Thread by @ZigmanLab

And now, Chapter 4 of The Ghrelin Murders: Earlobes and Maple Secrets. #ghrelin #ghrelinmurders #hormonemurdermystery
Dr. Jeffrey Zigman found himself immersed in a world where ghrelin, neurocircuitry, and the mysteries of the mind intertwined with the perplexing murder case.

As he continued his investigation, he couldn't shake the significance of the handwritten clue mentioning "earlobes." It seemed like an unlikely detail, but Dr. Zigman knew that sometimes the most peculiar elements held the key to unraveling a mystery.

Deep in thought, he recalled a lesser-known area of scientific research—the connection between certain physical traits, such as earlobe shape, and underlying genetic factors. Earlobes could be classified into two main types: attached and unattached.

This seemingly insignificant characteristic held potential clues to the victim's identity or the motive behind the crime. Dr. Zigman meticulously examined the victim's earlobes, observing their shape and recalling a fascinating yet lesser-known link between ghrelin and the ears..

..that he had contributed to during his earlier career. In his 2006 J Comp Neuro publication, Zigman revealed that GHSR expression prominently resides within the Facial Motor Nucleus.

Further, a well-established musculotopic organization within the facial motor nucleus subdivisions exists for many species, including the rat and mouse, in which the anteroposterior axis of the face is projected lateromedially on the facial motor nucleus.

Following this myotopic arrangement, it appears that GHSR expression is most concentrated in the subdivisions of the facial motor nucleus governing the movements of the external ear and eyelids for both rats and mice.

Could this missing connection potentially be the crucial piece of evidence that Dr. Zigman sought in his ongoing murder investigation? Zigman made a mental note to dig deeper, knowing that every detail mattered in his pursuit of the truth.

While pondering the earlobe puzzle, Dr. Zigman's mind drifted to an unexpected connection—the mention of Coffee Crisp candy bars found in the victim's pockets. It sparked a realization: Coffee Crisp, a popular confectionary delight, had a deep association with Canada.

Could this lead him to uncover a link between ghrelin and the nation itself? These grains were used in the production of malt, a key ingredient in the manufacturing of beer.

His train of thought led him to a remarkable finding—ghrelin played a role in regulating appetite, but it also had an influence on the body's response to alcohol. Ghrelin levels could rise when one was hungry, increasing the sensitivity to the pleasurable effects of alcohol.

The implications were 2-fold: 1st, the victim's high ghrelin might have impacted his response to alcohol, leading to altered behavior. 2nd, the presence of Coffee Crisp candy bars hinted at a possible Canadian connection, potentially narrowing down the scope of the investigation.

As Dr. Zigman pieced together the clues, he realized that the victim's relationship with Canada might have played a pivotal role in his demise.

It was a hypothesis that warranted further exploration, as he delved into the victim's background, connections, and any potential ties to the nation.

Chapter 4: "Earlobes and Maple Secrets" propelled Dr. Zigman into a deeper exploration of physical traits and their underlying genetic significance. As he uncovered the peculiar connection between ghrelin, earlobes, and Canada, the path to solving the murder mystery grew clearer.

Armed with newfound knowledge, Dr. Zigman's journey continued, leading him closer to unraveling the dark secrets concealed within the twisted web of deception.

Stay tuned for Chapter 5: "Canadian Connections"