Paul McClure

Journalist at New Atlas

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Articles

Best nerve pain treatments identified in up-to-date, global review

2 days ago | newatlas.com | Paul McClure

Nerve or neuropathic pain has long been a tricky condition to treat effectively. However, a new study has comprehensively evaluated current drug and non-drug therapies to provide up-to-date guidelines to inform treatment options for those with the condition. It’s estimated that nerve, or neuropathic, pain affects between 6.9% and 10% of the global population.
The easiest way to lower blood pressure may not involve ditching salt

2 days ago | newatlas.com | Paul McClure

While cutting back on salt intake has long been a mainstay in treating high blood pressure, new research suggests that upping potassium intake might have a greater effect. It might be time to stock up on bananas, apricots, and sweet potatoes. It’s estimated that around 30% of the world’s population has high blood pressure, or hypertension, the number one cause of heart disease and premature death.
New Study Explains Why ADHD Meds Like Ritalin Don't Work for Everyone

1 week ago | newatlas.com | Paul McClure |a Master

Not everyone with ADHD responds to stimulants like Ritalin, which increase dopamine levels in the brain. Now, new research suggests the drug’s effectiveness is less about the amount of dopamine it produces and more about the number and type of receptors that respond to it. Conditions where a person’s attention is disrupted, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can interfere with their ability to study and work and have been associated with co-existing psychiatric illness.
Study shows trauma leaves lasting biological imprint even after healing

1 week ago | newatlas.com | Paul McClure

A new study has found that even if survivors’ physical and psychological scars have healed after experiencing trauma, their bodies can still carry a biological “imprint” of the event years into the future – the body doesn't forget. The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City (OKC) on April 19, 1995 – almost 30 years ago to the day – resulted in the deaths of 168 people and injured several hundred more.
A fear of falling increases the risk of it happening by up to 60%

1 week ago | newatlas.com | Paul McClure

According to a new study, an older person who is concerned about having a fall is at a significantly higher risk of having a fall in the future. Researchers say that identifying and addressing this risk factor in older adults can help them stay mobile and independent for longer. In 2015, the estimated cost to the US healthcare system of fatal and non-fatal falls was around US$50 billion. In our aging global population, reducing the number of falls among older adults is a high priority.
‘Invisibility cloak’ allows transplanted brain cells to evade immune system

2 weeks ago | newatlas.com | Paul McClure |a Master

Researchers have successfully developed nerve grafts, currently being trialed as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, that are invisible to the body’s immune system, according to a new study. It could mean risky post-transplant anti-rejection drugs are soon a thing of the past. With ongoing advances in medical technology, cell therapy using stem-cell-derived products is becoming a realistic prospect for treating many diseases.
Low back pain: The non-drug treatments that work (and those that don’t)

2 weeks ago | newatlas.com | Paul McClure

Researchers have reviewed non-drug and non-surgical treatments for low back pain to assess which ones are more likely to reduce pain and improve function. What the review made clear is that more research into effective low back pain treatments is needed. Most adults will have experienced short-term or acute low back pain (LBP) at least once in their lives. Normally, it resolves after six weeks or so. Unfortunately, , acute LBP doesn’t resolve and becomes a chronic issue.
Shingles vaccine linked to 20% reduced dementia risk in new study

2 weeks ago | newatlas.com | Paul McClure

Taking advantage of a unique public health policy in the UK, a new study has found that receiving the shingles vaccine reduces dementia risk by 20%. The findings bolster a growing body of research linking the vaccine to lower numbers of dementia cases. Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox, which lays dormant in nerve cells for life, leading to a very painful, blistering rash.
Australian Peacock Spider's Hydraulic Jump Withstands Record G-Forces

2 weeks ago | newatlas.com | Paul McClure

Scientists have discovered how an Australian jumping spider's semi-hydraulics allows it to speed jump long distances with precision while experiencing g-forces higher than those of fighter pilots. Their insights might help robotics research. Most land animals can jump, and, terrifyingly, so can some spiders. Jumping spiders propel themselves using a distinctive combination of hydraulic pressure and muscular action.
Aussie jumping spiders pull more gs than a fighter pilot

2 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Paul McClure

As spring arrives, it’s the ideal time to open up the windows and doors to get some fresh air. However, while we’re enjoying warmer temperatures, so …