A new map of a brain circuit specific to chronic pain suggests a promising route to treatment for the roughly 60 million Americans living with persistent pain, according to a study published in Nature. The study showed that silencing the specific cells that drive this circuit eased chronic pain while preserving acute pain responses-in other words, the body’s … Read more
When Bradley Lawrence gained 25 pounds in two weeks and started experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath, he quickly sought care at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn. He was soon diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a rare kidney disorder that can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Five months later, Lawrence is now in remission and has … Read more
Summary: For the millions living with Fibromyalgia, the greatest paradox is that exercise is the best medicine, yet movement itself causes agonizing pain and crushing fatigue. A real-world clinical trial has found a simple, drug-free solution. By adding TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to standard physical therapy, patients saw a significant reduction in movement-evoked pain … Read more
A new study from the Kwon Lab at the Ragon Institute, published in Cell Host & Microbe, provides the most detailed picture yet of how a promising bacterial therapy works to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and why it works better for some women than others. BV is the most common vaginal condition worldwide, affecting more than 25% … Read more
The study “Diagnostic Timing and Ovarian Cancer Survival in North Carolina” has been published in the latest issue of JAMA Network Open. Led by a team of UNC-Chapel Hill researchers, this study explored the relationship between survival and how quickly patients are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is hard to diagnose early. Its symptoms, like bloating … Read more
In both traditional acupuncture theory and modern medical experience, acupoints are central to therapeutic outcomes, yet their biological nature has remained controversial. Conventional models assume static point locations, which have contributed to inconsistencies in clinical trials and debates over placebo effects. Meanwhile, studies of referred pain, neurogenic inflammation, and somato-visceral reflexes suggest that disease can … Read more
Relying too heavily on anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen for pain relief could negatively affect kidney health, warn experts. Kidney Care UK and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) have urged consumers to be cautious about frequently using NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), particularly those at higher risk of kidney disease, such as individuals with diabetes or high … Read more
Early life stress may lead to digestive issues later in life, driven by changes in the gut and sympathetic nervous systems, according to a new study published in the journal Gastroenterology. “Our research shows that these stressors can have a real impact on a child’s development and may influence gut issues long-term. Understanding the mechanisms … Read more
A new study has found that a prebiotic fiber supplement reduced pain, improved grip strength, and lowered pain sensitivity in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) – with far fewer dropouts than a digital physiotherapy programme. The INSPIRE clinical trial, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, showed that taking a daily supplement of inulin- a … Read more
A new educational game simulates real breastfeeding complications, helping nurses learn how to spot and manage fungal nipple infections that can cause pain and early weaning. Study: Serious game prototype for nurses on nipple-areolar lesions resulting from fungal infections in breastfeeding. Image credit: Iryna Inshyna/Shutterstock.com Pain during lactation forces many mothers to discontinue it prematurely, … Read more