As the railway pushes west through rugged terrain in the early 1880s, blasting through rock is a daily task. In 1883 in the Sudbury Basin, near the site of what would become the Murray Mine and later Copper Cliff, railway workers notice dark-colored stones resistant to breaking. Rich in nickel and copper sulfides, the rocks are first thought to be just copper. One of the first mines here, directly exploiting these new finds, is the Lochiel Mine near Copper Cliff in late 1886. This marks the true beginning of commercial copper (and later nickel) extraction in the region. Copper veins are both abundant and accessible, making this a prime area for mining startup operations. The original discovery at Copper Cliff leads to establishment of the Copper Cliff Smelter, built in 1888. Operating for over a century, it's one of the largest copper smelters in North America. Almadén Mines: Ancient Mercury Extraction Metal Smelting & Metallurgy in the Ancient World Seven Trace Minerals: Nature's Little Helpers Copper Cliff Smelter Complex, Sudbury Copper Locations in North Ontario The epicenter of copper mining in Northern Ontario is the Sudbury Basin. A massive geological structure, this is an ancient meteorite impact crater 1.8 billion years old. It creates the perfect conditions for the concentration of valuable minerals. The Basin is a geological anomaly, roughly 60 km long, 30 km wide, and 15 km deep. It contains some of the largest nickel-copper ore bodies on Earth. Most historical and ongoing copper production comes directly from the Sudbury Igneous Complex in the Sudbury Basin. The Sudbury Basin contains nearly 40% of the world’s known copper reserves. Here, copper occurs in close association with nickel, iron, and other sulfide minerals within massive to disseminated ore bodies. Other prominent copper sites include the Cobalt area, about 500 km north of Toronto. These locations continue to draw attention from miners and geologists. Smaller, less economically viable copper deposits exist elsewhere in Northern Ontario. These include the Thunder Bay district and Elliot Lake. Vulcano: Child Miners, Gods & Extremophiles Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂): Shining Copper Ore Nickel (Ni): Metallurgy Facts & Folklore Canadian Pacific Railway Junction in Sudbury, Ontario 1888 Early Miners & Working Conditions The early copper miners of Northern Ontario are diverse and resilient. As mining operations ramp up in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, copper brings workers from across Canada and around the world. Indigenous people, immigrants from Sweden, Finland, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and other parts of Europe, and China, as well as worldwide fortune seekers, make up the main mining workforce. Often young men, they're willing to work hard for economic opportunity and a better life. Working conditions are harsh and dangerous. Mines are largely unregulated, and safety standards were rudimentary at best. Physical Hardship: Miners worked long hours, often 10-12 hours a day, six or seven days a week, for low wages. The work was physically brutal, involving heavy lifting, swinging picks and shovels, and pushing ore carts. Dangerous Environments: They labor in dark, damp and poorly ventilated underground tunnels, constantly facing the threat of rockfalls, cave-ins and gas explosions. Explosives, initially black powder, later dynamite, are handled under hazardous conditions. Health Hazards: Dust is ubiquitous. Inhaling silica dust causes widespread silicosis or miner's lung, a debilitating and often fatal respiratory disease. Other hazards include exposure to toxic gas, extreme temperatures and poor sanitation. Company Towns: Many miners live in "company towns". Copper Cliff for instance grows around the Canadian Copper Company. Housing, stores and services are owned and operated by mining companies. While providing a basic infrastructure, this also concentrates power in the hands of the employers and in some settings miners could become slaves, existing merely to pay the rent and buy groceries. Strikes and Struggles: Despite dangers of company retribution, miners often organize to demand better wages, safer conditions and shorter hours. Strikes and labor disputes occur throughout the early 20th century. For example, during the late 1800s, miners work ten to twelve hours a day on average earning a wage of about $2 per day. Accidents are common, with cave-ins and machinery malfunctions leading to injuries. Miners brave the dangers for the allure of copper wealth. Enkomi: Bronze Age Trade of Cyprus Flowers of Sulfur (Brimstone): Creation & Uses Seven Metals of Antiquity - Metallurgy miners with hand drills Historical Processes of Copper Mining Prospecting and Initial Extraction: Surface exposures or shallow diggings lead to the first discoveries. When an ore body is identified, miners might use pickaxes, shovels, and hand-drills to create rudimentary shafts, or vertical tunnels, and adits, or horizontal tunnels. Drilling and Blasting: This is the primary method for breaking rock. Miners drill holes into the rock face using hand-held drills, later evolving to steam-powered, then compressed-air drills. Explosives are packed into holes to detonate and break up ore. Mucking and Hauling: The broken ore ("muck") is then manually loaded using shovels onto ore cars. The ore cars are initially pushed by hand, later by horses, then by steam locomotives by the early 19th century, transporting cargo to the main shaft. These are the first trains, soon developed for public travel, changing the world forever. With steam power, miners dig deeper and more efficiently, increasing the yield. Rotten Egg Sulfur Smell: Microbial Processes Heavy Metals Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Chromium & Arsenic Platinum (Pt): Junk Metal to Pure Treasure carts used to haul copper ore in mines Hoisting: From the underground workings, the ore is hoisted to the surface in large buckets or containers called skips, hauled up by steam-powered winches. Crushing and Sorting: On the surface, the raw ore undergoes rudimentary crushing to reduce its size. Early sorting is often done by hand, separating higher-grade ore from waste rock. Smelting: Copper is extracted from ore. Early smelting methods cause stifling pollution. In the "roast beds" of Sudbury workers pile up ore and set it alight, so the sulfur will burn off. This releases vast quantities of sulfur dioxide, used to make sulfuric acid, and heavy metals directly into the atmosphere, creating the infamous "moonscape" around Sudbury, devastating local vegetation. Later, more controlled blast furnaces and reverberatory furnaces are used. While Sudbury today is a success story of greening the land, environmental impacts were severe for many decades. Further advancements in the early 20th century introduce the flotation process, for better separation of copper from other minerals. In flotation the desired mineral is made hydrophobic, repelling water, so it attaches to air bubbles and floats to the surface. Non-valuable minerals stay in the water.  