Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
May 18, 2024

Science & Technology



 PUBLIC DOMAIN
Opioid painkillers can be very effective for acute and chronic pain.

Painkillers without side effects developed

It may seem ironic that painkillers, the very drugs that should end or at least lessen suffering, are commonly known to cause uncomfortable side effects such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, constipation and drowsiness.


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When mixed together, coffee and cocoa improve awareness and increase blood flow.

Study shows coffee and cocoa improve focus

Coffee and chocolate are two widely beloved, delicious delicacies. Often thought to be unhealthy, these two flavor powerhouses may in fact have benefits to attention, motivation and energy. Researchers at Clarkson University and the University of Georgia recently completed a year long study about the effects of caffeine and cocoa on attention and motivation to perform cognitive work.


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The Fitbit study found that most elephant species typically sleep while standing up.

Fitbit tech can track elephant sleep patterns

To everyday consumers, the Fitbit has become more than just a fitness tracker: It doubles as both an activity log and a fashion accessory. However, through the efforts of researchers who created a scientific version of the Fitbit, the watch is now being used to track sleep patterns outside of our own species.




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A new study recommends that adults eat 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Researchers raise suggested fruit, veggie intake

Growing up, children have been told a countless number of times to eat their fruits and vegetables. For years, five portions of fruits and vegetables a day has been recommended for people, with one portion weighing in at about 80 grams — the equivalent of one small apple, banana, pear, large mandarin or three heaping teaspoons of cooked spinach, cauliflower, peas or broccoli.


LED light phototherapy reduces pain in rats

Options for treatment of chronic pain remain limited to drugs that may be marginally effective or potentially addictive. Sufferers also deal with side effects of their medications along with the prospect of increased drug tolerance.




PUBLIC DOMAIN
Scientists have identified the decline in outdoor air quality as a risk factor for preterm births.

Outdoor air pollution tied to premature births

Air pollution has been a critical global issue for decades. Harmful emissions contribute to environmentally damaging natural phenomena like acid rain, changes in the pH level of oceans, rises in sea levels and more.


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Proteins found in the bottlenose dolphin genome can improve the human genome database.

Dolphin gene mapping sheds light on human genes

The common stereotype for dolphins is that they are a species of highly intelligent creatures. Dolphins are often portrayed in a heroic fashion in popular culture, saving humans in situations that require strength and stamina to overcome.


 Public Domain
Genome editing in mice has shown promise in treating blindness.

DNA editing in mice helps prevent blindness

Using a revolutionary genome editing tool titled CRISPR-Cas9 in mice, scientists at the Institute for Basic Science’s Center for Genome Engineering have developed a less invasive treatment for preventing blindness.


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The artificial pancreas would replace traditional finger-stick methods.

Scientists develop an artificial pancreas

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the artificial pancreas late last year. This device, also known as the MiniMed 670G hybrid closed looped system, will hopefully replace the finger-stick method and other insulin-delivery methods. The artificial pancreas automatically monitors the body’s glucose levels and adjusts the dose of insulin delivered with little input from the patient.


Long-term stress leads to higher obesity risk

Feeling stressed in the midst of midterm season, you may find it particularly hard to resist the mouth-watering bag of chips or chocolate bar lying quietly next to your desk. Just one bite, the brain thinks as the hand reaches out. After the first bite, all the cells in your mouth light up in joy. Without realizing, the snack disappears in a blink of an eye.



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Apps that had an interactive component reduced health risk the most.

Interactive apps lead to healthier lifestyles

In a recent study conducted by the Media Effects Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University, people who were subject to back-and-forth interaction with an online health risk assessment website were more inclined to participate in healthier activities the website suggested.


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Mice models have shown how Parkinson’s disease alters our gut’s microbiome.

Changes in gut biome can identify Parkinson’s

There are up to five pounds of bacteria living inside of every person right now, and according to scientists at the University of Alabama, that’s actually a good thing. In fact, microbes outnumber our human cells ten to one. Until recently, this system was largely overlooked. Now we know that the gut microbiome widely affects us, causing health issues like inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, food allergies, diabetes or asthma.


Courtesy of Brenda Rapp
Rapp’s ultimate goal is to improve the recovery of stroke patients.

Rapp studies brain recovery after strokes

Principal investigator Professor Brenda Rapp of the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab on Homewood Campus discussed, her lab’s research, which focuses on word production and comprehension. She described her personal background and her visions for the future of her work.


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Vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, increases antimicrobial peptides in lungs.

Vitamin D protects against common cold and flu

A group of researchers at the Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) showed through a meta-analysis that Vitamin D protects against acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs). Those who are lacking Vitamin D and those not receiving bolus doses, a quantity of fluid or medication given intravenously at a controlled, rapid rate, benefit the most.


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