(Nanshu Lu)Traditional non-invasive brain imaging methods involve electrodes, sticky gels, and wires, which can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and time-consuming. However, scientists have recently developed a promising alternative in the form of temporary electronic tattoos.E-Tattoos: A More Comfortable and Accurate AlternativeThese e-tattoos use liquid ink applied to the scalp. In a recent study, they proved...
Credit: PixabayAuthor John Steinbeck once remarked, "It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it."Countless individuals have credited their dreams with inspiring breakthroughs and innovations. Modern research into the science of sleep now provides evidence that supports these...
Credit: PixabayManmade noises, like vehicle traffic, can reduce the stress-relieving effects of natural soundscapes, according to a November 27, 2024, study in PLOS ONE by Paul Lintott and Lia Gilmour.Previous research shows natural sounds, such as birdsong, lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress. In contrast, human-made noises like traffic negatively affect health....
Credit: DepositphotosAs a clinical microbiologist, I always assumed it was common knowledge that kissing a newborn on the head was a bad idea. However, Dr. Karan Raj, an NHS surgeon, recently posted a TikTok warning about the risks of kissing babies, which seemed to be news for many viewers, judging by the thousands of...
Credit: PixabayA promising path to earlier treatment may be emerging for individuals experiencing the most severe type of depression.In a recent study, researchers observed that individuals with melancholia, a severe form of depression, displayed noticeably different reactions while watching emotionally charged films compared to those with less severe forms of depression.This finding could enable...
Credit: DepositphotosA research team from the University of Vienna, headed by medicinal chemist Markus Muttenthaler, has introduced a novel class of oral peptide therapeutic candidates to address chronic abdominal pain.This innovative approach provides a safe, non-opioid alternative for managing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which impact millions globally....
Illustrative example of damaged skin, in this case from sunburn. Credit: DepositphotosA rare and potentially life-threatening skin condition with devastating effects might finally have a cure.What begins as a mild rash can quickly escalate, with over 30 percent of the skin blistering and peeling away in sheets. The condition typically starts on the face...
Credit: PixabayThe blood pressure medication rilmenidine has shown potential to slow aging and extend lifespan in animal studies, raising the possibility of similar benefits for humans. If effective, it could promote longer, healthier lives without the challenges of extreme calorie restriction.Previous research revealed that rilmenidine mimics the effects of caloric restriction at a cellular...
Credit: PixabayMosquitoes, notorious for spreading diseases like malaria, have been repurposed by researchers as vaccine carriers. In groundbreaking human trials, these mosquito-borne vaccines showed up to 90% effectiveness, offering a surprising twist on these pests’ role in human health.Instead of viewing mosquitoes solely as disease vectors, scientists at the London School of Hygiene and...
Credit: PixabayA review published on Nov. 14 in JAMA Network Open suggests that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for treating chronic back and/or lower extremity pain leads to greater pain relief compared to conventional medical management (CMM).Frank J. P. M. Huygen, Ph.D., M.D., from Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and his team conducted a...