Modern flotation techniques have recovery rates of over 90%, a large improvement over historical practices. 10 Alchemical Metals - Ancient Metals of Alchemy Gold-Making of Maria: Tetrasomia Four Metals Sulfuric Acid: Creation, Properties, Health copper wires Facts About the History of Copper Mining The "Nickel Problem": When the Sudbury deposits are first mined, focus is on copper. Nickel is initially seen as a contaminant, making the refining process difficult. It takes years, and the development of new metallurgical processes (like the Orford Process), before nickel is recognized as valuable. The word Nickel comes from the German "Little Nick" referring to a mine Kobold, specifically a malevolent spirit. The word cobalt also derives from Kobold. In early years the corruption of copper by the then-junk metal nickel is thought to be the work of such a spirit. Company Growth: The earliest major player, the Canadian Copper Company, formed in 1886, later merges to form the International Nickel Company of Canada, Limited (Inco) in 1902. It eventually becomes Vale Limited, one of the world's largest mining companies. Strategic Importance: During both World Wars, the nickel and copper from Sudbury were of immense strategic importance to the Allied war effort, used in armaments, alloys, and machinery. Environmental Concerns : Pollution and land degradation have sparked discussions on sustainable practices to protect the natural environment of Northern Ontario. Canadian copper pennies Sylvia Rose Books READ: Killer Compost  - Sci-Fi Horror Comedy Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Copper mining in North Ontario is a vital part of local economy and the global copper supply chain. This region of boreal forest, ancient rock and sparkling lakes is rich in natural resources. Copper (Cu): Ruddy Metal of Myth & Magic Myth & Metallurgy - Metals of Antiquity Copper (Cu) Effects on Human & Plant Health mining truck Copper is one of the main elements found in nature, and one of the seven ancient metals . It's common in minerals like chalcopyrite , bornite, and malachite. In Northern Ontario, substantial copper deposits appear in Precambrian rock formations. These areas, like the Superior province, consist mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Over millions of years copper is created through geological processes such as volcanic activity and rock erosion. Copper deposits are linked to magmatic activity. Hashamili - Metal Work & Smith God Vulcano: Child Miners, Gods & Extremophiles Mythic Fire Gods: Hephaestus of the Greek copper nugget As molten rock or magma cools and crystallizes, certain minerals become concentrated. These processes happen where oxygen and sulfur abound, and heat and pressure create the conditions for copper ores to form. Copper deposits are driven primarily by hydrothermal activity. This occurs when superheated water, abundant in dissolved minerals, circulates through the Earth's crust. As these fluids cool or encounter changes in pressure and chemistry, the dissolved metals, including copper, precipitate out. They're deposited in cracks, faults and porous rock. When the magma interacts with groundwater, it creates perfect conditions for hydrothermal circulation to deposit copper. The processes can take millions of years and creates vast ore bodies deep within the Earth. Leap to Flames: Why Did Empedocles Jump into Mount Etna? Obsidian: Ancient Volcanic Black Glass Carbon Sequestration: Environmental Health Copper Environments and Rock Types in Northern Ontario In North Ontario, copper is most abundantly found in the Sudbury Basin region. A massive meteorite impact event nearly two billion years ago formed this unique geological structure. It's one of the world's richest polymetallic deposits. Besides copper this region yields significant quantities of nickel, platinum group metals (PGMs), gold and silver. It's a geological environment of ancient volcanic arcs, intrusive complexes, or, in Sudbury's case, an impact-modified magmatic sulfide system. Copper here is associated with mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, rich in iron and magnesium, like norite and gabbro; and heavily metamorphosed stone. Host ores often contain sulfide minerals, with copper frequently found near nickel, in minerals like chalcopyrite (copper iron sulfide) and pentlandite (nickel iron sulfide). Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂): Shining Copper Ore Copper(II) Sulfate: Blue Vitriol, Chalcanthite Almadén Mines: Ancient Mercury Extraction chalcopyrite The Quest for Ore: Locating a New Mine Before a single shovel touches the ground, mining companies embark on an intensive and costly exploration journey to determine the location of a new mine. This process involves several stages: Prospecting & Regional Surveys: Geologists begin by analyzing historical data, satellite imagery, and aerial photographs for geological patterns that suggest mineralization. Seismic and aerial geophysical surveys can detect anomalies beneath the surface. Ground-Based Exploration: Once promising areas are identified, ground teams conduct detailed geological mapping, rock chip sampling, soil geochemistry (analyzing trace elements in soil), and more detailed geophysical surveys to pinpoint potential ore bodies. Drilling: Diamond drill rigs extract cylindrical core samples from varying depths. The cores are then analyzed in laboratories to determine the presence, concentration or grade, and extent of mineral deposits. Resource Estimation: Based on drilling results, geologists create 3D models of the ore body, estimating the total tonnage and average grade of the mineral deposit. Feasibility Studies: Before committing to construction, comprehensive studies assess the economic viability, engineering challenges, environmental impacts, and social license or community acceptance of the proposed mine. This includes market analysis, infrastructure needs, and projected costs versus revenue. Environmental assessments are crucial. They ensure potential mining activities don't harm local ecosystems. Mining companies must evaluate the impact of operations on wildlife habitats, water sources, and air quality. Plant Perception: How Plants See the Light Earthworms: Soil Health & Ecosystem Balance Irrigation in History: Greening of the Land Beneath and Above: Mining Methods Once an ore body is confirmed, mining companies choose the most appropriate extraction method based on the deposit's depth, shape, size, and grade. Surface Mining (Open-Pit Mining): This method is used when the ore body is relatively shallow and