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Doctors and patients often disagree on pain treatment goals

Researchers at UC Davis Health found that doctors and patients often have differing priorities for pain treatment, with patients seeking to reduce pain intensity and physicians focusing on improving physical function. The study recommends pain-focused communication training to improve doctor-patient agreements.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalClinical Journal of Pain·DateMar 10, 2017

Greater insight into basic biology of pain will reveal non-addictive remedies

Researchers propose a $10 billion public-private partnership to fund new research on pain biology and development of non-addictive medications. The plan focuses on understanding individual variability in response to pain, biomarkers for drug efficacy, and complementary approaches such as acupuncture and mindfulness techniques.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Painkillers without dangerous side effects

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have discovered a new mechanism of action for painkillers that produces substantial pain relief in inflamed tissues without causing severe side effects. The prototype, NFEPP-prototype, binds to opioid receptors only in acidic environments, avoiding respiratory depression and dependency.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience·DateMar 3, 2017

Study: Wireless stimulation may ease migraine pain as well as drugs

A new wireless patch has shown significant results in reducing migraine pain, with 64% of participants experiencing a 50% or greater reduction in pain after using the device. The study found that starting stimulation within 20 minutes of a migraine's onset was more effective in reducing pain.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 1, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Drugs similar to aspirin, ibuprofen could help treat sepsis, study suggests

Researchers found that a subgroup of NSAIDs also act strongly on another family of enzymes called caspases, which play a key role in aggressive immune responses like sepsis. The study suggests that these drugs could be repurposed to address other conditions and develop safer versions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateFeb 23, 2017

An alternative to opioids? Compound from marine snail is potent pain reliever

Scientists at the University of Utah have discovered a compound from the venom of a small Caribbean Sea snail that blocks pain by targeting a distinct pathway not associated with opioid drugs. The benefits of the compound continue even after it has cleared the body, suggesting a potential new therapy for chronic pain.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Measuring pain: SLU scientist tests possible biomarkers

A Saint Louis University researcher is using a $363,000 grant to test two molecules as potential biomarkers for four debilitating health conditions: chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and vulvodynia. The goal is to develop new painkillers that target these pathways.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateFeb 17, 2017

ACP issues new guidelines for treating low back pain; video available

The American College of Physicians recommends treating acute and subacute low back pain with non-pharmaceutical therapies like heat, massage, and spinal manipulation. For chronic low back pain, exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, and acupuncture are shown to improve symptoms.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2017

An alternative theory on how aspirin may thwart cancer

Researchers propose that aspirin's anti-tumor effect is due to its ability to block platelet interaction with cancer cells. The study suggests that aspirin can curb tumor growth by reducing circulating platelets and their activity.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateFeb 8, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

The drugs don't work, say back pain researchers

New research from The George Institute for Global Health reveals that commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provide limited short-term pain relief and cause significant side effects. The study highlights the need for developing new therapies to treat back pain, which affects 80% of Australians during their lifetime.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateFeb 2, 2017

Common pain relievers may increase heart attack risk during respiratory infections

A new study suggests that widely used pain relievers may increase the risk of a heart attack when used during a cold or flu-like illness. Researchers found a stronger association with a heart attack when both an acute respiratory infection and NSAID use were present, with a 3.4-fold increased risk for a heart attack.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 2, 2017

MIT study: Online retail prices often match those in stores

A recent MIT study reveals that online retail prices often match those in stores, with prices converging at around 72% of the time. The study examines data from 10 major countries and suggests that companies aim to appear 'fair' by maintaining consistent prices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJan 31, 2017

Protein involved in blood clotting stimulates liver repair

Researchers at Michigan State University found that liver injury activates blood clotting, which then stimulates liver repair using an experimental model of high-dosage acetaminophen. The study identified fibrinogen as a critical protein in this process.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJan 18, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

The war on drugs causes massive human rights violations

The war on drugs has devastating effects on human rights and public health worldwide. Experts call for drug policy reform, citing mass incarceration's failure to deter drug consumption or trafficking. They also highlight the lack of access to medicines like morphine to treat pain in millions of people.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 17, 2017

Scientists reveal non-addictive pathway to pain relief

Researchers have identified a non-addictive pathway to pain relief by targeting endocannabinoid receptors in the brain. The study suggests that selective activation of CB2 receptors can contribute to the medicinal benefits of cannabis while minimizing the risk of tolerance and withdrawal.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateJan 12, 2017

Liquid nicotine for electronic cigarettes is toxic for kids

A recent study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine reports a case of a 6-year-old child who ingested liquid nicotine from an e-cigarette, requiring intubation and ICU admission. The patient's mother had mixed the liquid herself, resulting in a highly concentrated substance that caused severe symptoms and altered mental status.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJan 4, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Computer model predicts potential impact of short-course therapy against multidrug-resistant TB

A computer simulation developed by Johns Hopkins researchers helps predict the potential impact of a new short-course treatment regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis. The model suggests that this regimen could lower MDR-TB incidence in Southeast Asia by 23% over eight years, potentially averting over 100,000 cases annually.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateDec 15, 2016

Longer use of pain relievers associated with hearing loss in women

A Brigham and Women's Hospital study found that using ibuprofen or acetaminophen for 6 years or more increases the risk of hearing loss in women. The research analyzed data from over 54,000 women and found a modest increase in risk, with approximately 5.5% of hearing loss potentially due to pain reliever use.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 14, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New compound eases neuropathic pain from light touch

Researchers identified a substance called OB-1 that suppresses neuropathic pain caused by nerve injuries or diabetes without affecting other sensations. The compound tunes down the ion channel responsible for mechanical hypersensitivity, providing a new strategy for treating painful conditions.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 12, 2016

Benefits of daily aspirin outweigh risk to stomach

A Cardiff University study found that regular aspirin use does not significantly increase the risk of fatal stomach bleeds. The research suggests that the benefits of aspirin in reducing heart disease and cancer deaths outweigh the risks.

