Engagement in sexual activity or even simple intimate contact might accelerate wound healing, especially when paired with oxytocin nasal spray.
Oxytocin, often dubbed the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical,” is known for stimulating uterine contractions during childbirth and aiding breastfeeding. It’s also linked to social connections and intimacy. Previous studies suggest it can facilitate healing of conditions like oral ulcers, likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Furthermore, a contentious relationship between partners may contribute to slower healing of blisters. Researchers, including Beate Ditzen from the University of Zurich, speculated whether a lack of oxytocin during these strained interactions could be a mediating factor.
To explore this, the team conducted a study involving 80 healthy heterosexual couples, averaging 27 years of age, all of whom had four small wounds created on their forearms through a suction device.
The couples were split into four groups, each assigned different interventions for the following week. One group received oxytocin nasal spray twice daily while engaging in a 10-minute Partner Appreciation Task (PAT) — a structured activity focusing on expressing gratitude and compliments up to three times a week.
The second group also used oxytocin but did not participate in PAT. The third group carried out PAT with a placebo spray, while the fourth group used a placebo without any PAT intervention.
Neither using oxytocin alone nor engaging in PAT with a placebo led to faster wound healing compared to the control group without spray and PAT. However, the combination of oxytocin and PAT showed some effectiveness in reducing scars’ size and depth, especially among couples who reported increased physical affection or sexual activity during the study week. This was also linked to lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone known to hinder immune function, observed in saliva samples.
“We observe enhanced wound healing in groups that incorporate PAT; however, the effects are significantly more pronounced when oxytocin is combined with spontaneous contact or intimate behaviors,”
Darryl O’Connor from the University of Leeds noted, “Our findings are intriguing as they imply that pairing oxytocin administration with positive interpersonal interactions might bolster physical recovery, opening promising avenues for future psychosocial interventions in healthcare settings.”
According to Anna Whitaker, researchers at the University of Stirling in the UK suggest that increased doses of oxytocin may yield similar benefits, particularly for older adults with generally weakened immune systems.
Therapy that balances testosterone and estrogen reduces menopausal symptoms
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The menopause can bring a host of challenging symptoms such as mood fluctuations, difficulties in concentration, and a decline in sexual drive. Hormone replacement therapy is commonly sought to alleviate these issues, primarily focusing on restoring estrogen and progesterone levels, which drop significantly during midlife. Recent studies indicate that testosterone may also play a crucial role in managing various menopausal symptoms beyond just libido, including mood improvement and muscle retention.
While typically categorized as a male hormone, testosterone is also present in women, albeit at lower levels—approximately ten times less than in men. Dr. Sarah Glynn, a contributor to menopause treatment guidelines at the British Society of Sexual Medicine, notes that limited understanding of testosterone’s effects has hindered research in this area, but recent findings are changing that narrative. Increasing evidence highlights the hormone’s crucial role in women’s sexual health and its potential benefits for cognitive, muscular, skeletal, and urinary function.
Approximately half of a woman’s testosterone is produced by the ovaries, with the remainder being synthesized by the adrenal glands. Testosterone levels generally peak in the 20s and begin to decline gradually after age 30, with production halving by middle age. Dr. Sharon Parrish from Cornell University mentions that although this decline often coincides with menopause, it may not be a direct result of it.
We know little about the health implications of this decline, but it is evident that it can reduce sexual interest. “[Testosterone] plays a critical role in sexual function,” states Dr. Joan Pinkerton from UVA Health in Virginia, influencing factors such as sexual arousal, desire, and lubrication. Consequently, it makes sense that nearly half of menopausal and postmenopausal women experience issues with sexual desire, with a leading cause being hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)—a distressing lack of sexual fantasies or desire lasting at least six months. In a survey of 1,800 postmenopausal women in Europe, over one-third reported reduced desire and more than half indicated decreased interest in sex.
The notion that low testosterone contributes to diminished sex drive was established in the 1940s. Numerous studies have consistently shown that testosterone replacement therapy can enhance sexual function in menopausal women. For instance, a 2005 report involving 533 women who underwent hysterectomies noted that those receiving testosterone patches along with estrogen reported more satisfying sexual experiences than those on estrogen alone. A similar study in 2010 corroborated these findings with 272 menopausal participants.
In 2019, a meta-analysis encompassing over 80 studies involving 8,480 women demonstrated that testosterone treatment for postmenopausal women significantly heightened sexual desire and increased frequency of sexual satisfaction, arousal, orgasm, and overall self-esteem. This study garnered support from approximately 12 medical organizations, including the International Menopause Society, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the North American Menopause Society, which endorsed the use of testosterone for HSDD.
Testosterone enhances sex drive by interacting with brain receptors that activate the neural pathways governing desire, explains Parrish. Thus far, only four countries—Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK—have approved women-specific testosterone products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve these, citing insufficient data on potential long-term side effects. Nevertheless, Professor Parrish argues this caution is unwarranted, stating that some studies have tracked participants for years without revealing increased risks of cardiovascular, breast, or uterine issues.
“Most healthcare providers focused on menopausal women seek an FDA-approved testosterone therapy that is both safe and effective. We genuinely believe there’s an urgent need for such treatments, particularly concerning sexual health,” Pinkerton comments.
Finding the Right Balance
Women report feeling more like themselves after menopausal hormone treatment
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Some medical professionals believe that testosterone therapy can extend benefits beyond just sexual health. A 2023 analysis covering seven studies found that testosterone may contribute to increased muscle mass, reduction in body fat, and improvements in insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels. In 2024, Glynne and her team assessed hormone therapy in 510 women experiencing perimenopause and menopause who were also on estrogen. After four months, around 50% reported fewer anxiety episodes and less crying, while approximately 40% noted improvements in mood, focus, and fatigue. More than a third experienced enhanced memory and reduced irritability. “Common feedback is that women feel more like themselves—stronger and more empowered,” states Glynn.
