https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/neuropathy/ Latest medical research on neuropathy including methods to ease pain, and new studies on nerve regeneration. en-us Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:28:06 EDT Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:28:06 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/neuropathy/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213252.htm A growing trend called “fibermaxxing” is putting dietary fiber in the spotlight—and for good reason. Fiber plays a powerful role in keeping the body healthy, from supporting digestion and feeding beneficial gut microbes to helping regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. Researchers say getting enough fiber may even lower the risk of conditions like obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:57:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213252.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224225.htm A newly identified protein may hold the key to preventing diabetic blindness. Researchers discovered that LRG1 triggers the earliest damage in diabetic retinopathy by constricting tiny retinal blood vessels and reducing oxygen supply. In mice, shutting down this protein stopped the damage before it could take hold. The finding could pave the way for treatments that protect vision before symptoms ever begin. Sat, 07 Mar 2026 04:48:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224225.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303145725.htm Stiff knees and aching hips may seem like an inevitable part of aging, but experts say we’re getting osteoarthritis all wrong. Despite affecting nearly 600 million people worldwide — and potentially a billion by 2050 — the most powerful treatment isn’t surgery or medication. It’s exercise. Movement nourishes cartilage, strengthens muscles, reduces inflammation, and even reshapes the biological processes driving joint damage. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:35:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303145725.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092306.htm A UCLA study in mice reveals that aging muscle stem cells accumulate a protein that slows repair but boosts survival. This protein, NDRG1, acts like a brake, preventing cells from activating quickly after injury. When researchers blocked it in older mice, muscle healing sped up dramatically — but stem cells became less resilient over time. The work suggests aging may reflect a survival trade-off rather than straightforward decline. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:02:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092306.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221000255.htm Chronic wounds often spiral out of control because oxygen can’t reach the deepest layers of injured tissue. A new gel developed at UC Riverside delivers a continuous flow of oxygen right where it’s needed most, using a tiny battery-powered system. In high-risk mice, wounds healed in weeks instead of worsening. The innovation could dramatically reduce amputations—and may even open doors for lab-grown organs. Sun, 22 Feb 2026 08:14:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221000255.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212234218.htm Scientists at Cedars-Sinai have uncovered a surprising repair system in the spinal cord that could open new doors for treating paralysis, stroke, and diseases like multiple sclerosis. They found that special support cells called astrocytes—located far from the actual injury—spring into action after damage. These “lesion-remote astrocytes” send out a protein signal, CCN1, that reprograms immune cells to efficiently clean up fatty nerve debris. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:47:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212234218.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212025620.htm A newly identified protein may hold the key to rejuvenating aging brain cells. Researchers found that boosting DMTF1 can restore the ability of neural stem cells to regenerate, even when age-related damage has set in. Without it, these cells struggle to renew and support memory and learning. The findings raise hopes for treatments that could slow or even reverse aspects of brain aging. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:42:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212025620.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260211073037.htm A six-week study from the University of Nottingham suggests that pairing fermented kefir with a diverse prebiotic fiber mix may deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory boost. This “synbiotic” combination outperformed omega-3 supplements and fiber alone, leading to the broadest drop in inflammation-related proteins in healthy adults. By feeding beneficial microbes and helping them produce compounds like butyrate, the combo appeared to improve overall immune balance and metabolic health. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 23:40:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260211073037.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260131084610.htm Statins are a cornerstone of heart health, but muscle pain and weakness cause many patients to quit taking them. Scientists have now identified the precise molecular trigger behind these side effects. They found that statins jam open a critical muscle protein, causing a toxic calcium leak. The discovery could lead to safer statins that keep their life-saving benefits without the muscle damage. Sat, 31 Jan 2026 10:39:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260131084610.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260129080424.htm Scientists in Sweden and Norway have uncovered a promising way to spot Parkinson’s disease years—possibly decades—before its most damaging symptoms appear. By detecting subtle biological signals in the blood tied to how cells handle stress and repair DNA, the team identified a brief early window when Parkinson’s quietly leaves a measurable fingerprint. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:26:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260129080424.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120015650.htm Scientists have uncovered a surprising reason why some chronic wounds refuse to heal, even when treated with antibiotics. A common bacterium found in long-lasting wounds does not just resist drugs. It actively releases damaging molecules that overwhelm skin cells and stop them from repairing tissue. Researchers discovered that neutralizing these harmful molecules with antioxidants allows skin cells to recover and restart healing. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 02:35:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120015650.