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Gabapentin, a drug originally developed for epilepsy, has found new life as a multipurpose pain reliever adopted by seniors for ailments ranging from nerve pain to muscle aches. This versatile medication has become a daily staple for many seniors seeking relief from chronic conditions. In Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, Mary Peart, 67, a retired nurse, recounts her experience with gabapentin, which she began using a year and a half ago to ease symptoms of fibromyalgia. The drug has significantly improved her mobility, allowing her to do daily activities like climbing stairs, walking her dog, and taking art classes. “It’s transformative,” she notes.…

At the Luxor Museum in Egypt, the statue of Amenhotep, a seated scribe from the 18th Dynasty (ca. 1550 BC - 1292 BC), embodies more than just artistic interpretation; it represents the physical toll of repetitive work endured by ancient scribes. These historical figures, integral to the bureaucratic machinery of ancient Egypt, likely experienced ergonomic problems similar to those faced by modern office workers. Ancient scribes, recognized more for their intellectual contributions than their manual labor, held positions of considerable respect. They were instrumental in administrative duties that included legal documentation and logistical planning, crucial to managing social resources and…

Three research papers exploring MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD have been retracted by the journal Psychopharmacology. This follows the recent rejection of MDMA for this use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The retracted studies, written by researchers affiliated with Lykos Therapeutics, the company behind the rejected treatment application, were found to involve unethical conduct at one of the research sites. Lykos, however, maintains that the retracted research was not part of their submission to the FDA. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate over MDMA-assisted therapy. While some research suggests its potential in treating PTSD,…

A recent pilot study found that drinking a beverage containing erythritol (an artificial sweetener used to boost the content of stevia and monk fruit and to sweeten low-carb ketogenic products) more than doubled the risk of blood clots in 10 healthy individuals. Blood clots can break off from blood vessels and travel to the heart, triggering a heart attack, or the brain, causing a stroke. Previous research has linked erythritol to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and death. Dr. Stanley Hazen, lead author of the study and director of the Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Prevention Center at the Cleveland…

Early detection of cancer is critical to saving lives and mitigating the financial burden associated with treating this disease, health officials say. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this diagnosis becomes increasingly crucial as the incidence of cancer shifts to younger age groups, as highlighted in a report released in January by the American Cancer Society. The report, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, reveals a troubling trend: While the general population in the United States is aging, individuals under age 50 are experiencing an increase in overall cancer incidence from 1995 to 2020. This contrasts with older age groups,…