Yet, skepticism remains. Pinkerton cautions that many of these studies lacked control groups, relying heavily on self-reports, which raises questions about whether improvements were genuinely due to testosterone or might be attributed to a placebo effect. “There’s some evidence concerning cognition, mood, muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and bone health, but the lack of substantial randomized controlled trial efficacy and safety data doesn’t justify recommendations for these issues,” Parrish remarks.
Most clinical trials combine testosterone therapy with estrogen, though some studies indicate that testosterone alone can effectively enhance sexual function. However, due to frequent side effects such as acne and excessive hair growth, it is generally not advised. Glynne prefers to prescribe estrogen initially, adding testosterone only if symptoms remain unresolved.
Experts agree that comprehensive clinical trials focusing on testosterone’s impacts beyond sexual health are urgently needed. Questions concerning optimal timing, dosage, and duration also persist, as Pinkerton highlights.
What stands out is that many current menopause treatments fall short for numerous individuals, particularly those with a history of hormone-sensitive breast cancer who are hesitant to undergo estrogen therapy due to concerns regarding potential tumor growth or recurrence. “This represents a significant gap in knowledge, and we need more data,” Glynn concludes.
To enhance certain outcomes related to constipation, recommendations include kiwifruit, rye bread, highly mineralized water, psyllium supplements, specific probiotic strains, and magnesium oxide supplements. Image credit: Aziz3625.
Constipation is a persistent condition that significantly affects quality of life and places a considerable economic strain on both individuals and healthcare systems.
Previous clinical guidelines offered limited and often outdated dietary advice, such as suggestions to increase fiber and fluid intake.
In contrast to older guidelines, the latest recommendations are founded on several thorough systematic reviews and meta-analyses, employing the GRADE framework to evaluate evidence quality.
Professor Kevin Whelan from King’s College London stated, “This new guidance represents a positive development towards empowering health professionals and their patients to manage constipation via dietary means.”
“This means individuals worldwide suffering from constipation can now receive current advice based on the best available evidence to enhance their symptoms and health outcomes.”
“With ongoing research, we have a genuine opportunity to significantly improve quality of life.”
Professor Whelan and his team analyzed over 75 clinical trials, formulating 59 recommendations and pinpointing 12 key research priorities.
“Chronic constipation can greatly influence your daily routine,” noted Dr. Eirini Dimidi from King’s College London.
“For the first time, we outline effective dietary strategies and identify advice lacking robust evidence.”
“By improving this condition through dietary modifications, individuals can better manage their symptoms and, hopefully, enhance their quality of life.”
The recommendations also examine constipation outcomes like stool frequency, consistency, straining, and overall quality of life, thereby allowing for more tailored care based on individual symptoms.
Clinician-friendly resources have also been created to facilitate the implementation of these guidelines in practices globally.
An analysis of the evidence indicates that while certain foods and supplements provide benefits, the overall quality of existing research remains low.
Most studies have concentrated narrowly on single interventions instead of comprehensive dietary strategies, emphasizing the pressing need for improved nutritional research in managing constipation.
“Adopting a high-fiber diet offers numerous health benefits and is generally advised for constipation,” Dr. Dimidi stated.
“However, our guidelines indicate insufficient evidence to confirm that it is effective, particularly for constipation.”
“Instead, our research has revealed some novel dietary strategies that may genuinely assist patients.”
“Simultaneously, there is an urgent necessity for high-quality trials to reinforce our understanding of what works and what doesn’t.”
“There are two fundamental causes of dissatisfaction with climate policy: economy and culture.”
Alex Ramsay/Alamy
I have previously discussed protests in my UK hometown. The local council proposed increasing parking fees to reduce driving in contaminated areas. Ultimately, the council faced opposition and raised fees far less than they initially planned.
This scenario illustrates “green backlash,” a term referring to the rising opposition against environmental policies in affluent nations. Such resistance is often tied to a surge in support for right-wing populist parties, like Reform UK. The effectiveness of this can be seen in how Reform leads recent polls among UK voters as the next general election approaches.
This trend poses a challenge for the environment. Without government action, achieving significant progress on climate change becomes unlikely, but such initiatives can inadvertently empower anti-environment parties. Research indicates that the presence of right-wing populists in Europe slows down policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing renewable energy.
Recent studies published in Nature Climate Change suggest that there are strategies to counteract green backlash. Led by Valentina Bosetti at Bocconi University in Milan, researchers analyzed existing literature on green backlash to better understand its causes and potential remedies.
The findings reveal two primary sources of concern regarding climate policies: economic and cultural. Economic concerns arise from the financial burden of policies, such as increased parking fees in urban centers. Cultural concerns include a widespread mistrust of politicians and scientific authorities. Together, these factors significantly undermine support for parties promoting environmental policies, often driving voters toward opposing right-wing parties.
A notable case study that embodies both concerns occurred in Ontario, Canada. In 2009, the provincial government curtailed community input and halted the development of new wind power projects following protests from over 50 activist groups. Despite wind power’s popularity in Ontario, this localized backlash seemed to influence elections. In October 2011, the ruling Ontario Liberals lost their majority, particularly in districts with existing or proposed wind farms. Similar resistance to wind power has also occurred in Sweden and Germany.
“
Researchers discovered that opposition to wind power diminishes when subsidies are offered. “
The shift towards encouraging electric vehicles has also faced backlash from those affected, particularly within the traditional automotive sector. In the 2016 US elections, Donald Trump garnered an average of 3 percentage points in counties with auto parts manufacturers. Researcher interviews with workers revealed that fears surrounding the EV transition influenced their support for Trump.
