Author: healthadmin

Within the world-leading deep brain stimulation program at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), researchers have discovered brain signals that predict when children are likely to lose attention, and that short, targeted interventions in response to those signals can restore focus. Their research is natural neurosciencethis is the first time this approach to controlling attention has been studied in humans. Few elements in human experience are more essential than attention. It shapes our perceptions, memories, and interactions, but what happens when it is violated?” Dr. George Ibrahim, first author, neurosurgeon, and senior research fellow in the Neuroscience…

“Plastic not only pollutes our oceans and waterways and kills marine life, it’s in all of us, and we can’t escape the consumption of plastic.” —Marco Lambertini, World Wildlife Fund International Executive Director We are gradually being buried in microplastics. We’ve been accumulating these durable materials since they were first mass-produced in the 1950s, which was no surprise to their inventors. After all, they were looking for something extremely durable that could withstand abuse, even in thin sheets. Article continues after ad Of course, humans create trash all over the world all the time. The difference is that plastic does…

In April 2025, Merck KGaA acquired SpringWorks Therapeutics, a Connecticut-based company specializing in rare diseases, for $3.9 billion, making its largest acquisition in a decade. A year later, the German conglomerate reiterated its focus on M&A, primarily to strengthen its pharmaceutical pipeline, when it announced its first quarter results. “We will expand our M&A scope,” new CEO Kai Beckmann said on a conference call. In explaining the company’s business update (PDF), Beckman said M&A is a “crucial” growth vehicle for innovation, and that acquiring external innovation is necessary to build a risk-balanced pharmaceutical pipeline. “Combining our core strengths in biology,…

NEW YORK — About 70,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year, down about 14% from the year before, according to preliminary government data. It was the third straight year of declines and the longest decline in decades, according to federal statistics released Wednesday. The 2025 total is about the same as the 2019 total before the COVID-19 pandemic. Reductions were seen for many types of drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that overdose deaths declined in a majority of states, but seven saw at least a slight increase,…

Scientists have discovered a new driver of aridification, potentially changing the way droughts are understood around the world. A new study published Wednesday in Nature by two researchers from Dartmouth College and the Université du Québec de Montréal shows that changes in precipitation concentrations have important effects on water retention in landscapes. When an area receives moisture from a few large wet storms each year, that moisture can overwhelm the soil and form puddles on the surface. These exposed pools are prone to evaporation, causing water that would otherwise reach streams, rivers, and dams to return to the atmosphere. Combined…

Recent research published in journals personality and individual differences We provide evidence that different aspects of narcissism correspond to specific, often selfish, patterns of religious involvement. This finding suggests that people high in narcissism may not be particularly religious overall, but they tend to use religion as a tool for personal gain, status, or emotional comfort. This study provides a detailed understanding of how people with exaggerated self-views and deep-seated insecurities navigate faith and spirituality. At first glance, narcissism and religion seem like an unlikely combination. Religious traditions typically promote humility, selflessness, and concern for the community. Narcissism is a…

Early in the morning on Lake Tahoe, locals listen to the sounds of waves and birds chirping as the morning sun catches the sparkling water. The clean water has also attracted international attention.But ongoing research in collaboration with the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) may reveal just how much microplastics pollute once pristine lakes.Monica Arienzo, an associate research professor in the Department of Hydrology at the Desert Research Institute, defined microplastics as particles as small as 5 millimeters to 1 micron.”So it’s basically the size of a pencil eraser…all the way down to the…

Researchers say the famous comet known as Halley’s Comet may have been repeatedly identified as a celestial object centuries before British astronomer Edmund Halley gave it its name. According to new research involving Professor Simon Porteghese Zwart, an English monk named Aylmer of Malmesbury appears to have noticed the same comet returning to the sky after decades away in the 11th century. This discovery is based on a description written by 12th century historian William of Malmesbury. Scholars have known about the description for some time, but say its significance has been overlooked until now. Porgies-Zwart and researcher Lewis claim…

With a new CEO set to take over next month and three major launches planned for 2026 and 2027, the Japanese drugmaker says Takeda is poised to eradicate the generic decline that has plagued its earnings in recent years as it looks to a “new era” marked by accelerated growth. But thousands of employees won’t be entering the company’s new chapter. At its full-year financial results briefing (PDF) on May 13, Takeda Pharmaceutical revealed details of its 2026 “transformation program,” which aims to centralize corporate functions, reduce management layers, and simplify processes. The company said the multi-year slimdown is expected…

Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are building a case for both old and new incretin drugs as attractive weight loss maintenance options and options that can help you lose weight more quickly, respectively. The companies’ new data set, which focuses on both Lilly and Novo’s respective obesity injectables Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wigovy (semaglutide), as well as the companies’ new oral drugs Foundayo (orforglipron) and Wigovy tablets, was presented earlier this week at the European Obesity Congress’ annual meeting in Turkey. Regarding the original dosing format, Lilly evaluated the potential of a lower 5 mg Zepbound dose to help patients maintain…