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Why scratching makes you itch more

Research from scientists at Washington University School of Medicine found that scratching causes the brain to release serotonin, which intensifies itch sensation. Blocking serotonin's communication with nerve cells may help break the itch-scratch cycle.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateOct 30, 2014

Ibuprofen better choice to relieve fracture pain in children than oral morphine

A randomized trial found ibuprofen to be a safer and more effective option for managing fracture pain in children, with fewer adverse events compared to oral morphine. The study involved 134 children aged 5-17 and concluded that ibuprofen remains a viable therapy for outpatient management of children's fracture pain.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 27, 2014

Montmorency tart cherry juice lowered blood uric acid levels and a marker for inflammation

Researchers found that Montmorency tart cherry juice lowered blood uric acid levels and increased specific anthocyanin compounds, which may help alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with conditions like gout. The study also detected increased C-reactive protein in the bloodstream after consuming tart cherries.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateOct 1, 2014

Shared pain brings people together

A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that sharing painful experiences can lead to increased cooperation and bonding within groups. Researchers found that participants who underwent painful tasks reported higher levels of group bonding and were more willing to cooperate with their group members.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 9, 2014

Surprising new role for calcium in sensing pain

Researchers at Duke University have made a surprising discovery about the role of calcium in pain sensation using Caenorhabditis elegans worms. Calcium flow through pain-sensing channels helps worms adapt to repeated painful stimuli by desensitizing them, suggesting a potential survival advantage.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2014

One-third of knee replacements classified as inappropriate

A recent study reveals that over one third of knee replacement surgeries in the US were deemed inappropriate, citing variation in knee pain and functional loss. The findings emphasize the need for standardized patient selection criteria among medical professionals to ensure effective use of this procedure.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJun 30, 2014

Physician anesthesiologists identify 5 tests and procedures to avoid

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has identified five tests and procedures commonly performed in anesthesiology that may not be necessary, potentially saving patients time, money, and preventing harm. These recommendations include avoiding baseline laboratory studies, cardiac testing, pulmonary artery catheters, blood tra...

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 16, 2014

Children exposed to secondhand tobacco or cooking smoke have very high rates of pain and complications after tonsillectomy

Research at Euroanaesthesia meeting found that children exposed to indoor coal-burning stoves and/or second-hand tobacco smoke experience higher postoperative complications and excessive pain after tonsillectomies. Elevated carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations were linked to increased pain sensitivity and more frequent use of painkillers.

Focused ultrasound reduces cancer pain

A phase III clinical trial shows that non-invasive magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound treatment relieves pain and improves function for most patients with bone metastases. Patients responded well to treatment, with 64 percent experiencing either no pain or a significant reduction in their pain within several days of treatment.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 5, 2014

The scent of a man

An international team of pain researchers found that male experimenters' scent, caused by pheromones secreted from armpits, can produce a stress response in mice and rats, making them less sensitive to pain. This discovery may contribute to the reliability of rodent research studies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 28, 2014