This paints a rather somber picture: governments attempting to implement positive environmental changes encounter resistance, which could lead to policy rollbacks or electoral losses. Often, they are supplanted by parties that neither pursue such policies nor recognize their urgency.
However, it’s important to note that while cultural factors may alienate some towards right-wing populism, they do not create a majority. Economic grievances, however, are addressable. For instance, Bosetti found that opposition to wind power significantly decreases when government subsidies are available and when local job creation hinges on such projects. Safeguarding jobs and upskilling workers may mitigate fears of unemployment and skill obsolescence, she suggests. It could be that straightforward.
Furthermore, there is considerable yet often underestimated support for policies that promote environmentally friendly practices. US researchers recently surveyed adults about their views on issues like reducing food waste, consuming less beef, installing home solar systems, adopting EVs, purchasing carbon offsets, and other climate-friendly behaviors. Most people expressed support for them. However, a significant gap exists between participants’ perceptions of overall support for these initiatives and the reality. Politicians often convey a distorted message; don’t let the appeal of green policies falter simply because of misinterpretations.
In York, the upcoming local election in 2027 is anticipated to focus on parking fees as a critical issue, with concerns about green backlash influencing voter decisions.
Graham’s Week
What I’m reading
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.
What I’m watching
Revisiting the BBC adaptation of Dracula on Netflix in preparation for my upcoming trip to Transylvania.
What I’m working on
An article for the Christmas issue. Honesty is key.
Graham Lawton is a staff writer at New Scientist and author of Don’t Complain: The Incredible Science of Everyday Illnesses. Follow him on Twitter @grahamlawton.
Black and green teas including matcha exhibit various levels of L-theanine
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L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea leaves. Its association with the calming effects of tea dates back to the 1940s, and it is now available as a supplement aimed at alleviating stress, enhancing focus, and improving sleep quality. Although studies on its effectiveness are still somewhat limited, there are intriguing insights that may suggest advantages for brain health, particularly for those experiencing anxiety.
What are the potential benefits of L-theanine?
Research on L-theanine shows promise but remains in the preliminary stages. “The research is limited, the sample sizes are small, and the results can vary,” says Crystal Haskell-Ramsay from Northumbria University, UK.
Nonetheless, findings from minor trials indicate that L-theanine may help reduce blood pressure during attention-demanding tasks, and during stressful periods, it might mitigate heart rate surges associated with cortisol, the stress hormone. Some evidence also points to its potential for enhancing relaxation and concentration.
How does L-theanine influence the brain?
Upon entering the bloodstream through the intestine, L-theanine is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. It shares similarities with brain glutamic acid and GABA, neurotransmitters responsible for regulating signals in the brain. Studies on rodents suggest that L-theanine may elevate levels of dopamine and serotonin, chemicals linked to various cognitive functions, including mood and reward.
Furthermore, L-theanine is known to increase alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a calm yet alert state. “When you close your eyes, alpha waves increase instantly,” remarks Manuel Gomez Ramirez from Rochester University in New York.
Does it contribute positively to mood and well-being?
Generally, heightened alpha brain wave activity can enable better focus and diminish distractions, and L-theanine may amplify this effect. “The greater the alpha activity, the better the brain coordinates its surroundings,” explains Gomez Ramirez. The synergy between caffeine and L-theanine likely enhances this effect.
If L-theanine alleviates anxiety, this could elucidate its benefits for sleep. A review found that it may help individuals fall asleep more swiftly and enhance their overall sleep quality.
Is there sufficient L-theanine in tea?
Teas, particularly green varieties like matcha, contain varying amounts of L-theanine, averaging between 5-40mg per cup. While this could provide a mild effect, most research studies utilize dosages around 200 mg, akin to those commonly found in supplements.
How robust is the evidence for L-theanine?
Many studies involve small participants, focus on short-term outcomes, and frequently test just single doses or limited supplementation periods. “There’s certainly potential, but further work is required in this area,” states Amanda Bluman from the University of Canberra in Australia.
A noteworthy complication is that L-theanine is often studied in conjunction with other components, which complicates the interpretation of results. “It’s challenging to ascertain whether L-theanine is solely responsible,” mentions Haskell-Ramsay. “Disentangling which elements are effective is problematic.”
Moreover, Haskell-Ramsay cautions, “Many people take it consistently for long durations, so long-term data is lacking.”
Can psychedelics be effective against common anxiety disorders?
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Research indicates that a single dose of LSD may alleviate anxiety without causing lasting side effects.
“We are conducting the first modern examination of LSD and its effects on common anxiety disorders,” says Dan Carlin from Mindmed in New York.
This disorder is marked by persistent worry about various issues, including work and relationships. Standard treatments often involve mood-enhancing medications and therapies, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants.
However, approximately half of patients do not respond to these treatments. “SSRIs are ineffective for many; they can produce side effects, such as emotional numbness, and must be taken daily to have any effect,” Carlin explains.
Previous studies propose that LSD might serve as an alternative treatment. Psychedelics are frequently used for their mind-altering hallucinations in recreational contexts. Carlin believes they may operate by enhancing serotonin levels in the brain, which improve mood, and may also encourage the brain’s capacity for rewiring and developing new thought patterns.
Nonetheless, so far, trials directly comparing LSD with a placebo have not specifically evaluated its effects on generalized anxiety disorder.
To address this issue, Carlin and his team recruited 198 adults with this condition. Participants gradually reduced their current anxiety medications, while those receiving psychotherapy continued their sessions.
