Latest news with #Pain
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
New study reveals infants feel pain before they can understand it
London: A groundbreaking study from University College London (UCL) has revealed that newborns are capable of sensing pain well before they can cognitively understand or emotionally react to it. The findings, published in the journal Pain, offer new insights into how infants' brains develop the ability to process pain and have significant implications for neonatal care, especially for preterm babies. The research, led by Professor Lorenzo Fabrizi of UCL's Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, explored how different components of pain perception emerge in early life. "Pain is a complex experience with physical, emotional, and cognitive elements," Fabrizi explained, adding, "In adults, the brain regions involved in pain, known collectively as the ' pain connectome ', work together to create the full experience. In newborns, this network is still maturing, which may mean their experience of pain is vastly different from ours." The team analysed brain scans from 372 infants, many born prematurely, using data from two of the largest infant brain imaging projects: the Developing Human Connectome Project and the Human Connectome Project. All infants were scanned within their first two weeks of life to ensure that the results reflected natural brain development rather than the influence of postnatal experiences. Researchers focused on three specific brain networks related to pain processing: Sensory-discriminative: Responsible for identifying and locating pain. Affective-motivational: Governs the emotional response to pain. Cognitive-evaluative: Handles the interpretation and judgment of pain. Findings showed that the sensory-discriminative network matures first, typically between 34 and 36 weeks after conception. This means that even premature infants can detect pain stimuli, though they may struggle to pinpoint where the pain is coming from. Next, the affective-motivational network, which gives pain its unpleasant emotional quality, reaches functional maturity around 36 to 38 weeks. However, the cognitive-evaluative network, crucial for understanding the significance of pain, doesn't fully mature until after 42 weeks, meaning that full-term newborns still lack the brain development needed for complete pain comprehension. These findings are especially relevant in medical settings. A prior study from the same team in 2023 found that premature infants do not show signs of habituating to repeated medical procedures; they continue to react as though the pain is new each time. This latest study suggests that the immaturity of certain brain networks could explain that phenomenon. "Our results suggest that preterm babies may be particularly vulnerable to painful medical procedures during critical stages of brain development," said Professor Fabrizi, adding, "This highlights the need for pain management strategies that are tailored to a baby's stage of neural development." The study was funded by the UK's Medical Research Council and involved collaboration with researchers from UCLH and King's College London. These findings could help reshape clinical protocols for neonatal care, especially for the most vulnerable infants, by encouraging more precise pain management and timing of interventions.
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
New study reveals infants feel pain before they can understand it
A groundbreaking study from University College London (UCL) has revealed that newborns are capable of sensing pain well before they can cognitively understand or emotionally react to it. The findings, published in the journal Pain, offer new insights into how infants' brains develop the ability to process pain and have significant implications for neonatal care, especially for preterm babies. The research, led by Professor Lorenzo Fabrizi of UCL's Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, explored how different components of pain perception emerge in early life. 'Pain is a complex experience with physical, emotional, and cognitive elements,' Fabrizi explained, adding, 'In adults, the brain regions involved in pain, known collectively as the 'pain connectome', work together to create the full experience. In newborns, this network is still maturing, which may mean their experience of pain is vastly different from ours.' The team analysed brain scans from 372 infants, many born prematurely, using data from two of the largest infant brain imaging projects: the Developing Human Connectome Project and the Human Connectome Project. All infants were scanned within their first two weeks of life to ensure that the results reflected natural brain development rather than the influence of postnatal experiences. Researchers focused on three specific brain networks related to pain processing: Sensory-discriminative: Responsible for identifying and locating pain. Affective-motivational: Governs the emotional response to pain. Cognitive-evaluative: Handles the interpretation and judgment of pain. Findings showed that the sensory-discriminative network matures first, typically between 34 and 36 weeks after conception. This means that even premature infants can detect pain stimuli, though they may struggle to pinpoint where the pain is coming from. Next, the affective-motivational network, which gives pain its unpleasant emotional quality, reaches functional maturity around 36 to 38 weeks. However, the cognitive-evaluative network, crucial for understanding the significance of pain, doesn't fully mature until after 42 weeks, meaning that full-term newborns still lack the brain development needed for complete pain comprehension. These findings are especially relevant in medical settings. A prior study from the same team in 2023 found that premature infants do not show signs of habituating to repeated medical procedures; they continue to react as though the pain is new each time. This latest study suggests that the immaturity of certain brain networks could explain that phenomenon. 'Our results suggest that preterm babies may be particularly vulnerable to painful medical procedures during critical stages of brain development,' said Professor Fabrizi, adding, 'This highlights the need for pain management strategies that are tailored to a baby's stage of neural development.' The study was funded by the UK's Medical Research Council and involved collaboration with researchers from UCLH and King's College London. These findings could help reshape clinical protocols for neonatal care, especially for the most vulnerable infants, by encouraging more precise pain management and timing of interventions.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Inner Circle acknowledges, Dr. Jeremy A. Scarlett as a Pinnacle Professional Member