widespread. Large areas of waste rock and soil, called overburden, are removed to expose the ore. Process: Blasting loosens the rock. Massive electric shovels load the broken ore and waste rock into colossal haul trucks, which transport them to crushers or waste dumps. The pit deepens in benches or terraces as mining progresses. Advantages: Generally safer, lower cost per ton, allows for higher production volumes. Disadvantages: Large surface footprint, significant visual impact, requires massive equipment. It can lead to significant alterations to the landscape. Areas around Sudbury, Ontario have been transformed due to extensive open-pit operations. Biometallurgy: Microbes Mining Metals Tin Mining in the Bronze Age c 3300 - 1200 BCE Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Underground Mining: Employed when the ore body is too deep or too narrow for surface mining. Process: Access to the ore is through vertical shafts, for hoisting ore and personnel; or inclined ramps for vehicle access. Tunnels (drifts and crosscuts) are driven to intersect the ore body. Blasting breaks up the ore. It's then loaded onto underground trucks or rail cars and transported to the shaft and taken to the surface. Various specific methods (e.g., cut-and-fill, room-and-pillar, block caving) are chosen based on the ore body's characteristics. Advantages: Smaller surface footprint, less waste rock to manage on the surface, can access higher-grade, deeper deposits. Disadvantages: More complex, higher operating costs, greater safety challenges including ventilation, ground support and confined spaces; significantly slower production rates. In Northern Ontario, especially in the Sudbury Basin, both surface and extensive underground operations are common due to the varied nature of the ore bodies. Ancient Traders & Buyers: Art of Testing Metals How to Make Asem: Essential Alchemy Cypriot Copper & Ancient Cyprus From Ore to Metal: Extraction and Processing Copper extraction involves several steps. Initially, the ore is crushed into smaller pieces, making it easier to process. Then, the ore undergoes concentration, often using methods like flotation, where chemicals separate the copper from waste materials. After the concentration process, the copper concentrate is smelted at high temperatures to eliminate impurities. The molten copper is then shaped into anodes, which are further refined through electrolysis to produce pure copper. Milling & Concentration Crushing: Large chunks of ore are fed into primary and secondary crushers, reducing them to smaller, manageable sizes. Grinding: The crushed ore is then ground into a fine powder or slurry in large rotating mills such as ball mills or SAG mills. Flotation: This is the most common method for concentrating copper sulfides. The ore slurry is mixed with water, frothing agents, and chemical collectors. Air is blown through the mixture, causing the copper-bearing minerals to attach to air bubbles and float to the surface, forming a froth. The waste material or gangue sinks. The froth is skimmed off, creating a concentrate typically 25-30% copper. Smelting: The copper concentrate is often roasted and fed into a smelter. Process: In flash furnaces or other types of smelters, the concentrate is heated to extremely high temperatures. This process removes iron and sulfur. Iron and sulfur combine with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide (SO2), now often captured for sulfuric acid production. SO2 leaves behind a molten mixture called matte, which is primarily copper, nickel, and iron sulfides. Further refining in converters removes more impurities. This produces blister copper, which is 98-99% pure. Smelting Metals: Metalwork & Alchemy Lead: Death Metal of Metallurgy Verdigris: Coveted Blue Green Copper Pigment a smelter Refining (Electrolytic Refining): Process: Blister copper is cast into large anodes. These anodes are then immersed in an electrolytic solution (e.g., copper sulfate and sulfuric acid), along with thin sheets of pure copper called cathodes. When an electric current is passed through the solution, copper from the anode dissolves and preferentially plates onto the pure copper cathodes, leaving impurities behind. Result: This process yields high-purity copper cathodes (over 99.99% pure), ready for manufacturing into wire, pipe, or other products. The Human Element: Life in a Mine Community Mining is a cornerstone of Northern Ontario's economy, employing thousands of people directly and indirectly. Employment: A large, integrated mine, smelter and refinery complex can employ anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 or more people. Smaller operations might employ a few hundred. These roles range from engineers and geologists to skilled trades (mechanics, electricians), drillers, blasters, equipment operators, and administrative staff. Worker Conditions: Modern mining prioritizes safety. However, the work remains physically demanding, often hot, dusty, noisy, and potentially dangerous, especially underground. Shifts can be long, often rotating (day/night). Workers must adhere to strict safety protocols and wear extensive personal protective equipment (PPE). Molybdochalkos: Nigredo Black Lead of Maria Metalloproteins: Biochemistry of Nature & Health Seven Trace Minerals: Nature's Little Helpers Housing and Community: Historically, mining companies built entire "company towns" in remote areas to house their employees, providing everything from churches and schools to recreation facilities (e.g., Copper Cliff in Sudbury, Timmins). Expenses like groceries and rent would often be docked from a worker's pay, as told in the wailing blues lyric "I owe my soul to the company store" ( Sixteen Tons , Tennessee Ernie Ford). While new "company towns" are less common today, established mining communities like Sudbury, Timmins, and Kirkland Lake still thrive on the back of the industry. In remote areas, companies may operate fly-in/fly-out camps with modern dormitories, dining halls, and recreational facilities. Living conditions can vary, but camps are equipped with essential amenities. Benefits: Mining jobs today usually pay very well and offer stable employment, comprehensive benefits packages (medical, dental, pension plans), and opportunities for training and career advancement. Many workers are unionized, which often ensures strong wages and benefits. The presence of a major mine creates significant economic ripple effects, supporting local businesses and services. Mining companies contribute to local communities through investments in infrastructure, schools, and public services. Workers enjoy competitive salaries, health benefits, retirement plans, and opportunities for career growth. Notably, the average wage for mining jobs in Canada is around 25% higher than the national average wage across all industries. Metal