reply to post by Resentedhalo08
First: I think the pineal gland is very, very cool, and highly under-studied by serious scientists.
2nd: as a neuroradiologist looking at pineals every day, it is NORMAL for the pineal to calcify, and if it does not by the age of 7-8, there may be
something wrong. Don't detract from a great topic by added that BS in about Fluoride malevolently calcifying the gland.
3rd: about 5-10% of the population develop incidental pineal cysts, for no apparent reason, surrounded by not well characterized gliotic tissue.
4th: this is not evidence based per se, my anectotal observation has been patients undergoing treatment for advanced cancers have an increased rate of
pineal cyst formation. The logical assumption is cysts may be degenerative, and the pineal may well be a 'master well being gland' sort of like our
regulating clock crystal for the computer.
Despite being a physician, i believe the pineal's best known product melatonin is a beneficial antioxidant (anti-aging?) and amazing sleep inducer.
The magnetophores in the gland may be vestigial, or may not be...more research needs to be done!
Great topic.
[edit on 2/7/2010 by drphilxr]