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Discovering new uses for old drugs

Scientists have developed a method to identify new uses for existing medicines, using 11 factors to pair likely drugs with diseases. The 'Train-Match-Fit-Streamline' approach could lead to repurposing of medicines like Celebrex and hookworm treatment for cancer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateAug 1, 2012

Aspirin protects against Barrett's esophagus

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that aspirin use may protect against Barrett's esophagus (BE), the largest known risk factor for esophageal cancer. High-dose aspirin was significantly associated with decreased BE risk, but caution is advised due to potential cardiovascular benefits.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJul 23, 2012

Technology deal for next generation production of 'green whistle'

Medical Developments International (MDI) has signed a technology deal with CSIRO to develop a new production process for the pain-relieving drug Penthrox, known as the green whistle. The partnership aims to reduce production costs and enable large-scale production for global sales in the UK and Europe.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateJul 8, 2012
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.

Stanford study shows opiates' side effects rooted in patients' genetics

A new Stanford University School of Medicine study has found that genetics significantly impact the severity of opiate side effects, such as nausea and respiratory depression. The research also suggests that genetic variations can influence an individual's risk of addiction to these powerful painkillers.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJun 20, 2012

Quick, simple test developed to identify patients who will not respond to the painkiller tramadol

Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can identify patients who will not respond to the painkiller tramadol. The test measures the ratio of tramadol's metabolite O-demethyltramadol (ODT) to tramadol itself, allowing doctors to switch non-responding patients to alternative painkillers like morphine.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 10, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Misuse of over-the-counter pain medication is potential health threat

A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that nearly a quarter of adults at risk of overdosing on single OTC acetaminophen products by exceeding the dose of four grams in a 24-hour period. Additionally, nearly half were at risk of overdosing by 'double-dipping' with two acetaminophen-containing products.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 30, 2012
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.

Drug-monitoring programs needed to cut dangers linked to 'pharmaceuticalization' of 21st century

The increasing misuse of prescription opioids has led to a four-fold rise in individual use since the mid-1990s, resulting in nearly three-quarters of fatal drug overdoses being due to prescription drugs. Experts recommend expanded prescription drug monitoring programs to identify potential abusers and protect pain patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 30, 2012

Commonly used painkillers may protect against skin cancer

A new study suggests that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin can decrease the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. The findings indicate a potential cancer-protective effect of NSAID use, which should be considered when discussing benefits and harms.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 29, 2012

Researchers reveal different mechanisms of pain

Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that persistent pain and hyperalgesia are generated by the same nerves but through different mechanisms. The discovery could lead to more effective painkillers with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2012
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.

16 years old is peak risk for teens misusing prescription drugs

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that the peak risk for misusing prescription pain relievers occurs in mid-adolescence, specifically around 16 years old. The results suggest that prevention programs may need to be introduced earlier, in childhood and early adolescence.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 7, 2012

Aspirin and warfarin equally effective for most heart failure patients

A landmark clinical trial found that aspirin and warfarin are equally effective in preventing a combined risk of death, stroke, and cerebral hemorrhage in heart failure patients. The WARCEF trial, which involved over 2,300 patients, showed that the overall risks and benefits of the two medications are similar.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 2, 2012

Penn scientists develop large-scale simulation of human blood

Researchers created a virtual copy of patient-specific blood to simulate blood clotting and test the effectiveness of drugs like aspirin. The simulations predicted accurate responses to drugs in individual donors, identifying potential genetic mutations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBlood·DateMay 1, 2012

A new drug to manage resistant chronic pain

A new drug, BL-7050, is being developed to manage resistant chronic pain caused by nerve or tissue damage. The medication targets potassium channels to prevent hyper-excitability and induce calm in neurons, offering relief to millions of sufferers.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Racial differences found in care of children in ED

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found racial differences in the care of children in emergency departments. Black children are less likely to receive pain medication for severe abdominal pain compared to white patients. This disparity has significant implications for equal access to high-quality healthcare.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 28, 2012

Genetically engineered compound for back pain falls short

A Johns Hopkins-led study found that etanercept, a genetically engineered small-protein drug, does not provide better relief for sciatica back pain compared to steroid injections. In the study, patients who received epidural steroid injections reported more significant pain relief and improved overall symptoms after one month.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2012
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Cone snail venom controls pain

Researchers have identified three active variants of a conotoxin that blocks the transmission of pain signals in nerves. These venomous peptides, derived from cone snails, show great promise for developing new painkillers with minimal dependency and faster degradation rates.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 4, 2012

CU study has implications for increasing morphine effectiveness, decreasing drug abuse

Researchers at CU Boulder have discovered a protein complex involving toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation protein receptor 2 that triggers unwanted neuroinflammation in response to morphine. This finding has implications for developing new drugs to increase morphine effectiveness while preventing abuse.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2012
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.

Discovery paves way for improved painkillers

Researchers have discovered how opioid drugs like morphine create an inflammatory response in the brain by activating an immune receptor. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic drugs that improve morphine's effectiveness while reducing its problematic side effects.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2012

Non-narcotic pain medication is safe and effective after sinus surgery

A new study published in International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology found that ketorolac is a safe and effective pain medication for patients after sinus surgery, without the side effects of narcotics. The study compared ketorolac to fentanyl and found no significant differences in nasal bleeding or pain relief.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateMar 23, 2012
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.

