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After anesthesia

Researchers found that female mice's microglia form prolonged contacts with neurons during recovery, leading to synaptic remodeling and plasticity. This phenomenon was not observed in male mice, highlighting differences in brain recovery processes between sexes.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2026

Organized when awake, chaotic when not

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that traveling waves in rat brains are linked to information transfer in consciousness, but the amount of transfer entropy is higher during anesthesia than wakefulness. The study suggests that the awake brain selectively regulates information for reliable communication.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

OYE Therapeutics reports successful Phase 1 results for OYE-101 proprietary intravenous caffeine solution

OYE Therapeutics announced positive Phase 1 results for OYE-101, a proprietary intravenous caffeine formulation. The study demonstrated the safety and tolerability of OYE-101 in healthy adult volunteers, supporting its planned development as a treatment to support emergence from general anesthesia and deep sedation.

SourcePurdue University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2026

Ketamine may fight chronic fatigue, study suggests

A study suggests ketamine may rapidly alleviate chronic fatigue symptoms in some individuals. Participants who received ketamine experienced a significant energy boost, which could be beneficial for those struggling with the debilitating condition.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPharmacological Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2026

Landmark study uncovers new mechanism behind common pediatric anesthetic's potential neurotoxicity

Researchers discovered that sevoflurane impairs neurogenesis and cognitive function by inhibiting fatty acid β-oxidation in neural stem/progenitor cells. Enhancing FAO activity in NSPCs attenuates sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis impairment, suggesting a new mechanism of sevoflurane neurodevelopmental toxicity.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

Coenzyme Q2 identified as a novel anesthetic with unique mitochondrial mechanism

A recent study published in Current Molecular Pharmacology reveals CoQ2's sedative-hypnotic properties, inducing reversible loss of righting reflex and altering electroencephalogram activity. The compound disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential by inducing excessive proton leak and inhibiting electron transport chain complexes I and IV.

SourceFAR Publishing Limited·JournalCurrent Molecular Pharmacology·DateDec 28, 2025

Music therapy during surgery reduces anesthetic use and stress responses

A new study published in Music and Medicine reveals that intraoperative music therapy significantly reduces the amount of propofol required during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients who received therapeutic music experienced smoother awakenings, reduced physiological stress markers, and improved patient outcomes.

SourceInternational Association for Music and Medicine·JournalMusic and Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2025

Near tripling in US reported lidocaine local anesthetic poisonings/deaths over past decade

An analysis of National Poison Data System reports found a near tripling in US reported lidocaine local anesthetic poisonings/deaths over the past decade, contrasting with a substantial fall in reports associated with other local anesthetics. The increase was primarily driven by a rise in reports of death associated with lidocaine.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalRegional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2025

Global first in surgical training: SURGhub reaches record 19,000 healthcare workers across 190 countries — meeting soaring demand in underserved regions

SURGhub has transformed surgical education in low-resource and conflict-affected regions by reaching over 19,000 healthcare workers with high-quality training. The platform's accessibility and culturally relevant content are bridging a gap that has left millions without access to safe surgical care when needed.

SourceRCSI·JournalWorld Journal of Surgery·DateJun 30, 2025

No evidence to support the practice of having patients fast prior to surgery to prevent post-surgery vomiting

A new analysis of published data finds no association between pre-surgery fasting and post-procedure vomiting, contradicting long-standing recommendations. Research included 801 patients in experimental groups and 990 control group patients, with results showing that aspiration pneumonia is rare.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalSurgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2025

DARPA-ABC program supports Wyss Institute-led collaboration toward deeper understanding of anesthesia and safe drugs enabling anesthesia without the need for extensive monitoring

A multidisciplinary team led by the Wyss Institute aims to create novel anesthesia-inducing drugs that can safely induce an anesthesia-like state without compromising vital functions. The project leverages expertise from Harvard's MCB, MIT, and Tufts University to develop safe battlefield-ready anesthetics.

American Society of Anesthesiologists’ statement regarding Anthem’s policy reversal on anesthesia care payment

Anthem's revised policy reverses its previous plan to stop paying for anesthesia care after a certain time limit, a move that would have compromised patient safety. The American Society of Anesthesiologists welcomed the decision, highlighting the need for fair payment for anesthesiologists to ensure adequate care for vulnerable patients.