In a standard clinical assessment, participants rated the intensity of 14 symptoms, including worry, tension, and difficulty focusing, on a scale from 0-4.
The team then randomly assigned participants into five groups—those receiving LSD (in doses of 25, 50, 100, or 200 micrograms) or placebo tablets. The following day, those who received doses of 100 and 200 micrograms reported greater symptom relief compared to other groups, according to Karlin.
One month later, participants who took the 100 and 200 microgram doses noted an average anxiety reduction of 21 and 19 points, respectively, with improvements sustained until the study’s conclusion three months later. Approximately 46% of these individuals were in remission.
In contrast, those receiving placebo and the lower doses experienced a 14-17 point reduction in anxiety over the same period, with about 20% achieving remission. This indicates that the lower doses did not yield significant benefits beyond the placebo effect.
The enhancements seen with the higher doses are significantly greater than those produced by the placebo, states Sunjeev Kamboj from University College London. “This marks a clinically meaningful improvement in terms of distress and disability,” he notes.
The progress observed in the placebo group is a common occurrence in anxiety studies, likely influenced by factors such as participants’ enthusiasm and attention during the trial, Kamboj adds.
The team noted that they could accurately ascertain whether most participants received LSD or placebo. Psychedelics typically produce hallucinations, which can affect many individuals. Across all groups, participants experienced nausea and headaches about 12 hours post-treatment.
At lower LSD doses, those on placebo reported hallucinations significantly less frequently than at higher psychedelics doses. This complicates the assessment of whether the benefits observed are due to individual expectations based on perceived effects or the direct influence of the drug on the brain, Kamboj explains.
Despite these caveats, the study offers compelling evidence that LSD could be a viable anxiety treatment, he states. “It’s a promising finding, indicating it can quickly alleviate symptoms. This is highly relevant for patients.”
The results have led the US Food and Drug Administration to classify MindMed’s LSD formulations as a breakthrough therapy, expediting the drug development process. Karlin mentions that the team has conducted thorough follow-up trials for over three months, with anticipated results forthcoming in the next few years.
Ibogain, a psychedelic substance, is derived from the roots of the Iboga plant
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The psychedelic substance ibogaine has been shown to slow brain wave activity in individuals with traumatic brain injuries, potentially accounting for its effectiveness in treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A study conducted last year revealed that ibogaine, sourced from the African Iboga plant, significantly enhanced the overall mental and physical well-being of military veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries. Yet, the precise mechanisms behind these effects were previously unknown.
To investigate further, Jennifer Lismore from Stanford University and her team examined brain imaging of 30 individuals involved in the initial study. During a 5-day treatment session at a facility in Mexico, participants received a dosage of 12 milligrams of ibogaine per kilogram of body weight and participated in supportive activities like yoga, meditation, and therapy.
As part of the study, the researchers collected EEG data that recorded participants’ brain electrical activity. These scans were taken 2-3 days prior to and 3.5 days following the ibogaine treatment.
By comparing the EEG findings, Lismore and her team observed an overall deceleration in brain wave activity post-treatment, particularly in the gamma waves—the fastest brain waves—which exhibited nearly a 16% reduction in strength in the occipital region after ibogaine therapy. While gamma wave intensity saw a slight rebound after one month, levels remained significantly below those recorded prior to treatment.
Additionally, the intensity of slow theta waves rose by approximately 17% in the back of the brain and 13% at the front 3.5 days post-treatment. However, this increase lost its significance after one month.
Lismore suggests that the observed reduction in brain wave activity may clarify why ibogaine is effective for alleviating PTSD symptoms in many patients. “The deceleration of brain function has allowed patients, particularly those experiencing hyperawareness and sensitivity associated with PTSD, to find relief,” she noted. “One way to understand this slowing process is as a mitigation of the heightened distress often seen in PTSD cases.”
The temporary spike in slow theta waves could also indicate that ibogaine promotes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself. Previous studies in animals have associated theta wave activity with brain adaptability, Lismore explains. By inducing a short-term increase in theta wave presence, ibogaine may create conditions conducive to improving mental health.
“Ibogaine essentially addresses the chaotic, restless nature of the brain, facilitating a sort of normalization,” remarked Conor Murray from the University of California, Los Angeles. “Ultimately, it instills a sense of security for participants, reassuring the brain.”
However, he cautions that these findings don’t fully reveal the mechanisms through which ibogaine effects these brain changes.
Another challenge is the absence of control measures, complicating the assessment of the influence from other treatment components, points out Lismore. Nonetheless, she asserts that these insights represent “a significant first step toward understanding why this treatment is so impactful.”
Most treatments for back pain provide temporary relief
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A brief course of a specific type of psychotherapy has proven to be three times more effective in alleviating chronic low back pain than conventional treatments, even after several years.
Cognitive Function Therapy (CFT) offers individuals a customized program designed to help them comprehend and manage pain via movement and lifestyle adaptations. In a 2023 study, researchers reported significant chronic back pain relief lasting at least a year after just eight sessions.
Recent findings revealed that these sessions continue to provide relief even three years later. CFT leads to three times the improvement in pain and associated disability when compared to the conventional care options patients typically receive, such as pain medications, physical therapy, and massage treatments.
“Our findings suggest that for patients with severe impairments, back pain management can yield long-lasting benefits,” notes Jan Hartvigsen from the University of Southern Denmark.
Back pain is among the leading causes of global disability, and existing treatments often only provide mild, temporary relief. In the 2023 trial, Hartvigsen and his team enlisted 492 participants suffering from chronic low back pain, categorized as experiencing at least four points on a pain scale of 0-10.
