Placebo proves better than opioids at treating acute back and neck pain

Despite the risks associated with opioid use, they’re commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for acute lower back and neck pain. Researchers have found that, compared to opioids, a placebo is more effective in reducing acute – short-term – back … Continue reading Placebo proves better than opioids at treating acute back and neck pain

Zombie planet somehow survives apocalypse Earth will eventually face

Astronomers have discovered a planet that seems to have somehow survived an apocalyptic scenario. The “Hot Jupiter” closely orbits a giant star that by all logic should have engulfed it, but the team has a few hypotheses about how it’s still standing.C… Continue reading Zombie planet somehow survives apocalypse Earth will eventually face

Newly found whirlpool-like currents could organize our brains

By focusing on the interaction between neurons, researchers have been able to uncover much about the way our brains operate. A new study, though, has zoomed out a bit and found larger swirling patterns that seem to help the brain organize itself across… Continue reading Newly found whirlpool-like currents could organize our brains

To stop mice from eating seeds … make everything smell like seeds?

By digging up and eating sown wheat seeds, mice can have a huge impact on farmers’ crops. In an eco-friendly effort to stop the rodents from doing so, scientists are now using wheat germ oil to make entire fields smell appetizing.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading To stop mice from eating seeds … make everything smell like seeds?

Lab-made lungs fast-track drug testing, can replace animal test subjects

Researchers have built a lung in a lab that more accurately emulates the human lung than traditional models, opening the door to the fast-tracking of the discovery and development of drugs and a reduction in our reliance on animals for testing.Continue… Continue reading Lab-made lungs fast-track drug testing, can replace animal test subjects

Nanowire networks can learn and remember like a human brain

Nanowire networks mimic the networked structure of the human brain. But can they learn and remember like a human brain can? New research indicates they can.Continue ReadingCategory: TechnologyTags: Nanowires, Brain, Memory, Learning, University of Sydney Continue reading Nanowire networks can learn and remember like a human brain

Plastic-eating fungi could solve polypropylene pollution problem

As one of the most commonly used plastics in the world, polypropylene presents a global environmental problem because of issues related to its recycling. Researchers have developed a new way of breaking down this troublesome plastic by enlisting the he… Continue reading Plastic-eating fungi could solve polypropylene pollution problem

Plastic-eating fungi could solve polypropylene pollution problem

As one of the most commonly used plastics in the world, polypropylene presents a global environmental problem because of issues related to its recycling. Researchers have developed a new way of breaking down this troublesome plastic by enlisting the he… Continue reading Plastic-eating fungi could solve polypropylene pollution problem

Decaf coffee found to reduce effects of caffeine withdrawal

If you’ve ever tried quitting caffeinated coffee, you may have encountered side effects such as headaches, irritability and fatigue. A new study suggests that drinking decaffeinated coffee can reduce those effects … even if you know it’s just decaf.Con… Continue reading Decaf coffee found to reduce effects of caffeine withdrawal