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120015646.htm Scientists have uncovered new clues about why diabetic foot infections can become so severe and difficult to treat. By analyzing the DNA of E. coli bacteria taken from infected wounds around the world, researchers found an unexpected level of diversity, with many strains carrying genes linked to antibiotic resistance and aggressive disease. Rather than a single dangerous strain, multiple types of E. coli appear able to thrive in diabetic foot ulcers, helping explain why infections can worsen quickly and sometimes lead to amputation. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 02:02:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120015646.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120000333.htm Scientists at Stanford Medicine have discovered a treatment that can reverse cartilage loss in aging joints and even prevent arthritis after knee injuries. By blocking a protein linked to aging, the therapy restored healthy, shock-absorbing cartilage in old mice and injured joints, dramatically improving movement and joint function. Human cartilage samples from knee replacement surgeries also began regenerating when exposed to the treatment. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:55:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120000333.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118233547.htm Cannabis-based medicines have been widely promoted as a potential answer for people living with chronic nerve pain—but a major new review finds the evidence just isn’t there yet. After analyzing more than 20 clinical trials involving over 2,100 adults, researchers found no strong proof that cannabis products outperform placebos in relieving neuropathic pain. Even when small improvements were reported, especially with THC-CBD combinations, they weren’t large enough to make a real difference in daily life. Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:11:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118233547.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260114084122.htm A new discovery may explain why so many people abandon cholesterol-lowering statins because of muscle pain and weakness. Researchers found that certain statins can latch onto a key muscle protein and trigger a tiny but harmful calcium leak inside muscle cells. That leak may weaken muscles directly or activate processes that slowly break them down, offering a long-sought explanation for statin-related aches. Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:06:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260114084122.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260107225532.htm Long COVID affects an estimated 65 million people worldwide and can damage the brain, heart, blood vessels, and immune system long after infection. Researchers now link symptoms to lingering virus, inflammation, micro-clots, and disrupted energy metabolism. While structured rehab and pacing can improve quality of life, a growing list of experimental treatments—from antivirals and metformin to microbiome therapies and biologics—shows early promise. Clear answers, however, are still limited by small studies and the lack of large, definitive trials. Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:57:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260107225532.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260105165817.htm Researchers at USF Health have discovered a new way opioid receptors can work that may lead to safer pain medications. Their findings show that certain experimental compounds can amplify pain relief without intensifying dangerous side effects like suppressed breathing. This research offers a fresh blueprint for designing opioids that last longer, work better, and pose fewer risks. It also opens doors to safer treatments for other brain disorders. Tue, 06 Jan 2026 06:27:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260105165817.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227082716.htm Stanford scientists have uncovered how mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can very rarely trigger heart inflammation in young men — and how that risk might be reduced. They found that the vaccines can spark a two-step immune reaction that floods the body with inflammatory signals, drawing aggressive immune cells into the heart and causing temporary injury. Sat, 27 Dec 2025 10:52:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227082716.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227004155.htm Researchers have discovered how cells activate a last-resort DNA repair system when severe damage strikes. When genetic tangles overwhelm normal repair pathways, cells flip on a fast but error-prone emergency fix that helps them survive. Some cancer cells rely heavily on this backup system, even though it makes their DNA more unstable. Blocking this process could expose a powerful new way to target tumors. Sat, 27 Dec 2025 06:20:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227004155.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225235946.htm A new study suggests the vagus nerve may be one of the heart’s most important defenders against aging. Researchers found that keeping this nerve connected to the heart helps protect heart cells and maintain strong pumping ability. Even partial restoration of the nerve was enough to slow harmful changes in heart tissue. The discovery could reshape future heart and transplant surgeries. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:47:56 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225235946.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225080723.htm Tramadol, a popular opioid often seen as a “safer” painkiller, may not live up to its reputation. A large analysis of clinical trials found that while it does reduce chronic pain, the relief is modest—so small that many patients likely wouldn’t notice much real-world benefit. At the same time, tramadol was linked to a significantly higher risk of serious side effects, especially heart-related problems like chest pain and heart failure, along with common issues such as nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness. Thu, 25 Dec 2025 11:52:44 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225080723.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224015651.htm Cannabis products with higher THC levels may slightly reduce chronic pain, particularly nerve pain, according to a review of multiple clinical trials. The improvement was small and short-lived, while side effects were more common. Products with little or no THC, including CBD-only formulations, showed no clear benefit. Researchers say more long-term studies are needed. Tue, 30 Dec 2025 20:44:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224015651.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251223084855.htm A massive global genetics study is reshaping how we understand mental illness—and why diagnoses so often pile up. By analyzing genetic data from more than six million people, researchers uncovered deep genetic connections across 14 psychiatric conditions, showing that many disorders share common biological roots. Instead of existing in isolation, these conditions fall into five overlapping families, helping explain why depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders so frequently occur together. Sat, 03 Jan 2026 02:28:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251223084855.