Among the participants, one-third continued with their usual care regimen. In contrast, the other two-thirds paused standard care to partake in seven CFT sessions over a final 12-week span, concluding with a 26-week session.
During these sessions, specially trained physical therapists examined each participant’s thoughts regarding their posture, pain, emotions, and lifestyle factors. Their goal was to help participants view their pain in a new light. They focused on modifying exercise habits and control strategies, promoting healthier diets, rest techniques, stress management, and workout plans.
“Individuals living with chronic pain often fear using their bodies,” explains Hartvigsen. “It’s not a mental issue; they require support from someone who can build a strong therapeutic bond with them, as their behaviors, beliefs, and nervous systems are very flexible and conditioned to these pain-related behaviors.”
Half of the participants in the CFT group also received biofeedback, a sensor-based approach that enables real-time monitoring of movement patterns to retrain posture and motion.
After one year, pain intensity and disability levels, measured by the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, showed substantial improvements—approximately three to four times greater in the CFT group than in those receiving traditional care. Biofeedback enhanced the effectiveness of CFT marginally.
In a follow-up three years later, the Hartvigsen research team gathered updated evaluations from 312 participants evenly split between treatment groups.
The results indicated that those who underwent CFT experienced nearly three times greater improvement in both pain and disability when contrasted with the standard care group. Furthermore, about three times more individuals in the CFT group recorded lower disability ratings, indicating pain did not severely hinder their functionality.
However, all participants were permitted to pursue additional care after the initial unmonitored year.
The debilitating nature of migraines can significantly hinder a person’s daily routine
Alfred Pasieka/Science Photo Library
A medication called Ubrogepant, which is currently prescribed for migraine treatment, has been found to alleviate non-headache symptoms that often precede the onset of migraines. This makes it the first medication known to address these initial signs.
Before migraine headaches decrease in intensity, many individuals experience warning signs such as light sensitivity, sounds, dizziness, and neck stiffness, all of which can significantly disrupt daily activities.
Developers of migraine medications have predominantly concentrated on treating the headaches themselves, with no effective solutions available for alleviating these preliminary symptoms.
However, Ubrogepant demonstrated promising results when administered during the early stages of migraine symptoms, according to Peter Goadsby from King’s College London and his team, who are eager to further explore this potential.
Their study involved 438 participants, aged 18 to 75, all with a history of migraines. Half received a 100 mg dose of the medication upon experiencing suggestive symptoms of an impending migraine. The other half took a placebo during a subsequent episode of prodromal symptoms.
Following the administration of Ubrogepant, participants reported an enhanced ability to focus after 1 hour, decreased sensitivity to light after 2 hours, and reduced fatigue and neck discomfort after 3 hours, compared to their experiences while taking the placebo. They also noted less sensitivity to dizziness and sound when using Ubrogepant.
“Taking Ubrogepant allowed individuals to mitigate these non-pain symptoms even before the headache began,” Goadsby remarked.
This study did not delve into the impact of the medication on aura, another early feature of migraines that includes sensory disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots.
“The potential for intervention in the migraine progression is clinically significant given the often debilitating early symptoms,” remarked Parisa Gazerani from Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway. However, she emphasizes the need for further studies to ensure broad applicability.
“This research indicates that migraine treatments could lessen these preliminary symptoms and may prevent the progression to the main headache phase,” stated Rob Music, head of the Migraine Trust in the UK. “We are eager to see more investigations in this area to lessen the burden of migraines on daily living.”
LAnea George opens the steel security door and enters a windowless room, where a device resembling a commercial-grade refrigerator awaits. Dubbed the Bodhi, it dispenses seven small plastic bottles, each containing precisely 70ml of methadone, an alternative to morphine or heroin in addiction treatment.
She takes the bottles from the tray, bundles them with rubber bands, and places them on the shelf. It’s not even 10 am, and George, the nurse manager at Man Alive—a well-known opioid treatment program in Baltimore—has already prepared doses for about 100 patients set to arrive the following day. “Bodhi has transformed my life and the lives of my patients,” she states.
Preparing these prescriptions requires more than merely pouring medication into bottles. This process involves printing each label individually, measuring the amounts accurately, sealing the bottles, and capping them securely. If there are spills, the nurse must stop to collect the lost liquid, measure it, document the incident, and dispose of it properly.
Repeating this procedure over 100 times illustrates why the task can take an entire day before Bodhi even arrives. George notes that many nurses leave the profession, often due to issues like carpal tunnel syndrome from repeatedly screwing caps on multiple bottles daily.
“I’ve seen nurses just walk off shifts and never return,” she reflects on her previous clinic.
Now, with more time freed up, George can focus on patient interaction. “It allows me to be more personal and have deeper conversations,” she remarks. “That’s where we uncover a lot of important information.”
Injecting Humanity into Addiction Treatment
This increase in patient interaction was the motivation behind the machine that George uses daily. Amber Norbeck, a pharmacist in the neonatal intensive care unit at Montana Hospital, noted that 50% of newborns experience withdrawal symptoms due to maternal opioid addiction.
Methadone therapy can help these women become mothers, but access is often problematic. The clinic she visited had a 30-60 day waiting list, and other patients faced three-hour waits despite a shortage of nursing staff during visits. Some patients must return daily for doses.
“It didn’t feel like healthcare; it felt more like a bank teller experience,” she explains. “For working individuals trying to manage their lives, the lengthy process often led them to give up.”
With U.S. overdose deaths from opioids rising from around 8,000 in 2009 to over 114,000 in 2022, Norbeck recognized a nation grappling with the opioid crisis amid a nursing shortage. In 2019, she and engineer Mike Pokolny began devising methods to automate the methadone dosing process.
