FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 28, 2025·3 min readEmpathy Peaks in Young AdultsA new study reveals that young adults show the strongest empathic responses to others in physical or social pain, compared to adolescents and older adults. Researchers measured brain activity while participants viewed painful situations, finding that empathy responses develop with age but peak in young adulthood.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·January 13, 2025·3 min readBrain Oscillations Decode Pain IntensityParvalbumin (PV) interneurons in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) have been identified as key players in encoding pain intensity and driving gamma oscillations, according to a study. Cross-species experiments confirmed that gamma oscillations in S1 selectively reflect pain levels in humans and are linked to PV interneuron activity in rodents. Optogenetic manipulation of these interneurons demonstrated their ability to modulate pain-related behaviors, solidifying their role in pain processing.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·December 9, 2024·3 min readNew Target for Chronic Pain IdentifiedResearchers have identified a natural substance, hederagenin, that blocks the NPFFR1 receptor, a protein involved in pain perception in the brain and spinal cord. NPFFR1 has long been a challenging target due to its similarities to related receptors, but advanced screening and computer modeling revealed its unique binding mode.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·December 9, 2024·4 min readHealthy Diet Linked to Reduced Chronic PainChronic pain, affecting millions worldwide, may be alleviated by adopting a healthy diet, according to new research. A new study found that eating more vegetables, fruits, grains, lean proteins, and dairy was linked to less pain, especially among women, regardless of body weight.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·December 6, 2024·7 min readA Novel Pain Signaling Complex DiscoveredResearchers identified a new receptor, neuropilin-1 (NRP1), which collaborates with a known receptor to regulate pain signaling from nerve growth factor. Unlike traditional signaling receptors, NRP1 acts as a co-receptor to enhance pain signals without directly transmitting them. The study showed how blocking NRP1 or disrupting its interaction with nerve growth factor could offer novel approaches to pain treatment.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePainPsychology·December 6, 2024·4 min readFacial Expressions of Pain Are Linked to Distinct Brain ActivityFacial expressions triggered by pain are deeply tied to brain activity, revealing distinct neural mechanisms compared to verbal pain reports. Researchers developed a neurobiological model, using MRI and machine learning, to predict pain-induced facial expressions.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePainPsychology·November 27, 2024·4 min readDepression Linked to Increased Menstrual PainDepression may increase the risk of menstrual pain, or dysmenorrhea, through mechanisms such as sleep disturbances. Using genetic analysis, researchers found that depression likely causes period pain, rather than the reverse, highlighting an underexplored connection between mental and reproductive health. The study suggests that addressing sleep issues and mental health could improve treatment for severe menstrual pain.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 25, 2024·5 min readTENS Nerve Stimulation Ease Long Covid Pain and FatigueA new study demonstrates that a wearable Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device can significantly reduce pain, fatigue, and mobility issues in people with long COVID. Participants using the active TENS device reported 26.1% greater pain relief and improved walking performance compared to a placebo group after four weeks of daily use.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePainPsychology·November 13, 2024·4 min readAre Emotional Sounds Universal Across Languages?A new study examined vocal expressions of emotion across 131 languages, exploring similarities in emotional interjections and comparing them to non-linguistic sounds like cries and laughter. The research aimed to understand whether shared vocal patterns exist globally and if these patterns relate to our evolutionary roots in vocal communication. The team found that vocal expressions of pain, like "Ouch!", showed consistent vowel forms across languages, while disgust and joy did not.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePainPsychology·October 19, 2024·4 min readListening to Music After Surgery Lowers Pain and AnxietyA new study suggests that listening to music after surgery can significantly reduce pain, anxiety, and even heart rate, aiding recovery. An analysis of 35 studies found that patients who listened to music reported lower pain levels and used less morphine on the first day post-surgery compared to those who didn’t.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePain·October 7, 2024·3 min readGenetic Mapping Unlocks Path to Effective Chronic Pain ReliefResearchers have developed a comprehensive atlas that maps genetic activity in nerve cells linked to chronic pain, offering a potential breakthrough in non-addictive treatments. The study highlights key pain-sensitive nerve cell states, allowing for new therapeutic targets, such as senescent cells. Administering senolytic treatments in mice led to full recovery from pain without side effects, providing hope for chronic pain patients.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·October 3, 2024·4 min readChronic Pain Patients Favor Cannabis LegalizationA study found that 71% of adults with chronic pain support federal legalization of medical cannabis, compared to 59% of physicians. The research highlights a gap in attitudes toward cannabis policies between patients and doctors, especially regarding insurance coverage for cannabis treatments.Read More