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100940.htm Back pain is wrapped in persistent myths, but many are far from the truth. From misconceptions about heavy lifting and bed rest to confusion over posture, exercise, and surgery, Dr. Meghan Murphy breaks down what really causes pain and what actually helps. Her insights reveal that everyday habits, movement, and smart prevention often make a bigger difference than people realize. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 01:55:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100940.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043040.htm Microscopic fibers secretly shape how every organ in the body works, yet they’ve been notoriously hard to study—until now. A new imaging technique called ComSLI reveals hidden fiber orientations in stunning detail using only a rotating LED light and simple microscopy equipment. It works on any tissue slide, from fresh samples to those more than a century old, allowing scientists to uncover microstructural changes in disorders like Alzheimer’s and even explore the architecture of muscle, bone, and blood vessels. Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:50:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043040.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251125112506.htm Scientists discovered that more muscle and less hidden abdominal fat are linked to a younger biological brain age. Deep visceral fat appeared to accelerate brain aging, while muscle mass offered a protective effect. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:34:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251125112506.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124075330.htm A research team has found that specific immune cells can connect with muscle fibers in a lightning-fast, neuron-like way to promote healing. These cells deliver quick pulses of calcium, triggering repair within seconds. The mechanism works in both injury and disease models. The discovery could inspire new treatments for muscle recovery and degeneration. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:06:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124075330.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251123085554.htm Scientists have created a live-cell DNA sensor that reveals how damage appears and disappears inside living cells, capturing the entire repair sequence as it unfolds. Instead of freezing cells at different points, researchers can now watch damage flare up, track repair proteins rushing to the site, and see the moment the DNA is restored. Built from a natural protein that binds gently and briefly to damaged DNA, the sensor offers a true-to-life view of the cell’s internal emergency response. Sun, 23 Nov 2025 09:52:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251123085554.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090729.htm Researchers discovered that chemotherapy can accidentally trigger a stress alarm in immune cells, causing inflammation that damages nerves. Blocking this alarm protected mice from nerve pain and kept their nerves healthier. A drug already being tested for cancer may help do the same in people. Early blood tests suggest it may even be possible to predict who will develop these symptoms before they happen. Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:02:54 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090729.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251117095639.htm Chronic pain might quietly push people toward developing high blood pressure—and the more widespread the pain, the greater the danger. A massive analysis of over 200,000 adults uncovered strong links between long-lasting pain, depression, inflammation, and rising hypertension risk. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:42:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251117095639.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105631.htm Researchers have uncovered that SerpinB3, typically linked to severe cancers, is also a key player in natural wound healing. The protein drives skin cell movement and tissue rebuilding, especially when paired with next-generation biomaterial dressings. Its newfound role explains why cancer cells exploit it and opens the door to new wound-healing therapies. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:55:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105631.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251114041225.htm Scientists identified a small molecule that interrupts a harmful protein pair linked to diabetic inflammation and tissue damage. The compound helped wounds heal faster and reduced organ stress in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes models. Unlike typical treatments, it works by blocking damaging signals rather than lowering sugar levels. The results point to a new direction for treating diabetes complications. Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:44:01 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251114041225.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251107010248.htm Rockefeller scientists uncovered how hair follicle stem cells can switch from growing hair to repairing skin when nutrients run low. The key lies in serine, an amino acid that activates a stress signal telling cells to conserve energy. When both injury and low serine occur, stem cells fully pivot to skin repair. The discovery could lead to dietary or medical ways to boost healing. Fri, 07 Nov 2025 04:53:12 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251107010248.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251106003917.htm A newly identified disorder, MINA syndrome, results from a mutation in the NAMPT protein that deprives motor neurons of energy, leading to severe movement problems. The discovery not only deepens understanding of nerve cell metabolism but also points toward potential therapies. Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:57:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251106003917.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104013027.htm Using powerful 7-Tesla brain imaging, researchers mapped how the brainstem manages pain differently across the body. They discovered that distinct regions activate for facial versus limb pain, showing the brain’s built-in precision pain control system. The findings could lead to targeted, non-opioid treatments that use cannabinoid mechanisms instead of opioids, offering safer pain relief options. Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:36:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104013027.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251024041819.htm ASU scientists found that people whose gut microbes make more methane extract more calories from fiber-rich foods. Methanogens help the microbiome turn fiber into energy by consuming hydrogen and producing methane. Using advanced metabolic chambers, researchers measured how diet and gut chemistry interact, showing that methane may signal efficient digestion. The work could lead to personalized diets based on individual microbiomes. Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:46:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251024041819.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251023031625.htm MIT scientists have found that an amino acid called cysteine can help the gut heal itself. In mouse studies, a cysteine-rich diet activated immune cells that release a molecule speeding up tissue repair in the small intestine. This process helped regenerate the gut lining after damage from radiation or chemotherapy. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:10:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251023031625.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251022023127.htm Researchers at King’s College London have created the first evidence-based dietary guidelines for chronic constipation, finding real relief may come from kiwifruit, rye bread, and mineral water. Psyllium, probiotics, and magnesium oxide also showed benefits, while common fiber and senna advice fell short. The guidelines emphasize self-management and high-quality evidence, offering practical tools for patients and clinicians alike. Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:05:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251022023127.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032318.htm Scientists discovered that lean pork builds muscle more effectively post-workout than high-fat pork, even with identical protein levels. Using advanced tracking techniques, they found that fat content blunted the body’s muscle-building response. The results contradict previous findings about fattier foods enhancing synthesis, suggesting that food form and processing matter. Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:02:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033126.htm Scientists have pinpointed Y1 receptor neurons in the brain that can override chronic pain signals when survival instincts like hunger or fear take precedence. Acting like a neural switchboard, these cells balance pain with other biological needs. The research could pave the way for personalized treatments that target pain at its brain source—offering hope for millions living with long-term pain. Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:16:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033126.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030951.htm New research shows green tea may help the body burn fat and balance blood sugar. In a study with obese mice, it improved metabolism and muscle health without harming lean animals. Scientists say its powerful plant compounds work together to regulate fat and energy use. The findings hint that green tea could be a natural support for healthy weight management. Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:09:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030951.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073959.htm Penn researchers found that psilocybin can calm brain circuits tied to pain and mood, easing both physical suffering and emotional distress in animal studies. The compound works in the anterior cingulate cortex, bypassing injury sites and offering a dual benefit for pain and depression. Unlike opioids, psilocybin is non-addictive and may provide relief lasting weeks. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:10:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250921090859.htm Alcohol doesn’t just damage the liver — it locks its cells in a strange “in-between” state that prevents them from healing. Even after someone quits drinking, liver cells often get stuck, unable to function normally or regenerate. Scientists have now traced this problem to runaway inflammation, which scrambles the cell’s instructions and silences a key helper protein. By blocking these inflammatory signals in lab tests, they were able to restore the liver’s healing ability — a finding that could point to new treatments beyond transplants. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 03:44:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250921090859.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250916221821.htm Scientists in Zurich have shown that stem cell transplants can reverse stroke damage by regenerating neurons, restoring motor functions, and even repairing blood vessels. The breakthrough not only healed mice with stroke-related impairments but also suggested that treatments could soon be adapted for humans, marking a hopeful step toward tackling one of the world’s most devastating conditions. Tue, 16 Sep 2025 23:50:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250916221821.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250818102944.htm A sweeping review of 67 trials has cast doubt on the use of ketamine and similar NMDA receptor antagonists for chronic pain relief. While ketamine is frequently prescribed off-label for conditions like fibromyalgia and nerve pain, researchers found little convincing evidence of real benefit and flagged serious side effects such as delusions and nausea. The lack of data on whether it reduces depression or opioid use adds to the uncertainty. Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:32:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250818102944.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104229.htm Researchers have discovered that parts of the human brain age more slowly than previously thought—particularly in the region that processes touch. By using ultra-high-resolution brain scans, they found that while some layers of the cerebral cortex thin with age, others remain stable or even grow thicker, suggesting remarkable adaptability. This layered resilience could explain why certain skills endure into old age, while others fade, and even reveals built-in compensatory mechanisms that help preserve function. Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:01:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104229.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809100959.htm Ozempic’s weight loss benefits might come at the cost of muscle strength, even if muscle size remains relatively stable. This raises significant concerns for older adults, who are already at risk for muscle loss and reduced mobility. Researchers stress the urgent need for human clinical trials to understand these effects fully. Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:15:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809100959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250807233035.htm A new gel-based treatment could change the way diabetic wounds heal. By combining tiny healing messengers called vesicles with a special hydrogel, scientists have created a dressing that restores blood flow and helps wounds close much faster. In tests, the treatment healed diabetic wounds far quicker than normal, while also encouraging the growth of new blood vessels. Researchers believe this innovation could one day help millions of people with slow-healing wounds caused by diabetes and possibly other conditions. Fri, 08 Aug 2025 03:08:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250807233035.