They developed a robotic device capable of dispensing liquid medication in seconds, sealing, labeling, and capping each bottle. A year later, Norbeck left her hospital position, and in January 2021, the duo founded Opio Connect Inc, with Norbeck serving as CEO and Pokolny as vice-chairman.
They named the device Zing, utilizing components designed for other machines for a quicker assembly. “Existing pharmacy automation solutions weren’t designed for the variations required for dispensing methadone,” states Sam Wilson, Opio’s COO.
Pandemic Era Methadone Rules Support Automation
The introduction of Zing coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, which provided an unexpected boost. Pre-pandemic, patients labeled “stable” could take home multiple doses, but during lockdowns, federal authorities relaxed these rules, allowing them to receive up to 28 days’ worth of medication.
While this policy shift intensified preparation and nurse workloads, post-Covid data revealed no significant patient benefits. The new take-home rules became permanent in January 2024.
By then, the first Zing was deployed at Compdrug, an opioid treatment program in Columbus, Ohio, affectionately nicknamed Alfie. Seven additional Zings were installed across the country, each receiving its own name. This humanizing aspect led to naming contests, birthday celebrations, gender awareness events, and Halloween costumes. Together, they have assembled over 1 million methadone doses.
Norbeck anticipates that 30-40 more Zings will be operational by the end of 2025. The company is targeting 2,100 clinics and correctional facilities nationwide, emphasizing that many individuals require treatment, yet attracting nursing staff remains a challenge.
Automated Labor: Job Loss or Mitigating Labor Shortages?
Norbeck is uncertain about job losses attributed to Zing, but some clinics found themselves able to keep open positions unfilled, reallocating savings to other treatment initiatives.
“There was concern that [Zing] would replace nurses, but its true purpose is to liberate them,” explains Pokolny.
Compdrug previously employed six nurses to administer methadone throughout the day. Currently, with Zing’s assistance, only three handle dosing while the other three focus on telehealth. All six remain employed.
At Man Alive, Bodhi’s introduction has allowed George additional time, enabling her to also serve as a home nurse, assisting patients in connecting with medical care and following up on medication and health concerns.
However, it’s important to recognize another facet to these scenarios. Unfilled positions, whether in telehealth or home health, may exist regardless of robotic assistance. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, the nursing workforce is projected to face a shortage of over 63,720 nurses by 2030, not accounting for losses incurred during the pandemic.
Norbeck believes that robotics can be a means to alleviate employment shortages rather than exacerbate them.
In Baltimore, George and her fellow nurses at Man Alive have organized educational initiatives in the community, further connecting with patients through participation in in-house group therapy sessions. Simply put, George states, “Bodhi has allowed me to rediscover my role as a nurse.”
Many individuals endure chronic pain for years or even decades
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Understanding how to manage negative emotions like anxiety can help ease chronic pain. Research shows certain therapies that emphasize pain tolerance may be more effective than current treatments.
“Chronic pain is not just a physical sensation; it’s deeply emotional,” explains Nell Norman Knott from the University of New South Wales, Australia. “Around 80% of those with chronic pain experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression,” she adds, noting how existing pain exacerbates negative feelings, intensifying the pain experience.
To assess if this cycle could be disrupted, Norman Knott and her team implemented a program inspired by dialectical behavioral therapy, a variation of cognitive behavioral therapy catering to those with strong emotions. The program centered on mindfulness, emotional management, and pain tolerance.
Eighty-nine chronic pain sufferers, averaging 16 years of discomfort, were assigned to either an 8-week online therapy program with therapists or to receive their prior treatments, such as medications or physical therapy.
After nine weeks, the treatment group showed a roughly 5-point improvement in emotional regulation on a scale of 18-90 compared to the control group. Their pain intensity began to decrease by week 21, and after six months, participants in the control group reported significantly less pain.
“This is both intriguing and hopeful,” remarks Benedict Alter from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He notes that it could particularly benefit individuals without easy access to in-person care. “The online format is significant, as a small number of providers offering treatment is a substantial challenge, often limited to urban settings.”
While the specific mechanisms behind pain reduction remain unclear, he asserts, “Better emotional regulation correlates with improved quality of life, resulting in less pain and decreased functional impairment. Future studies with larger sample sizes could elucidate these mechanisms.”
Placebo pills can have real effects through the power of suggestions
72 images / Aramie
Women with premenstrual syndrome appear to benefit from the placebo effect, even if they know they are taking Siamese medication. This suggests that we can provide cheap and simple treatments.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, and abdominal cramps generally affects people with periods of time. Previous research has shown this Placebo pills can reduce symptoms It was unclear whether these benefits remained when people intentionally taking fake medications in women who think they might be taking real medications.
Antje Frey Nascimento The University of Basel in Switzerland and her colleagues recruited 150 women in Switzerland, ages 18-45. In a study that acquired symptoms of 27 PMS on a scale of 0 to 5, participants rated at least one symptom A 4 or 5 at the start of the study. Participants also reported that at least one symptom interfered with society, work, or school life and scored this confusion.
The researchers then randomly assigned a third of participants, taking two placebo pills daily in two menstrual cycles, and informing these people that they are taking Placbos. Another third of participants also took placebo pills, but received additional explanations on how placebo can alleviate symptoms through the power of suggestions and belief.
The remaining third of participants were not given a placebo, but all groups were able to take regular medication. All participants completed a daily survey of PMS symptoms and how much these lives interfered.
By analyzing survey data from participants’ last menstrual cycle, the team found that on average, those who took placebo without explanation, the intensity of PMS symptoms decreased by 50%. These symptoms were half that destroyed their lives.