Salts: Ancient History to Modern DIY Cupriavidus metallidurans : Metal Eating Gold Making Bacterium Pyrometallurgy: Ancient Processes of Modern Alchemy The Double-Edged Sword: Dangers and Environmental Impact Mining, while essential, carries inherent risks to both people and the environment. Dangers to People Accidents: Rockfalls, equipment malfunctions, explosions (from blasting), fires, and confined spaces pose risks. Modern safety protocols, training, and technology have drastically reduced accident rates, but the industry remains inherently hazardous. Health Hazards: Historically, dust (leading to lung diseases like silicosis) and exposure to heavy metals were major concerns. Today, stringent ventilation, dust suppression, and air quality monitoring are standard to protect workers. Dangers to the Environment Land Disturbance: Excavation creates large open pits or extensive underground workings, altering the landscape and destroying habit. Water Contamination: A major concern is Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) , where sulfide minerals in exposed rock or tailings react with air and water to form sulfuric acid, leaching heavy metals into waterways. Tailings ponds (where waste material from the milling process is stored) also pose risks of spills or leachate. Air Pollution: Smelters historically released large amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2), contributing to acid rain and environmental damage. Modern smelters in Northern Ontario (like those in Sudbury) have invested heavily in SO2 capture technology, converting it into sulfuric acid and significantly reducing emissions. Dust from operations can also be an issue. Waste Management: Massive quantities of waste rock and tailings need to be managed and stored responsibly to prevent environmental contamination. Habitat Loss: Mine development can lead to the destruction or fragmentation of vital ecosystems. Energy Consumption: Mining and processing are energy-intensive, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Northern Ontario has a long history of environmental challenges associated with mining, particularly in Sudbury. However, it also presents a true success story in environmental rehabilitation, with massive regreening initiatives transforming once barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems. Owl - Death, Memory, Mystic Wisdom Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Science & Environment Mineral Oil: Technology & Ecology Great Horned Owls live year-round in Sudbury Mining Superstitions No Whistling: Whistling underground is often considered bad luck, as it's believed to challenge or mimic the sounds of the mine's spirits or forces, potentially leading to rockfalls or other accidents. Never Say "Gold" or "Fire": Some miners avoid directly naming certain elements or dangers, believing it tempts fate. Lucky Charms/Rituals: Many, even if they don't openly admit it, might have a small ritual or lucky charm they keep before a shift. Respect for the "Spirit of the Mine": A lingering sense of awe and respect, sometimes bordering on superstition, for the powerful forces within the earth. The word Nickel  is German for "Little Nick", a Kobold in folklore who inhabits copper mines and makes the copper worthless. Avoid Starting Work on Friday: Starting work on a Friday is believed to be unlucky - not surprisingly. Cobalt (Co): The Little Goblin Who Could Care and Feeding of Your German Kobold Nickel (Ni): Metallurgy Facts & Folklore Copper's Enduring Legacy: Facts about North Ontario Mining Copper is one of the oldest metals used by humanity. Evidence shows its use dating back over 10,000 years. Nickel-Copper Symbiosis: In Northern Ontario, copper is almost invariably found in conjunction with nickel, forming some of the most significant polymetallic deposits on Earth. The Sudbury Basin is one of the richest mineral deposit areas worldwide, containing approximately 70% of the world's nickel reserves alongside its copper. Pioneering Environmental Reclamation: Sudbury is internationally recognized for its extensive environmental recovery efforts over the past few decades, including widespread regreening programs, which have transformed a landscape once famously described as "moon-like" due to historic logging and smelting practices. Copper's Versatility: Copper's unique properties – excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and malleability – make it a versatile element from power generation and transmission to plumbing, electronics and currency. Calcium (Ca): Earth Metal of Structure & Strength Gnomes: Earth Spirits of Renaissance Mythology Carbon Dioxide (CO2): the Good & the Bad copper bells Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries READ: Killer Compost - Sci-Fi Horror Comedy Adventure Back to Top

A genetically engineered compost heap on space station Pharos gets a craving for human flesh. Buy now from your favorite online retailer. Enjoy! More details below. Killer Compost - compost gone bad, for good Action, adventure, humor and classic horror create a fast-paced sci-fi tale of heroes and villains. As robot wars rage, the crew of Pharos must act fast when project ECRA goes rogue and escapes to Earth. Meanwhile, evil masterminds build Automatus, the ultimate robot. With help from a renegade space pilot and a group of homeless bots, surviving scientists race against time to save humanity, while ECRA and Automatus face off in a titanic battle of Green vs. Mean. Get Killer Compost Online Now Also check out: Attack of the Mutant Space Maggots - a ravenous horde of killer maggots descends on the small town of Trinity Falls, just in time for the County Fair. SQUIRRELS - Aggressive flesh-eating squirrels invade an Ontario town as an innovative peanut plant nears its grand opening. Sylvia Kay Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