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250730030400.htm GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are transforming weight loss, but a new UVA study warns they're not improving a critical measure of health: cardiorespiratory fitness. While these medications help people shed fat, they also strip away vital muscle mass raising concerns about long-term heart health, physical function, and mortality. The researchers urge combining treatment with exercise, protein intake, and possibly future drugs to avoid hidden downsides of rapid weight loss. Wed, 30 Jul 2025 03:04:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250730030400.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250730030358.htm Stepping into a virtual forest or waterfall scene through VR could be the future of pain management. A new study shows that immersive virtual nature dramatically reduces pain sensitivity almost as effectively as medication. Researchers at the University of Exeter found that the more present participants felt in these 360-degree nature experiences, the stronger the pain-relieving effects. Brain scans confirmed that immersive VR scenes activated pain-modulating pathways, revealing that our brains can be coaxed into suppressing pain by simply feeling like we re in nature. Wed, 30 Jul 2025 03:03:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250730030358.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250715043349.htm Semaglutide, a popular anti-obesity drug, may come with a hidden cost: significant muscle loss, especially in women and older adults. A small study found that up to 40% of weight loss from semaglutide comes from lean body mass. Alarmingly, those who consumed less protein saw even more muscle loss—potentially undermining improvements in blood sugar control. Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:14:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250715043349.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250714052110.htm Zebrafish can regenerate sensory hair cells that humans permanently lose, like those in the inner ear linked to hearing and balance. New research reveals two specific genes that control how different supporting cells in zebrafish divide and regenerate, offering clues to how mammals might someday tap into similar regenerative powers. Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:59:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250714052110.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250710113151.htm What if your brain is the reason some pain feels unbearable? Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered a hidden brain circuit that gives pain its emotional punch—essentially transforming ordinary discomfort into lasting misery. This breakthrough sheds light on why some people suffer more intensely than others from conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, and PTSD. By identifying the exact group of neurons that link physical pain to emotional suffering, the researchers may have found a new target for treating chronic pain—without relying on addictive medications. Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:37:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250710113151.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623233327.htm A groundbreaking wireless implant promises real-time, personalized pain relief using AI and ultrasound power no batteries, no wires, and no opioids. Designed by USC and UCLA engineers, it reads brain signals, adapts on the fly, and bends naturally with your spine. Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:38:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623233327.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250607231509.htm A powerful new discovery reveals that Nup98 a protein once thought to only ferry molecules through the nucleus plays a vital role in safeguarding the most vulnerable areas of DNA. By forming droplet-like 'bubbles' around damaged DNA within dense regions called heterochromatin, Nup98 safely escorts the damaged segments to repair zones and times the involvement of risky repair proteins. This precise choreography prevents genetic errors that could trigger cancer or speed up aging. Sat, 07 Jun 2025 23:15:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250607231509.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155806.htm Chronic inflammatory bowel disease is challenging to treat and carries a risk of complications, including the development of bowel cancer. Young people are particularly affected: when genetic predisposition and certain factors coincide, diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease usually manifest between the ages of 15 and 29 -- a critical period for education and early career development. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Researchers have now discovered a therapeutic target that significantly contributes to halting the ongoing inflammatory processes. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:58:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155806.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155330.htm A trial of an interactive game that trains people to alter their brain waves has shown promise as a treatment for nerve pain -- offering hope for a new generation of drug-free treatments. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:53:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155330.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124120.htm With its fascinating ability to regrow entire limbs and internal organs, the Mexican axolotl is the ideal model for studying regeneration. Scientists have now found a factor that tells cells which part of the arm to regenerate -- and used it to reprogram the identity of cells as they develop. This breakthrough for the regeneration research field has implications for tissue engineering, including in human tissues. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:41:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124120.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121149.htm Middle-aged and older adults who experience pain are more likely to have had worsening symptoms of depression up to eight years before the pain began, according to a new study. Tue, 20 May 2025 12:11:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121149.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131126.htm A breakthrough drug from Duke University, SBI-810, promises strong pain relief without the pitfalls of opioids. Unlike traditional painkillers that trigger multiple brain pathways—and often addiction—SBI-810 activates just one specific pathway tied to pain relief, sidestepping the euphoric high, constipation, and tolerance buildup common with opioids. It worked impressively in mice, reducing pain from surgery, fractures, and nerve damage—sometimes outperforming even hospital-grade opioids and gabapentin. Even better, it made opioids more effective at lower doses when used together. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:11:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131126.htm