Low-cost laparoscope designed for low- and middle-income countries

Laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique, has transformed surgical procedures in high-income countries. This method, which uses a laparoscope to perform surgeries through small incisions, offers significant benefits such as reduced infection rates and quicker recovery times. Despite its advantages, laparoscopic surgery remains largely inaccessible in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to the high cost of equipment and other logistical challenges.

Opioid delta-receptor agonists alleviate stress-induced irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in mouse model

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects the intestine, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or both. Although this condition affects about a tenth of the global population, the underlying causes and mechanisms of IBS remain unclear. Consequently, treatments for IBS primarily focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of the disorder.

Carbohydrate cravings—investigating the dietary preferences of depressed people

Depression affects 280 million people worldwide, and the illness has been proven to lead to changes in eating behavior. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Tübingen have discovered that although patients with depression generally have less appetite, they prefer carbohydrate-rich foods. The results have now been published in the journal Psychological Medicine.

Physician’s medical decisions can benefit from chatbot, study suggests

Artificial intelligence-powered chatbots are getting pretty good at diagnosing some diseases, but how do chatbots do when the questions are less black-and-white? For example, how long before surgery should a patient stop taking prescribed blood thinners? Should a patient’s treatment protocol change if they’ve had adverse reactions to similar drugs in the past? These sorts of questions don’t have a textbook right or wrong answer—it’s up to physicians to use their judgment.