A groundbreaking drug developed at Duke University School of Medicine may revolutionize the way we treat pain without relying on opioids’ potentially devastating side effects. SBI-810, a non-opioid treatment, has shown remarkable promise in preliminary studies by targeting a specific receptor that regulates pain relief pathways. This novel approach avoids the euphoric “high” associated with addiction and may offer a safer alternative for both short-term and chronic pain management.

According to researchers, SBI-810’s unique mechanism of action involves activating a specific signal linked to pain relief while avoiding other signals that can cause side effects or addiction. By targeting the neurotensin receptor 1, this compound effectively relieved pain from various conditions, including surgical incisions, bone fractures, and nerve injuries, often outperforming existing painkillers.

One of the most exciting aspects of SBI-810 is its ability to prevent tolerance buildup, which forces patients to need stronger and more frequent doses of opioids over time. This breakthrough has significant implications for those recovering from surgery or living with diabetic nerve pain, as it may provide a safer option for managing their pain without the risks associated with long-term opioid use.

The study, published in Cell, was supported by the NIH and the Department of Defense. While SBI-810 is still in early development, researchers are aiming to move forward with human trials soon, with multiple patents locked in for this groundbreaking discovery. As the world grapples with the ongoing opioid crisis, innovative solutions like SBI-810 offer a beacon of hope for those seeking relief from pain without compromising their well-being.

As we navigate through the changing seasons, our bodies undergo subtle yet significant changes that can impact our tolerance to medication, weight gain, and even alcohol consumption. Researchers from Nagoya University in Japan have made a groundbreaking discovery by creating a comprehensive seasonal gene expression map, which analyzed over 54,000 genes in 80 tissues of monkeys across one year.

The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that our biological clock is calibrated to the seasons, influencing various physiological processes such as hormone secretion, metabolism, sleep patterns, immune function, and reproduction. The researchers identified multiple “seasonally variable genes” responsible for changes in drug metabolism, particularly affecting a quarter of common medications.

These seasonal fluctuations can impact treatments for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, psychiatric conditions, hormonal therapies, and immunosuppressants used in organ transplantation. Moreover, the study found that mice reared under winter conditions recovered from alcohol intoxication more quickly than those reared under summer conditions.

Interestingly, women’s bodies show a different pattern of carbohydrate metabolism compared to men’s, peaking during winter and spring in the duodenum. This increased energy extraction is essential for survival during scarce food periods, which may explain why people often gain weight during these times.

The findings suggest that chronotherapy – tailoring treatments to specific seasonal conditions – may revolutionize our responses to various health issues. By considering the time of year when administering medications, we can better address the dynamic changes in human physiology and behavior throughout the seasons.

As Professor Takashi Yoshimura said, “Our research will contribute to chronotherapy and the future of precision medicine.” This exciting discovery opens up new avenues for personalized treatment approaches, taking into account the intricate relationships between our genes, environment, and body’s responses.

The excessive consumption of alcohol among young adults, particularly college students, poses significant health risks and social consequences. Heavy drinking can lead to blackouts, academic underperformance, interpersonal problems, and secondhand consequences for those who don’t drink, such as interrupted study sessions or having to care for intoxicated peers.

Recently, researchers from Brown University School of Public Health developed an innovative intervention called Counter-Attitudinal Advocacy (CAA). This approach involves advocating for a position that contradicts a personally held attitude or behavior. In the context of college drinking, CAA targets positive perceptions of heavy drinking and the belief that alcohol is an essential part of college life.

A randomized controlled trial at two sites involving 585 college students compared CAA to Personalized Normative Feedback (PNF), a well-established intervention. Researchers focused on drinks per week, a standard measure given the irregular drinking patterns of college students.

The results showed that participants who received PNF reported significantly fewer drinks per week than the control group, while those who received CAA reported significantly fewer consequences related to drinking. Notably, CAA had a harm reduction effect on consequences but not on consumption of alcohol, which it did not target.

According to co-lead investigator Kate Carey, “Both interventions take just 5-10 minutes, making them ideal for broad prevention efforts.” Carey emphasized that PNFs show participants how their drinking habits stack up against those of their peers, often exposing a common misconception that others drink more than they actually do. In contrast, CAA encourages participants to reflect on why it is a good idea to avoid alcohol-related problems and identify specific actions to minimize these risks.

CAA’s personalized approach frames the discussion broadly, focusing on why young people should avoid problems rather than directly telling them what to do. This makes the intervention more engaging and less confrontational. As participants respond to prompts, a research assistant or peer asks them to explain their written responses, which likely strengthens the intervention’s effect.

The researchers stress that having multiple brief interventions is essential since no single approach works for everyone. Offering evidence-based options increases the chances of reaching more people who are undergoing a period of heightened risk. With CAA providing another effective tool, especially for those who may not respond to PNF, this new approach holds promise in reducing college-aged drinking harms.