Americans spent about $150 billion on cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine in 2016. This amount rivals what Americans spend on alcohol. The cannabis market was roughly the size of the cocaine and meth markets combined. Spending on cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine by Americans reached nearly $150 billion in 2016, […]
Researchers discovered a new organ sitting below the outer layer of the skin. The organ is made up of nerves (blue) and sensory glia cells (red and green). (Image: © Hind Abdo) Scientists have found a previously unknown organ lurking under the skin, and it may help you feel the […]
UMass Amherst public health researcher says findings highlight the need to better protect youth from high-potency products. After medical marijuana became legal in Massachusetts, cannabis-related poison control calls involving the commonwealth’s children and teenagers doubled, according to a public health investigation led by University of Massachusetts Amherst injury prevention researcher […]
Using C. elegans, Scripps Research neuroscientists Brock Grill, Kirill Martemyanov and Dandan Wang discovered a new genetic regulator of opioid signalling. Credit: Scott Wiseman for Scripps Research A team at Scripps Research in Florida has discovered a biological system that manages cells’ response to opioid drug exposure. The unexpected discovery […]
Materials scientist Jeffrey Catchmark displays blocks of a wound-healing biofoam developed by him and Dr. Scott Armen of Penn State College of Medicine. Image: Patrick Mansell The search for a styrofoam replacement leads to biomaterials with broader impact. Every scientific discovery has one thing in common: It started with a […]
Falling may be painful, especially if the landing is less than graceful. Even a few steps out the front door can carry with them the risk of falling. “Don’t wait until you fall to start thinking about bone strength,” said Dr. Philip Bosha, a physician with Penn State Sports Medicine in State […]
Anyone up for a cup of chamomile tea and flowers? (Image: © Shutterstock) Peter Rabbit had a rough day in Mr. McGregor’s garden. As the bunny tried to fall asleep that night, Mrs. Rabbit, Peter’s mom, knew just what he needed. English author and illustrator Beatrix Potter wrote “The Tale […]
Using metallic ink, researchers screen-print an antenna and sensor onto a stretchable sticker designed to adhere to skin and track pulse and other health indicators, and beam these readings to a receiver on a person’s clothing. Image credit: Bao Lab Stanford engineers have developed experimental stickers that pick up physiological […]
Alterations in the gut microbiota — the microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract — have been implicated in the development of obesity and other chronic diseases. Sean Davies, Ph.D., and colleagues previously reported a strategy for engineering gut microbiota to produce beneficial compounds that combat obesity. They showed that administration […]
Researchers want to know how consuming marijuana edibles like these marijuana-infused brownies impacts people’s health. Image: Stock Photo Researchers have conducted a study in which mice voluntarily ate a dough containing THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana. That opens the door to additional studies that will help shed light […]