One of the most fascinating creatures of German mythology and folklore is the Kobold. Elusive and canny, Kobolds are house spirits, ship or mine spirits who appear in a wide array of shapes and temperaments. Klabautermann - Germanic Sea Kobold Belsnickel - German Yule Ghoul German Myth - Harvest Spirits Kobolds: a ship Kobold often smokes a pipe They can be any gender. Traditionally the house kobold manifests as female or androgynous, while mine and shipboard kobolds have male characteristics. Kobolds can appear as small humans, elves, hobgoblins, hybrids, fire, weather phenomena or animals. In anthropomorphic forms they may wear clothes or are covered in fine hair. They're often compared to goblins especially in mines. Mine kobolds are notably nasty, corrupting good metals and refusing to give any back. They don't care for the company of humans. Elves & the Shoemaker - A Fairy Tale Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Baltic Amber - Gold of the North A bad-tempered mine Kobold  For instance Cupfernickel (copper nickel) or Nickel turns good copper bad. Nickel means "little Nick" in German, a reference to a mischievous imp or little devil. Mine kobolds also have a benevolent aspect. They can reveal precious ores or warn of potential disasters. In the home, even the kindest Kobold has a nasty streak if treated with disrespect, which includes forgetting to feed it. Keeping the Kobold happy results in a fortunate household. Meals taste better, the air is fresh, the hearth neatly swept. Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good   German Myth & Folklore: Elves House Spirits of Germanic Mythology Remember to feed the Kobold! House Kobolds usually have female characteristics but can be any gender. Although the Kobold is rarely seen, activities might be noticed; for example, the faint sound of a broom in the kitchen, sounds of humming or singing. It can appear in the rattle of chain or favorable wind on a ship, a vein of gold revealed for the miners, or ore corrupted. Kobolds can warn of danger and communicate through scent. A charred smell can alert a person to possible fire hazards; or maybe the pie is burning. A Kobold enjoys harmony and gives gifts when pleased. If a pleasant aroma lingers on the air, it's a sign of good luck. In mines, the smell of sulfur is traditionally considered a warning from supernatural forces. Sulfur has toxic properties when breathed in high amounts. It can come from a vent somewhere nearby or even underground water, both associated with netherworld depths in legend. Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Sugar Beets, Altbier & First Newspaper Kobolds love milk & honey! Sweet milk is a favorite of many Faerie creatures and, having elfin associations, the Kobold is no exception. A spoon of honey in a glass of milk is ambrosia to this spirit. It's also common to give the Kobold part of the homeowner's meal. On ships, the Kobold enjoys a drink of rum. Ship Kobolds may hum or whistle. They can be seen as green flame. If upset, this Kobold responds by spoiling the ship's grain supply or calling up a storm. Usually, these Kobolds are helpful and easily pleased with sea shanties. Fire Men & Lights Errant: German Lore Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good Gnomes: Earth Spirits of Renaissance Mythology Klabautermann, a ship Kobold of the North Sea The mine Kobold will partake of the same food as the miners, though this is more a bribe for good behavior. The metals nickel and cobalt  are both associated with mine spirits. Germans pronounce the "d" at end of a word as close to English "t", hence cobalt. An unhappy Kobold is wrathful and will pee in milk to turn it bad. S/he can spoil food, start fires, cause accidents or sickness and undo all work done during the day. Powerful Kobolds can control the weather. But if these spirits are happy, the world is a better place. Nature Spirits of German Mythology German Myth - White Ladies & Changelings Wiedergänger - One Who Walks Again   In the 18th century one European lord claims to receive advice from his Kobold. He gives the spirit the utmost honor, even a bedchamber of its own and the best of fine foods. Kobolds of all kinds value independence but if they find an amiable home, they will stay for many years. Sylvia Rose Books READ: Killer Compost  - Sci-Fi Horror Comedy Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

In psychology the ego is part of the Self and the personality. It helps balance conflicting desires and societal norms. By integrating different elements of the psyche, the ego helps navigate internal and external realities with a sense of coherence and stability. Psychology: the Personal Unconscious World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth At the end of the 19th century, Freud uses the word ego in psychoanalysis as 'conscious sense of self'. As his theories evolve, he expands the definition to a group of psychic functions. A complex system, the ego governs aspects of mental processes and behaviors. Ego functions include judgment, tolerance, reality testing, impulse control, planning, defense mechanisms, information synthesis, intellectual function and memory retrieval. Ego is the central organizing principle shaping one's thoughts and interpretations of the world. Fortune Telling - The Mystic Victorian Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult As a one-time partner of Freud, analytical psychologist Carl Jung uses the concept of ego, often noted as self, in defining three major components of the personality, shaping human behavior and experiences. They are the ego personal unconscious collective unconscious People have a profound connection to the unconscious mind, which often reveals itself through the interpretation of symbols manifesting in various forms throughout their lives. These symbols are not limited to dreams. Ouroboros Glyph: Snake Eating its Tail Cleopatra the Alchemist of Alexandria Alchemy Symbols in Psychology The Ouroboros Symbol in Egyptian Tomb art of King Tut, 14th century BCE They extend to art, religion, and intricate interactions people play out in relationships and personal endeavors. In essence, the unconscious communicates with the conscious mind with symbols, bridging the gap between individual awareness and collective unconscious. This process of symbol interpretation is a pathway for individuals to tap into deeper layers of the psyche, unlocking hidden meanings and insights. By bringing conscious awareness to what is unconscious, elements can be integrated with wisdom when they arise. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Collective Unconscious: Seeking the Whole Three Spirals, prehistoric rock art. This symbol evolves into the 3-legged triskelion. Jung explains, "... the Self, like the unconscious is an a priori existent out of which the ego evolves. It is ... an unconscious prefiguration of the ego. It is not I who create myself, rather I happen to myself " To proceed with the individuation process, the individual must be open to parts of of the Self beyond the ego. This process delves into the depths of one's psyche, confronts shadow aspects and embraces totality of being. Mad Hatter's Disease: Mercury Madness Colors of Alchemy: Rubedo Magnum Opus Chrysopoeia - Turning Lead into Gold The ego is the "organ" of consciousness, a mediator between the inner and outer worlds. Through the ego humans interact with reality, form identities and navigate the complexities of life experience. True growth and self-realization transcend limitations of the ego and connecting with deeper aspects of the self. By acknowledging and integrating unconscious elements, a person achieves alignment and awareness. The process of integration is not always easy. One must face uncomfortable truths and challenge long-held beliefs. Yet this journey