Drugs News - SciTechDaily

Scientists Uncover How Cocaine Tricks the Brain Into Feeling Good – Breakthrough Could Lead to New Substance Abuse Treatments

University of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 01:20:45 +0000

A new study reveals how cocaine interferes with the brain’s dopamine regulation by binding to the dopamine transporter, offering insights crucial for developing treatments for cocaine and other addictions. You’ve likely heard of dopamine, often referred to as the “feel-good hormone.” Drugs like cocaine trigger a spike in dopamine levels in the brain. Under normal [...]

An Improved Ozempic: Scientists Discover Method To Reduce Side Effects of Popular Weight Loss Drugs

University of Michigan — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 01:19:47 +0000

University of Michigan research shows that manipulating brain proteins melanocortin 3 and 4 can boost the effectiveness of diabetes and weight-loss drugs, reducing side effects and potentially enhancing treatment outcomes. New research from the University of Michigan suggests that a network of proteins in the central nervous system may be used to enhance the efficacy [...]

Clinical Trial Confirms: Nasal Spray Safely Treats Recurrent Abnormal Heart Rhythms

Weill Cornell Medicine — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 22:46:55 +0000

A new study has demonstrated that etripamil, a home-administered nasal spray, safely and effectively treats PSVT, a condition causing rapid heart rhythms, potentially minimizing hospital visits and invasive procedures. Investigators from Weill Cornell Medicine conducted a clinical trial that demonstrated a nasal spray could successfully and safely treat recurrent abnormal rapid heart rhythms at home, [...]

Replacing Opioids: Natural Compound Promises Pain Relief Without Addiction

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 08:38:54 +0000

Researchers at Mainz University have discovered a natural compound that could potentially serve as a long-term alternative to opioids and may help alleviate the opioid crisis. Opioids, recognized for their significant pharmacological effects, have long been used as effective painkillers. Morphine, a notable example first isolated and synthesized in the early 19th century, provides crucial [...]

Powerful Veterinary Drug With Horrific Side Effects Has Infiltrated the UK’s Illicit Market

King's College London — Sat, 13 Jul 2024 18:24:13 +0000

Xylazine, a potent animal tranquilizer, has entered the UK drug scene, causing significant health risks and a recorded death. Experts call for preventive measures and harm-reduction strategies to address this emerging threat. Xylazine, a powerful animal tranquiliser linked to horrific side effects, is now widespread in the UK illicit drug market. Xylazine is often combined [...]

No More Nausea: New Discovery Could Reduce the Side Effects of Ozempic and Wegovy

Monell Chemical Senses Center — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:33:07 +0000

Research suggests the potential for creating a new medication that suppresses appetite without causing nausea. The next chapter in the story of headline-making popular obesity drugs could focus on understanding the physical sensation of fullness after eating compared to the brain’s regulation of nausea. Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center have identified a group [...]

Fewer Side Effects: Safer New MDMA “Ecstasy” Variants Discovered

Medical University of Vienna — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 09:16:04 +0000

Research findings may enhance regulated application in neuropsychiatric conditions. The global conversation around using 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA), popularly known as “ecstasy,” in psychotherapy for mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder is gaining momentum. Despite clinical trials exploring its therapeutic potential, only Australia and New Zealand have approved and regulated its controlled use by professionals, citing potential [...]

Far-Reaching Implications – Scientists Discover Previously Hidden Binding Sites for Medications

Van Andel Institute — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:11:46 +0000

Scientists discovered that proteins change shape at body temperature, revealing new drug binding sites. This finding, using cryo-electron microscopy, could revolutionize drug development by providing more accurate protein structures for medication design. Some proteins change their shape in response to varying temperatures, unveiling previously hidden binding sites for drugs. The findings, published in Nature, could [...]

Cancer’s Molecular Achilles Heel: Key to Improving Cancer Treatments Discovered

University of Würzburg — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 16:15:22 +0000

Ubiquitin-related enzymes USP28 and USP25 play critical roles in cell processes, but their similar structures lead to challenges in cancer treatment with current inhibitors. Research at the University of Würzburg aims to refine these inhibitors to target more specifically and reduce side effects. Ubiquitin, a small protein, plays a crucial role in nearly every cellular [...]

Life-Altering Treatment: Existing Cancer Drug Alleviates Rare Genetic Syndrome

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 10:32:42 +0000

Researchers at the NIH have discovered new pathways that could lead to treatments for autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1. A medication originally designed for some autoimmune disorders and cancers has been effective in treating symptoms of a rare genetic condition known as autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1). This finding emerged after researchers discovered that [...]

Groundbreaking New Study Reveals That Statins Could Prevent Cancer

Massachusetts General Hospital — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 04:10:23 +0000

Research findings show that pitavastatin suppresses skin and pancreatic cancers by inhibiting interleukin-33. A recent study conducted by researchers at Mass General Cancer Center has found that statins, which are widely used to reduce cholesterol, might inhibit a specific pathway linked to cancer development caused by chronic inflammation. These results were reported in Nature Communications. [...]