Antidepressant proves effective in alleviating osteoarthritis pain

A new study suggests that antidepressants, specifically duloxetine, can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain. The analysis of FDA-approved studies found that duloxetine provides significant advantages over traditional treatments, including fewer side effects.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateMar 22, 2012

Structure of 'Salvia' receptor solved

The discovery of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) structure could lead to the development of new medications targeting addiction, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions. Salvinorin A, a hallucinogenic compound from the Salvia plant, interacts with only one receptor type in the human brain.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2012
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Prescribing opioids for pain after short-stay surgery appears associated with long-term use

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that prescribing opioids for pain after short-stay surgery is associated with long-term analgesic use. Researchers analyzed population-based data and found that patients who received opioid prescriptions within seven days of surgery were more likely to become long-term opioid users.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 2012

Could a NOSH-aspirin-a-day keep cancer away?

Scientists have developed a new aspirin compound called NOSH-aspirin that curbs the growth of 11 different types of human cancer cells in culture and shrinks human colon cancer tumors by 85% in live animals without adverse effects. The hybrid is more potent and safer than classic aspirin, requiring lower doses to be effective.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateMar 8, 2012

Postmenopausal women at greater risk of stroke from high trans fat intake

A large study found that postmenopausal women with higher trans fat intake have an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Aspirin use was shown to reduce this risk. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, highlights the importance of following a diet low in trans fats and adding an aspirin regimen to help women reduce their stroke risk.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 1, 2012

Aspirin may counteract potential trans fat-related stroke risk in older women

A study of 87,025 postmenopausal women found that those consuming the most trans fats were 39% more likely to have an ischemic stroke. However, regular aspirin use may counteract this risk, with no association found between trans fat consumption and stroke risk among aspirin users.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 1, 2012
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New hybrid 'NOSH aspirin' as possible anti-cancer drug

Scientists have combined NO- and H2S-releasing designer aspirins into a hybrid substance called NOSH-aspirin, which appears more effective in controlling cancer growth than either of its predecessors. The new compound inhibits the growth of various cancer cells, including breast, colon, and leukemia, with minimal harm to normal cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateFeb 29, 2012

Math can save Tylenol overdose patients

Researchers created a new method using calculus equations to estimate acetaminophen overdose patient prognosis, predicting those who can survive with antidote treatment versus those needing a liver transplant. The study analyzed 53 patients and showed the method's accuracy in determining survival outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 26, 2012

Broken hearts really hurt

Recent studies have found that physical and social pain are processed in the same brain regions, with shared emotional components. This overlap is validated by research, suggesting that people who experience social rejection may be more empathetic towards those with physical pain.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 22, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

American Heart Association launches free-access online journal

The American Heart Association has launched an online-only open-access journal, packed with free peer-reviewed research on heart disease and stroke. The new journal aims to accelerate the translation of science into practice through rapid and widespread accessibility.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 21, 2012

Antibiotics ineffective for most sinus infections

According to investigators at Washington University School of Medicine, antibiotics do not reduce symptoms in sinus infection patients, with most people getting better on their own. The study suggests treating symptoms and watchful waiting may be more effective than antibiotic treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 14, 2012

New class of potential drugs inhibits inflammation in brain

Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine identified a new group of compounds that block signals from EP2, a receptor involved in inflammation. The compounds could potentially treat neurological diseases such as epilepsy and stroke.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2012
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Neuron memory key to taming chronic pain

Researchers at McGill University have discovered that erasing neuronal memories of pain can reduce both persistent pain and heightened sensitivity to touch. By blocking the activity of a protein kinase, they were able to reverse hypersensitivity to pain in neurons.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Pain·DateFeb 13, 2012

Aspirin may prevent DVT and PE in joint replacement patients

A study of 1,500 patients found that aspirin reduced the incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) by 19.2%, with no complications from aspirin use. Aspirin, combined with stockings and a foot pump, is a safe and effective therapy for preventing DVT and PE in most joint replacement patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 7, 2012

Combined oral contraceptive pill helps painful periods

A large Scandinavian study has found that combined oral contraceptive pills reduce painful menstrual periods by 0.3 units on the VMS scale, with a reduction of nine millimeters on the VAS scale. Increasing age also alleviated symptoms, but not as much as COC use, which had a greater effect.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateFeb 6, 2012

Warfarin and aspirin are similar in heart failure treatment

In a large head-to-head study, warfarin and aspirin showed similar efficacy in reducing mortality and stroke risk in patients with heart failure and normal heart rhythms. Warfarin was found to be more effective in preventing strokes after four years of treatment.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 3, 2012
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.

A new study shows how to boost the power of pain relief, without drugs

A new study found that when combining a placebo with a distracting memory task, participants experienced increased pain reduction without cognitive interference. This challenges the theory that the placebo effect relies on high-level cognitive functions like working memory and attention.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 3, 2012

New GSA resources lay foundation for relieving seniors' pain

The Gerontological Society of America has launched new resources to improve pain management services for older adults. The resources aim to provide information on how advances in pain prevention, treatment, and management can improve quality of life. GSA's publications address shortfalls in assessment and treatment for older adults wit...

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJan 31, 2012
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.

Enriched skimmed milk may curb frequency of gout flare-ups

Researchers found that a daily dose of skimmed milk enriched with glycomacropeptide and G600 milk fat extract can significantly reduce gout flare-ups. This is matched by improved pain levels, reduced uric acid in urine, and fewer tender joints.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJan 23, 2012

Women report feeling pain more intensely than men, says Stanford study of electronic medical records

A Stanford University School of Medicine study analyzing electronic medical records found that women report more intense pain than men across virtually every disease category. The researchers identified significant differences in pain intensity for conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraine, acute sinusitis, and cervical spine disorders.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Pain·DateJan 23, 2012