of self-discovery leads to transformation and personal growth. Archetypes - Personality & the Persona Individuation: Process and Philosophy Archetypes: Psychology of the Shadow Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Brain-computer interfaces enable direct communication between the brain's electrical activity and external devices like computers and prosthetics. BCIs transform how humans interact with technology. Soft Robotics: Inspired by Nature Permanent Magnets & Magnetism in Robotics Influence of Magnetism on the Human Brain BCIs translate neural signals, or measurable electrical pulses, into commands. The BCI connection bypasses typical pathways of nerves and muscles, creating a direct pathway between organic brain and machine. Electrical signals are generated by neurons or nerve cells in the brain. Human brains have about 86 billion, passing information at incredible speeds. There are various methods for signal acquisition. Invasive techniques, like implanted electrodes, provide high accuracy but come with risks. A non-invasive approach such as electroencephalography (EEG) is safer and easier but may have limitations in signal quality. Neurotransmitters: Creation & Function The Human Brain: Electricity & Emotion Plant Communication: Electrical Signals Neurons send electrical signals through the axon to pass the signal to other cells BCIs can interpret user intentions. For instance, people with paralysis can control robotic arms using their thoughts, enabling them to do tasks like lifting a cup. BCIs help rehab processes following strokes or traumatic brain injuries. Stroke patients using BCIs for rehabilitation show a strong improvement in motor function. This therapy uses neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections. BCIs help patients who have neurodegenerative diseases. People can communicate or control assistive devices through thought. Electric Fields: Invisible Forces of Nature Mental Health & Platelet Serotonin: Mind Body Connection Effects of Extreme Heat on the Human Body In soft robotics , artificial limbs can have the look and feel of real ones, and even sensations. In brain-controlled prosthetics, the limbs also provide sensory feedback. The mechanism lets a user feel sensations while using it. BCIs are big in entertainment and gaming. BCI systems allow players to control a video game purely with their thoughts. Such innovations can create immersive experiences. BCIs have been in development for decades, evolving from rudimentary experiments in the 20th century to today's sophisticated systems. Human Body: the Electromagnetic Brain Static Electricity on Earth & in Space Nature of Electricity: Charging the Universe How BCIs Work Signal Acquisition In this stage the device records the brain's electrical activity. Methods range from non-invasive techniques like electroencephalography (EEG), which uses electrodes placed on the scalp. More invasive approaches include electrocorticography (ECoG), placing electrodes directly on the surface of the brain; and fully implanted microelectrode arrays to record activity of individual neurons. Signal Processing & Decoding Once the brain signals are acquired, they are processed using algorithms to extract relevant information. This includes filtering out noise, identifying patterns, and translating the patterns into specific commands. Machine learning techniques are increasingly being used to train the algorithms. They can adapt to individual users and improve accuracy over time. Electrolytes: Vital Minerals of Human & Environmental Health Amino Acids: Optimal Body Health & Energy Neurotransmitters: Creation & Function Device Control Finally, the decoded commands are used to control the external device. This could be moving a cursor on a screen, manipulating a robotic arm, or stimulating muscles directly to restore movement. The applications of BCIs are diverse. They include Researching and Mapping Cognitive Functions: BCIs give unique insight to the workings of the brain. Researchers study cognitive processes like attention, memory and decision-making. Helping People Who Have Disabilities: This is the most prominent use of BCIs. They help individuals with paralysis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, and other conditions impairing motor control. BCIs can enable people to communicate, control wheelchairs, operate prosthetic limbs and regain independence. Artificial Intelligence: Power of Prediction Robots & Robotics in Modern Healthcare Solar Wind: Supersonic Tempest from the Sun Augmenting Human Capabilities: BCIs can improve human capabilities in various fields. This could include focus and concentration, accelerated learning and even creating new forms of communication and art. Repairing Sensory-Motor Functions: BCIs can restore lost sensory or motor functions. They stimulate the visual cortex to restore sight bypass damaged spinal cords to restore movement in paralyzed limbs. Problems infection, bleeding, seizures, and potential physical harm to the brain non-invasive BCI devices may cause skin irritation, headaches, and eye strain with extended use. electromagnetic interference between BCI devices and other electronic devices can disrupt the BCI device's proper function and overheat the brain tissue.  brain signals are often weak and noisy, making them difficult to decode. while some invasive BCI approaches have superior signal quality, they also carry risks. Non-invasive methods are preferred, but signal quality is worse. Ongoing R&D focuses on improving signal acquisition techniques, developing more sophisticated decoding algorithms and exploring new applications for this technology. Robot Hearing, Interpretation & Response Self-Healing Silicone Technology in Robotics Leap to Flames: Why Did Empedocles Jump into Mount Etna? 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Soft robotics is the design of robots made from flexible materials. Unlike rigid robots, soft robots change their shapes and movements. Inspired by nature, they work in disciplines like healthcare, agriculture and exploration. Permanent Magnets & Magnetism in Robotics Robot Sensors: Powers of Perception Earthworms: Soil Health & Ecosystem Balance In soft robotics robots are made from gels, fluids and elastomers, materials similar to organic human tissue. Textiles, silicone and even bio-ingredients like proteins are also used. Their deformable nature lets them absorb shocks and conform to their surroundings. Softbots can navigate cluttered spaces, squeeze through narrow openings and gently grasp delicate objects. Soft robotics robot arms use silicone and soft actuators. These can bend and stretch like human limbs, safer for direct interaction. Magnetic fields and segmented bodies may be used to improve movement, for instance gliding over rough terrain. Influence of Magnetism on the Human