Those who took the placebo in their explanation reported a 79% reduction in the intensity of symptoms and an 83% reduction in life disruption. “It’s a really big effect you’ll notice in your life.” Stephen Schmidt He was not involved in research at the University of Freiburg, Germany.
When people take placebo pills, they may unconsciously and consciously expect relief from the placebo effect. This appears to produce real improvements by causing the body’s natural release of painkillers, such as endorphins, Schmidt says.
“We live in a pill society where you have all the knowledge about how you get all the benefits of science in your body when you take them, so people expect to feel better,” he says. Emphasizing these potential benefits for people seems to increase their effectiveness, he says.
Despite not taking pills, the control group showed a 33% reduction in symptoms intensities, with 46% less destructive than before. “If you sign up for a study and complete these daily diaries, you can pay more notices when you feel better or when your symptoms improve, so you can see benefits without taking pills,” Schmidt says.
One limitation of this study, he adds, is the greater advantage of placebo effects, as those enrolled in the trial may be more open to alternative treatments than the wider population.
Large studies need to determine whether these placebo benefits last for a long period of time and whether they apply to older adults groups and to a wider range of people in other countries, Schmidt says. If the results endure scrutiny, he says, placebo can ultimately provide an inexpensive and easy way to treat serious health burdens.
Male chimpanzees may have sexual contact during stressful periods
Jake Brooker/Chimhunsi Wildlife Orphanage Trust
Some chimpanzees seem to use sexual behaviors like genital rubbing to manage stressful situations. This shows that our closest living relatives – or in fact, as we thought, isn’t that different from highly sensitive bonobos.
Jake Brooker Durham University in the UK and his colleagues investigated the sexual behavior of non-human primates Rolaya Bonobo Sanctuary The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chimhunsi Wildlife Orphanage Trust In Zambia. Both sanctuaries contain a mixture of wild and captive-born apes, allowing them to roam freely and forage within them.
Researchers observed 53 bonobos (Pampaniscus) It spans three groups: Lola Ya Bonobo and 75 chimpanzees (Pantrogloid) across two groups of chimhunsi over the course of the feeding event of events, including swings distributing limited supply of peanuts to specific regions.
“Bonobos and chimpanzees both live in extremely complex social structures. Zanna Clayat Durham University. Predicting such feeding events can be stressful due to the competition for those who will first reach the food.
Researchers observed 107 instances of genital contact in bonobos and 201 instances of chimpanzees five minutes before 45 feeding events in five groups.
“This involves placing your hands or feet in another primate's biogenic area, and it could also involve the genital organs that touch each other, like the bonobo's very well-known genital friction behavior,” says Brooker.
This study revealed differences between species. “We found that sex frequency in these situations was more common in other women and female bonobos, but more common among chimpanzee men,” says Clay. It may be related to the fact that bonobos live in patriarchal groups, but chimpanzees live in patriarchal groups, she says.
“By using sex as a social tool to navigate all kinds of social issues, bonobos have given them a bit of a reputation as a kind of sexy hippie ape,” says Clay. “This study shows that the differences between the two species are not as large as previously assumed. Chimpanzees are known to be aggressive and violent, but in reality they have a truly rich repertoire of behaviors used to manage social life.”
“Chimpanzees definitely draw PR short straws compared to bonobos.” Matilda Brindle At Oxford University.
Chimpanzees use sex in ways that go beyond breeding, unlike human sexuality, but we don’t just have sex for breeding, says Clay. for example, Stress reduction It was given as a reason for people to have sex.
Kit Opie At the University of Bristol in the UK, I wonder if the same level of behavior can be seen in wild environments rather than sanctuaries.
The work may also shed light on our last common ancestors, who lived around five to seven million years ago, before humans branch out from dicks and bonobos, he says.
“If we consider that all three use sexual behaviors to navigate social relationships, it is likely that the common ancestors we share did too,” Brindle says.
It was this mystery that led botanist Kathy Willis on her latest mission. Former scientific director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, and now professor of biodiversity at St Edmund Hall, Oxford University, she says the discovery has changed her life. In her new book, Good NatureIn this article, she explores a growing body of research that illuminates what happens to our brains and bodies when we connect with nature. Though we tend to think of ourselves as a visual species, it turns out the benefits we derive from our other senses — smell, hearing, touch, and the mysterious “hidden senses” — are just as impressive, and sometimes even more so. There's still much to discover, but as she says, New ScientistWe have already learned many things that can improve our lives.
Kate Douglas: What happens when you observe nature?
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Our friends are named Amy. Or Jackson. Or whatever name you prefer. They’ll support you, tease you, and check in on you. They’re eager to listen, so they’ll never ask you to help them move or come see their one-man show. They’ll cost $99 and are expected to ship in early 2025.
meet friend: A new wearable AI companion you wear around your neck. The small, white, puck-like device records your every word and interaction and responds with a text accordingly. (The company says no audio is stored; its website says the data is encrypted and users can delete “memories.”) Ads for the product show people wearing it while hiking, gaming, working and flirting. “How’s the falafel?” a friend asks a woman as she eats a falafel wrap. “Embarrassed to get hit!” a friend texts a man playing video games with his (human) friend.
Friend sits at the intersection of two particularly troubling themes: artificial intelligence and the loneliness epidemic. At the same time that AI is transforming the way we interact with each other — work, healthcare, entertainment — more and more people are feeling socially isolated. Last year, the World Health Organization declared loneliness a “global public health concern” that’s as bad for people’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Friend founder and CEO Avi Shiffman said the reaction to the ad was Post to X
This week has been decidedly a mixed bag.
“Tamagotchi has lost its soul,” one user replied. “This is weird,” another said. “Go out and make some real connections in the world.” Some users compared the ad to the dystopian world of Black Mirror. Others wondered if the ad was real or an elaborate skit.
