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Stanford Study Uncovers Surprising Twist in Ketamine’s Effect on Depression

Lead Image: Stanford researchers found that both ketamine and placebo treatments reduced depression symptoms in participants. Positive expectations may play a vital role in treatment outcomes, suggesting that ketamine’s therapeutic effects might be separate from its psychedelic properties. In an unusual trial, Stanford Medicine researchers found that a patient’s belief that they had received ketamine, even if they didn’t, could improve their depression. In study after study, the psychoactive drug ketamine has given profound and fast relief to many people suffering from severe depression. But these studies have a critical shortcoming: Participants usually can tell whether they have been given…

Stellar Solutions: How Neutron Star Collisions May Solve the “Crisis in Cosmology”

Lead Image: Artist’s impression of two neutron stars colliding, known as a “kilonova” event. Credit: Elizabeth Wheatley (STScI) Astrophysicists propose observing colliding neutron stars (kilonovae) as a new method to address inconsistencies in measuring the Universe’s expansion rate, aiming to resolve the ongoing “Hubble Tension.” According to some in the astrophysical community, there has been something of a “Crisis in Cosmology” in recent years. Though astronomers are all aware that the Universe is in a state of expansion, there has been some inconsistency when measuring the rate of it (aka. the Hubble Constant). This issue arises from the Cosmic Distance…

Astronomers Link “Starquakes” to Mysterious Radio Signals From Space

Lead Image: Fast radio bursts (FRBs), intense radio energy bursts, are a perplexing astronomical enigma. The University of Tokyo’s recent research has found similarities between FRBs and earthquakes, suggesting that they might be caused by “starquakes” on neutron stars. These insights could reshape our understanding of earthquakes, high-density matter, and nuclear physics. Research from the University of Tokyo links fast radio bursts (FRBs) to “starquakes” on neutron stars, offering new insights into earthquakes and nuclear physics. Fast radio bursts, or FRBs, are an astronomical mystery, with their exact cause and origins still unconfirmed. These intense bursts of radio energy are…

Green Power Surge: Tokyo’s Breakthrough in Cobalt-Free Battery Tech

Lead Image: University of Tokyo researchers introduce a superior, cobalt-free alternative for lithium-ion batteries, offering better performance and longevity, with potential applications in various electrochemical processes. A replacement for cobalt in batteries avoids its environmental and social impacts. High-capacity and reliable rechargeable batteries are a critical component of many devices and even modes of transport. They play a key role in the shift to a greener world. A wide variety of elements are used in their production, including cobalt, the production of which contributes to some environmental, economic, and social issues. For the first time, a team including researchers from…

Breaking Brain Cancer Barriers: New Gene Therapy Effectively Targets Glioblastoma

Lead Image: A novel oncolytic virus, CAN-3110, has shown potential in treating glioblastoma, a challenging brain cancer, in early trials conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers. In a first-in-human phase 1 trial in 41 patients with recurrent glioblastoma, an oncolytic virus treatment designed by Brigham researchers extended survival, especially among those with pre-existing viral antibodies. In a first-in-human phase 1 trial in 41 patients with recurrent glioblastoma, an oncolytic virus treatment designed by Brigham researchers extended survival, especially among those with pre-existing viral antibodies Therapy turns ‘immune desert’ into inflammatory cancer-fighting zone Study demonstrated the safety and preliminary efficacy…