Brain Building Robots: Elastomers, Metals & Plastics Silicone: Creation, Robotics & Technology Softbots tend to use less energy for operation. Components for soft robots can also be produced using inexpensive materials and manufacturing methods, like 3D printing. Softbot designers take inspiration from nature. Earthworms, jellyfish and octopuses are models for soft robots able to wiggle and flow through confined spaces and interact with objects and organisms. Plants use soft materials to grasp, sense and move, mimicked in soft robots. Plant cells naturally generate hydrostatic pressure because of a solute concentration gradient between the cytoplasm and the external environment. Allelopathy: How Plants Influence Others Nanorobots: Micro Robotic Tech, Ecology, Health Plant Communication: Electrical Signals reaching for the light This concentration is modified by movement of ions across the cell membrane, which alters the plant's shape and volume in response to the change in hydrostatic pressure. This principle is used in soft robotics to develop pressure-adaptive materials, using fluid flow. Additive manufacturing techniques like 3D printing are used to produce silicone inks. Methods include direct ink writing (DIW, also known as Robocasting). This enables the creation of fluidic elastomer actuators with precisely defined mechanical properties. It also facilitates digital fabrication of pneumatic silicone actuators with bioinspired designs and features. A diverse array of fully functional soft robots is printed using this method, able to bend, twist, grab and contract. It avoids problems of traditional manufacturing such as delamination between glued components. Neurotransmitters: Creation & Function Catalase: Unseen Enzymes Essential to Life Robot Hearing, Interpretation & Response Earthworms Healthcare In healthcare, soft robots can perform minimally invasive surgical procedures, revolutionize prosthetics and support rehabilitation. Soft surgical robots increase precision for complex procedures. The reduced risk of damaged tissues promotes quick recovery times for patients. Soft robot prosthetics emulate the natural movements of human limbs. In rehabilitation, soft robotic devices help patients regain mobility by adjusting to their movements. Artificial Intelligence: Technology & Society De-Orbiting Satellites: Problems & Processes Drone Warfare: Unmanned Combat Vehicles Manufacturing Soft robots have benefits in manufacturing. Tasks needing flexibility and a gentle touch include assembly, inspection and material handling. Softbots conform to irregular shapes, reach confined spaces and apply controlled force, often exceeding the abilities of rigid robots. Exploration Soft robots are designed to explore harsh and inaccessible environments, such as the deep sea, disaster zones and other planets. Exploration, both underwater and in space, benefits from soft robotics due to their flexibility. Underwater, softbots can explore sensitive marine habitats without harming them. A soft robot designed to mimic movement of fish can collect data on coral reef health without disrupting the environment. The Human Brain: Electricity & Emotion Calcite: Metal-Eating Bacteria to Coral Reefs Kulullu - Fish Man Monster of Tiamat In space, soft robotics facilitates landing on diverse planetary surfaces. Soft robots adapt their structure to changing terrain conditions and can do demanding tasks like sample collection in environments hostile to humans. Agriculture Soft robots can help harvest delicate crops, weed fields and monitor plant health, reducing reliance on manual labor and rigid robots. Soft robotic grippers can pick strawberries with accuracy, harvesting only ripe fruit while leaving the unripe intact. They're also equipped with sensors to continuously monitor soil health. Search & Rescue In disaster scenarios, soft robots can navigate rubble, locate survivors, and deliver essential supplies where needed. Wildfires & Climate Change: Lethal Cycle Compost: Teeming Metropolis of Life & Death Space Weather: Flares, Storms & Cosmic Rays Strawberries Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Permanent magnets convert electrical energy into mechanical energy in robots for precision movement. Magnetism influences how robots function and interact with their surroundings. Influence of Magnetism on the Human Brain Creation of Magnetism in Rocks Magnetic Fields & Space Travel While electricity powers robot brains, magnetism often drives the physical actions. Robots convert electrical energy into the mechanical energy needed for operation. In energy conversion from electric to mechanical, electric motors use electromagnetism to produce rotational motion. This in turn creates mechanical energy, like a water wheel uses water to drive mechanics. About Permanent Magnets Permanent magnets consistently produce a magnetic field without need of a power source. Unlike electromagnets, dependent on electric current, a permanent magnet has a naturally aligned magnetic structure. The Human Brain: Electricity & Emotion Humans in Space: Effects on Body & Mind Magnetotactic Bacteria: Magnetic Microbes Magnetite is the most common natural magnetic mineral This gives robots a strong magnetic force for tasks like movement and sensing. A robotic arm uses permanent magnets to hold and grip objects with precision. Permanent magnets help convert energy into motion. In DC motors, they interact with electric currents for rotation. In robot vacuum cleaners, permanent magnets allow the motor to quickly change direction. Powering Movement: Electric Motors In robots, electric motors drive limbs, wheels, and actuators. Permanent magnets are fundamental components of the motors. Effects of Extreme Heat on the Human Body Electric Fields: Invisible Forces of Nature Magnetite (Fe3O4): Magnetic Mineral Vehicle assembly robots When an electric current flows through a coil of wire within the magnetic field created by a permanent magnet, the force makes the coil rotate. This drives the motor's shaft, turning electric energy into mechanical energy. The strength of the permanent magnet directly influences motor power and efficiency. Strong magnets have more torque, enabling robots to lift heavy objects, navigate difficult terrains or perform demanding tasks. Development of rare-earth magnets like neodymium improve motor performance. This leads to smaller, more powerful and energy-efficient robotic systems. Robot Hearing, Interpretation & Response Nature of Electricity: Charging the Universe Lodestones: Natural Ferromagnetic Compass Precise Control: Actuation and Manipulation Besides powering general movement, magnets provide the precision needed for delicate tasks. In robotic arms and manipulators, magnets are used in actuators to control the angle and position of joints. Magnetic Levitation: This uses magnetic