SourceCardiff University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 30, 2016

Just keep going

A cross-sectional study found that HIV-positive patients with chronic pain did not experience significant functional interference, maintaining high activity levels. This contradicts previous assumptions and highlights the complex relationship between HIV-related pain and physical activity.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 30, 2016

Aspirin regimen for older adults has long-term benefits

A new USC study found that taking low-dose aspirin every day can reduce the risk of heart attack, prevent some cancers, and extend life. The daily regimen is estimated to have a net health benefit worth $692 billion for the US population over 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 30, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Use of prescription analgesics differs significantly between persons with and without Alzheimer's

A recent study found that approximately one-third of Alzheimer's patients use prescription pain relievers, comparable to those without the disease. However, the type and frequency of analgesics used differed significantly between groups. Paracetamol was most commonly used, while anti-inflammatory medications were less frequent.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·DateNov 29, 2016

Researcher suggests kratom may have medical benefit as opioid alternative

Research into kratom's unique pharmacologic properties could be stifled if the DEA proceeds with a Schedule 1 classification. The herb's active compounds, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, show promise in treating pain and opioid withdrawal.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateNov 28, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Solid-phase extraction of ibuprofen from pharmaceuticals

A new approach to solid-phase extraction of ibuprofen from pharmaceuticals has been successfully developed using zirconium dioxide as the extraction material. The procedure demonstrated efficient trapping of ibuprofen in hydrophobic suppository matrices, with recoveries of 95% and 94%, respectively.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Analytical Chemistry·DateNov 14, 2016

Ketofol an alternative deep sedative for emergency departments

A large clinical trial found that a combination of propofol and ketamine was as effective as propofol alone for sedating adults in emergency departments. The study debunked concerns about ketamine causing adverse psychological reactions, revealing similar outcomes and high patient satisfaction rates.

SourceEmergency Medicine Foundation (Australia)·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 8, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Placebo sweet spot for pain relief found in brain

Researchers pinpoint unique brain region for placebo response in pain relief, enabling targeted pain therapy and more accurate clinical trials. This finding could lead to personalized medicine for the 100 million Americans with chronic pain.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 27, 2016

New effort aims to prevent surgery-related opioid addiction

Michigan Medicine launches initiative to help doctors and hospitals across the state care for surgical pain without setting up chronic opioid use or addiction. The network will collect data on opioid prescribing patterns to combat the epidemic.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateOct 24, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Study finds knowingly taking placebo pills eases pain

A study found that patients who knowingly took a placebo pill alongside traditional treatment for lower back pain saw more improvement than those given treatment alone. The placebo effect was triggered by the patient-clinician relationship and ritual of taking pills, rather than conscious expectation of an active medicine.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalPain·DateOct 14, 2016

Researchers find molecular link behind aspirin's protective powers

Aspirin has been found to have a molecular link that explains its ability to reduce the risk of both cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. The researchers discovered a gene regulatory protein that not only influences platelet function but also suppresses tumors in the colon.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 7, 2016

Scientists report on safe, non-addictive opioid analgesic in animal model

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have identified a novel pain-killing compound, BU08028, that is not addictive and provides safe and effective pain relief without respiratory side effects. The study showed that the compound blocked the detection of pain for up to 30 hours and did not cause physical dependence.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

Penn study finds nasal spray effective and safe anesthesia for dental work

A recent Phase 3 clinical trial led by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that a new nasal spray anesthetic called Kovanaze is effective in preventing pain during dental procedures. The study showed that the compound was comparable to commonly used injectable numbing agents and had minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateAug 26, 2016
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Calcium channel blockers caught in the act at atomic level

The study found that calcium channel blockers like verapamil and amlodipine work differently to treat heart arrhythmias and hypertension. Verapamil physically blocks pores to restore normal heart rhythm, while amlodipine indirectly prevents pore opening, relaxing blood vessels without affecting the heart.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2016
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Researchers develop safer opioid painkiller from scratch

Researchers developed a novel opioid drug candidate by starting from scratch using computational techniques to explore over four trillion chemical interactions. The new compound, PZM21, blocked pain effectively like morphine but did not trigger deadly side effects, including breathing interference and addiction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2016

Designer agent blocks pain in mice without morphine's side effects

Researchers have synthesized a molecule called PZM21 that targets brain pain systems without triggering respiratory impairment or constipation like morphine. The new agent holds promise as both a clinical treatment and a tool for exploring the workings of brain pain systems.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2016

Acetaminophen does not aggravate children's asthma

A randomized trial led by Boston Children's Hospital found no difference between acetaminophen and ibuprofen in treating pain and fever in children with mild persistent asthma. The study enrolled 300 children aged 1-5 years old and showed that both medications were effective in controlling asthma symptoms.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 17, 2016