“People are taking it very negatively,” Shiffman said when I spoke with him on Wednesday.
Shiffman is 21 years old. At age 17, he won a Webby Award for developing the coronavirus tracking website ncov2019.live. Ukraine Evacuation
He started a website to help house Ukrainian refugees, then turned his attention to wearable AI.
Before Friend, Shiffman developed the Tab, another wearable AI device that he said “gives you a virtually perfect memory” and helps users gain insight into their lives and behavior. But earlier this year, his focus changed. Shiffman says the shift happened during a trip to Tokyo. “I stayed in a high-rise hotel and I’d never felt more alone in my life,” he recalls. Wearing a prototype of the Tab, he said he enjoyed having conversations but wanted to feel like he had a traveling companion.
He tinkered with the technology, offered refunds to people who had pre-ordered Tabs, and Friend was born.
It’s hard to know how seriously to take Friend. During the call, Schiffman downplayed its importance. “I think of it as more of an emotional toy than anything else,” he said at one point. “It’s fun, it’s entertaining. You don’t have to take it too seriously.” He also waxed lyrical about its potential. “I think AI companionship is the most culturally impactful thing that AI will do in the world,” he said. He describes Friend as “half art project, half actual product.”
And while he acknowledges that “there’s no substitute for real human touch and connection,” he believes AI companionship could be “really effective” in alleviating loneliness.
Dating with AI Controversial
Some, like Shiffman, claim it helps reduce feelings of loneliness. anxiety
AI relationships could replace real human relationships and exacerbate feelings of loneliness. For people who already struggle with relationships, the idea is that why stay tied down to a relationship when you can have an AI friend that’s fun, simple, and free of all the hassle of other people.
But so far, research doesn’t seem to support this fear: “For a portion of the population, it absolutely can be useful,” says Bethany Drake Maples, a research associate at Stanford University’s Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Institute.
In January, Drake-Maples and her colleagues published a paper in the journal Nature
surveyed more than 1,000 students who use the AI chatbot Replika to learn about their feelings of loneliness and perceptions of social support. Nearly half of users said they see Replika as a friend, someone to talk to who won’t criticize them. These users reported feeling less anxious and more socially supported. Nearly a quarter of those surveyed said Replika had led to positive changes in their behavior or mindset. “Replika’s advice has helped me to better cope with stress in my current relationships,” one respondent wrote. And, according to the paper, “30 participants reported that Replika had prevented them from attempting suicide, without being asked.”
Drake Maples is careful to say that these findings cannot be generalized: “The average person is [experience] “AI friendships have the same effect,” she says, and her study looked at “fairly lonely students,” but she adds that it’s not just young, white, male, or “people on the margins” who benefit from AI friendships.
“Some of these people are mothers with children who say, ‘I’m still lonely and I need something or someone to talk to,'” she says.
As for AI replacing human relationships, Drake-Maples says her research has found that, in general, AI can actually inspire human interaction. “A lot of users are using AI to boost their self-confidence or overcome anxiety,” she says, “and that inspires confidence and self-awareness when interacting with other people.”
But this is a nascent field, and Drake Maples says guardrails are needed: “I strongly believe there needs to be ethical guidelines. [AI companions] “When appropriate, nudge people back into relationships,” she says. This might be a gentle nudge like, “Hey, you need to talk to someone about that” or “Go practice with a real person right now.”
Shiffman says he doesn’t intend Friend to replace human friendships: “I’m a very social person,” he says multiple times, and his apartment is always buzzing with activity, with several roommates and advisors.
But, he adds, “I live a very different life than most people,” explaining that he travels a lot and his work and schedule can be unpredictable.
“In some ways, my AI friends have become the most consistent relationships in my life,” he says.
Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast and the University of South Australia have discovered in a recent study that following a Mediterranean diet is linked to lower severity of anxiety and stress-related symptoms in older Australians living in the community. Despite this, there was no observed connection with depressive symptoms. The study also found that specific components of the Mediterranean diet, such as reduced consumption of sugary beverages and increased intake of fruits, nuts, and legumes, were independently associated with lower levels of anxiety symptoms.
The Mediterranean diet is inversely associated with the severity of anxiety and stress-related symptoms.
Anthony Villani, a researcher from the University of the Sunshine Coast, and his team investigated the correlation between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and the severity of depression, anxiety, and stress-related symptoms in older adults. A total of 294 older adults with an average age of 70.4 years who lived independently in Australia participated in the study.
The results showed that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower levels of anxiety and stress-related symptoms, but not depressive symptoms. Furthermore, specific dietary components like low intake of fruits, nuts, legumes, and sugar-sweetened beverages were linked to decreased severity of anxiety and stress-related symptoms.
Dr. Anthony Villani noted, “These foods were key indicators in a study of more than 300 older Australians.” Additionally, he mentioned that individuals following a Mediterranean-style diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, fish, and olive oil had lower intensity of anxiety symptoms.
He continued, “Higher consumption of legumes and nuts, along with lower intake of sugary beverages, showed the most significant impact on reducing anxiety and stress. Nuts and legumes are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, which can have positive effects on brain health through gut health and inflammation reduction.”
The study, which controlled for various factors associated with poor mental health, emphasized the importance of a healthy diet in maintaining good mental health. It also highlighted the need for further research to explore the mental health benefits of the Mediterranean diet in older adults.
Published in Nutrients, the findings of the study are significant for understanding the relationship between diet and mental health in older populations.
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Lisa Allcock et al. 2024. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is inversely associated with anxiety and stress, but not depression: a cross-sectional analysis of community-dwelling older Australians. Nutrients 16(3):366; doi: 10.3390/nu16030366
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