repulsion to create frictionless movement, for fine controlled adjustments. Magnetic Gears: Magnetic forces transmit rotational motion, providing precise gear ratios and reducing wear and tear. Voice Coil Actuators: These combine a coil of wire and a permanent magnet to create linear motion. Surgeons rely on robots with magnetically controlled instruments. In micro and nanorobotics, tiny bots are used for targeted drug delivery or micro assembly. Precise control is also important in automated vehicles. Plant Perception: How Plants See the Light Neurotransmitters: Creation & Function Electric Vehicles (EVs): Creation & Operation Position and Orientation: Magnetic Sensors Robots need sophisticated sensors to detect position, orientation and proximity to other objects. Magnetic sensors are widely used for this purpose. With magnets placed strategically in the robot, and magnetic sensors to detect their location and orientation, the bot determines its own position in space. This enables object recognition and safe operation around humans. Permanent magnets provide real-time feedback to a robot's control system. Magnetometers can assess magnetic field strength so robots can navigate their environments. Robot Sensors: Powers of Perception Robots & Robotics in Modern Healthcare Robot Lubrication: Grease the Machine Actuation & Object Manipulation Magnetic fields can be used directly to actuate robots and manipulate objects. Magnetic grippers use strong electromagnets to grasp and release ferrous objects. External magnetic fields guide micro-robots through complex environments, like blood vessels, for targeted drug delivery. In magnetic assembly, magnetic forces help align and assemble components in precise configurations. Permanent magnets are energy efficient. They don't need constant electrical energy to maintain magnetic fields, giving mobile robots a longer battery life. Quantum technologies could introduce magnets with unique properties. A bot can be smaller but more powerful. Soft Robotics: Integrating magnetic particles into flexible materials enables robots to deform and adapt to complex environments. Energy Harvesting: Using magnetic fields to generate electricity can power small robots or sensors indefinitely. Self-Healing Silicone Technology in Robotics Nanorobots: Micro Robotic Tech, Ecology, Health Top 5 Countries of the Global Space Race Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Magnetism arises from moving electric charges and appears in various forms. The human brain, with billions of neurons communicating via electrical impulses, creates a magnetic field. Mental Health & Platelet Serotonin: Mind Body Connection Neurotransmitters: Creation & Function Human Body: the Electromagnetic Brain Electricity produces magnetism, as in the Earth's core. The planet's magnetic field arises from the motion of molten iron in the core creating electricity. Magnetism & the Brain Brains generate magnetic fields called magnetoencephalographic signals. Devices like magnetoencephalography (MEG) can detect the signals and provide real-time information about brain function. Magnetic fields penetrate biological tissues without causing harm, thus are common in research and treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses pulsing magnetic fields to activate specific brain areas. Electromagnetic induction, whereby changing magnetic fields create electrical currents in neurons, can modify neuron excitability and firing patterns. TMS helps recollection by stimulating brain regions associated with memories. The Human Brain: Electricity & Emotion Electricity & Magnetism of the Human Body Magnetotactic Bacteria: Magnetic Microbes Magnetic stimulation affects cognitive functions such as learning. Certain frequencies of magnetic stimulation can improve synaptic plasticity, the brain's ability to strengthen or weaken connections based on activity. Sensory modulation with weak magnetic fields is used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is used to improve focus, creativity, and problem-solving. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) TMS is a non-invasive technique used by researchers and clinicians to modulate brain activity and even treat certain neurological and psychiatric conditions. A coil placed near the scalp generates a brief, focused magnetic pulse. The pulse passes through the skull to induce a small electrical current in the brain tissue. The current stimulates or inhibits activity of neurons. Magnetite (Fe3O4): Magnetic Mineral Creation of Magnetism in Rocks Magnetic Fields & Space Travel Neuron, or nerve cell - most neurons are in the brain TMS alters the excitability of neurons. Stimulation with high-frequency pulses can increase neuronal firing, raising activity in that region. Low-frequency pulses decrease neuronal firing. Modulation of neuronal activity has various effects on brain functions, including: Motor control: TMS is used to map the motor cortex and study how the brain controls movement. By stimulating different areas, researchers can observe muscle twitches to determine the relationship between specific brain regions and muscle groups. Cognition: TMS can be used to define the role of different brain regions in cognitive processes like memory, attention, and language. By temporarily disrupting activity in a specific area, researchers observe how it affects cognitive performance. Lodestones: Natural Ferromagnetic Compass The Heliosphere: Radiation & Solar Wind The Anxious Victorian: Mental Health Mood and emotion: TMS is used to treat depression and other mood disorders. By stimulating specific areas of the prefrontal cortex, involved in mood, TMS helps alleviate depression and improve overall well-being. Therapeutic Applications of TMS TMS is also an FDA-approved treatment for: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): TMS is often used as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for depression when medication or other therapies haven't been successful. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Similar to its use in depression, TMS can help reduce the intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors associated with OCD. Other Magnetic Influences Magnetoencephalography (MEG): This non-invasive neuroimaging technique measures the magnetic fields produced by electrical activity in the brain. MEG can provide valuable information about brain function and help diagnose neurological disorders. Naturally occurring magnetic fields: Researchers continue to investigate how exposure to the Earth's magnetic field and stronger magnetic fields generated by electrical devices might affect brain activity and health. Electric Vehicles (EVs): Creation & Operation Phytoplankton: Environment & Human Health Lactic Acid: Nature & the Human Body Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top