Simple New Strategy Improves Safety and Precision of CRISPR Gene Editing

King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) — Sat, 25 May 2024 23:02:00 +0000

KAUST researchers have improved CRISPR gene editing safety by reducing harmful DNA deletions and enhancing repair mechanisms, advancing towards safer genetic treatments. A simple and robust strategy developed by KAUST scientists could help to improve the safety and accuracy of CRISPR gene editing, a tool that is already approved for clinical use for the treatment [...]

Scripps Scientists Pioneer Vaccine To Combat Deadly “Zombie Drug” Xylazine

Scripps Research Institute — Sat, 25 May 2024 00:59:23 +0000

Chemical biologists at Scripps Research have developed a preliminary “proof-of-concept” vaccine, potentially paving the way for the first effective treatment for xylazine overdose in humans. Xylazine, a sedative and pain reliever approved by the FDA for animals, causes severe side effects in humans. Recently, it has been illicitly mixed with opioids such as fentanyl and [...]

Beyond Traditional Diet Pills: Groundbreaking New Weight Loss Drug Is More Effective Than Current Treatments

University of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences — Sun, 19 May 2024 15:30:37 +0000

A revolutionary study published in Nature introduces a new obesity treatment that surpasses the weight loss results of current drugs in mice. This method involves delivering molecules directly to the brain’s appetite control center, influencing neuroplasticity. A new weight-loss drug utilizes the hormone GLP-1 to target brain areas controlling appetite, potentially reducing side effects and [...]

Serotonin’s Hidden Power: How Psychedelics Are Opening New Doors in Mental Health

The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine — Sat, 11 May 2024 16:01:40 +0000

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have revealed intricate details on how some psychedelic drugs interact with serotonin receptors, triggering potential therapeutic effects in treating neuropsychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety. Their study, published in Nature, highlights the interaction of these drugs with a lesser-known serotonin receptor in the brain, the [...]

Innovative Study Reveals How Addiction Hijacks Brain Functions

The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine — Fri, 10 May 2024 22:42:59 +0000

Mount Sinai researchers, in collaboration with scientists at Rockefeller University, have discovered how cocaine and morphine hijack the brain’s natural reward systems. Their study, published in the journal Science on April 18, provides new insights into the brain’s neural mechanisms involved in drug addiction. This breakthrough could enhance fundamental research, clinical practices, and the development [...]

New Research Links Popular Hormone Drugs to Brain Tumors

BMJ — Wed, 08 May 2024 13:15:48 +0000

This is the first study to assess the risk associated with widely used progestogens. Extended use of certain progestogen hormone medications has been linked to a higher risk of intracranial meningioma, a type of brain tumor, according to research from France published recently in The BMJ. The researchers say this study is the first to [...]

These Incredibly Popular Drugs Have Been Linked to Migraines

American Academy of Neurology — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 01:26:11 +0000

According to research published in Neurology Clinical Practice, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology, individuals who use acid-reducing medications may face a greater risk of experiencing migraines and other severe headaches compared to those who do not use these drugs. The study highlights acid-reducing drugs including proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole and [...]

Bath Salts Epidemic: Pentylone Use Surges by 75%, Experts Warn

University of South Australia — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 02:54:33 +0000

As law enforcement intensifies efforts against illegal substances, experts from the University of South Australia have raised concerns about the consumption of the synthetic stimulant pentylone. Recent studies reveal a 75% surge in its detection throughout Australia. In a new study as part of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program, researchers [...]

New Technique Can Quickly Detect Fentanyl and Other Opioids

University of Waterloo — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 21:37:43 +0000

The testing method has the capability to examine blood samples in half the time compared to alternative approaches. Researchers at the University of Waterloo have created an innovative blood testing technique that identifies potent opioids more quickly than conventional methods, with the potential to save lives. The method, the latest effort by Waterloo researchers and [...]

College Students Beware: Taking “Study Drugs” Can Have Serious Consequences

Binghamton University — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 23:09:49 +0000

Abuse of Adderall among college students predisposes them to the use of alcohol, cannabis, and other substances. Taking “study drugs” like Adderall without a diagnosis is not only dangerous in itself, but can lead to other drug use and a decline in mental health, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New [...]

GlycoSHIELD: New Software Revolutionizes Drug Development

Max Planck Society — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 06:08:14 +0000

Scientists create an innovative technique for rapid prediction of the morphology of sugar coats on clinically relevant proteins. Proteins play essential roles in cell survival and significantly impact the development and progression of diseases. To grasp their function in health and disease, scientists investigate proteins’ three-dimensional atomic configurations through experimental and computational techniques. Over 75 [...]

More Than 1/3 of Illicit Drugs Sold on the Dark Web Contain Unexpected Substances, According to New Study

RMIT University — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 05:17:13 +0000

Analysis of illegal drugs purchased online revealed that 35% did not match their advertised substances, underscoring the critical need for increased local drug testing services in Australia to mitigate risks and prevent overdoses. Testing of illicit drugs bought online found 35% were not what they said they were, highlighting the urgent need for more local [...]

Scientists Discover Method To Stop Active Cancer Cells in Their Tracks

University of Dundee — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 03:10:00 +0000

Researchers have found a way to stop active cancer cells in their tracks – meaning they can then be eliminated by new drug treatments. A collaborative research project between the University of Dundee’s Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) and Queen Mary University of London, has identified chemical compounds, called tool molecules, that can halt active cancer [...]