SHEBOYGAN, Wis., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Dr. Jeremy A. Scarlett is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Advancing Interventional Pain Management. Dr. Jeremy A. Scarlett is a highly regarded expert in interventional pain management, dedicated to providing non-surgical solutions for chronic pain relief. As a leading physician at Wisconsin Spine and Pain, Interventional Pain Specialists in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, he has been committed to helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life since 2020. Known for his compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Scarlett ensures that every individual receives the most advanced pain management techniques available. Dr. Scarlett's academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1998, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2002. He completed his residency in anesthesiology in 2006 and pursued a fellowship in pain management in 2008 at Washington University's School of Medicine. Board-certified in both anesthesiology and pain management, he continues to be at the forefront of cutting-edge treatments, such as global ozone discectomy, radiofrequency lesioning, platelet-rich plasma therapy, spinal cord stimulator implantation, intrathecal pump implantation, and vertebroplasty. His professional affiliations include the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the American Medical Association. With two decades in the medical field, Dr. Scarlett has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as Medical Director at Advanced Pain Management LLC and HPM Health from 2010 to 2020. He was previously an assistant professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin and a trauma anesthesiologist at Barnes Hospital at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Scarlett's future goals include expanding the field of interventional pain management by integrating innovative, non-surgical pain treatment options. His work continues to evolve in spinal, arthritic, and cancer-related pain relief, with a strong focus on utilizing the latest medical advancements to provide effective, patient-centered care. His philosophy is rooted in compassion, open-mindedness, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those suffering from chronic pain. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Inner Circle Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
War, Peace and Pop Culture
picture credits - What happens when the struggle for political supremacy between two nations ends up becoming the life of a commoner? In some cases, it brings out the worst in people, whereas in others, it destroys their hopes for a better future. Some of the greatest animated works ever created stem from a single, haunting question, 'What are the effects of war on those who had no part in it?' It is time for the world to decide whether they would fight for power or for peace. War Through the Eyes of Animation From post-war trauma to modern-day globalisation, animation has come a long way. Once introduced as a gateway to fantasy and child-centric entertainment, animation has now evolved into a medium for social commentary, cultural reflection and emotional depth. Animated masterpieces like One Piece, Naruto, Grave of the Fireflies, and even video games such as Warcraft and Wolfenstein have at times offered rich narratives into the impact of war. image credits - Studio Ghibli by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Keep Your Home Efficient with This Plug-In elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo Case Studies: Fireflies, Pirates, and Pain Back in 1988, when Studio Ghibli was a relatively new entity, it gave us Grave of the Fireflies. Set against the backdrop of the brutal Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings during World War II, the film explores the lives of a young war-orphaned duo navigating life with whatever sliver of hope they can find just to keep their heads above water. Throughout this film, we experience different stages of emotions, including grief, betrayal, trauma, loss and apathy. Between 2014 and 2016, One Piece aired one of its greatest storylines, Dressrosa Arc, with primary antagonist Donquixote Doflamingo. A high-borne noble, forced to the life of common folk due to a decision made by his father. He was shown guilty of many crimes, such as forcing slavery, fratricide, trafficking, attempted genocide, mass murder and usurpation, among many others. While it is difficult to appreciate someone like him, one of his quotes struck a universal chord. 'Kids who have never seen peace and kids who have never seen war have different values!' Img credits - Eichiro Oda/One Piece anime/Toei Animation Naruto, another highly appreciated anime, once brought to life what can be called as the 'physical embodiment of one's true pain.' One of the most intimidating villains in the history of fantasy entertainment, Pain was one of the three war-orphaned kids barely surviving in a desolate land. Arguably Pain's motive was justifiable, but his actions weren't. While most of Pain's screentime was about sharing philosophical reflections about trauma, sacrifice and loss, there are some that truly stand out. 'No matter how pathetic the reason, it's enough to start a war,' indicating that the leaders don't always need a reason to send their men to die for them. 'Those who do not understand true pain can never understand true peace,' echoing Doflamingo's quote on acceptance, 'If you don't share someone's pain, you can never understand them,' indeed. Img credits - Masashi Kishimoto/Naruto Anime/Pierrot and Aniplex What Pop Culture Teaches Us About Peace Animation is no longer confined to childhood nostalgia or niche fandoms. It's a living, evolving reflection of our collective hopes, traumas, and curiosities. Whether it's a war film like Grave of the Fireflies or the swashbuckling, freedom-loving world of One Piece , these stories have not only depicted pop culture but have become pillars of it. The only thing we win from a war is orphans and the only thing worth fighting for is peace. As Varian Wrynn, a protagonist from Blizzard Entertainment's popular video game series World of Warcraft, once said, 'Peace is the noblest aspiration. But to preserve it, you must be willing fight.' Img credits - of Warcraft/Blizzard Entertainment As global conflicts continue to displace millions, perhaps it's time we listened more closely to the stories we consume, because in those animated worlds, the line between fantasy and reality often blurs, revealing who we really are. In a world increasingly defined by visual storytelling, perhaps animation is the truest mirror we have of who we are — and who we aspire to be.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The dark allure of Anime villains: The psychology of Pain, Aizen, Sukuna and more
Credits: Sportskeeda Anime has a rich tradition of complex villains whose personal stories go beyond simple evil. Characters like Pain (Nagato) from Naruto Shippuden , Aizen from Bleach , and Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen each carry deep backstories – from trauma and loss to grand ambitions. Fans often find these anime villains as compelling as the heroes, sometimes more so. Psychology helps explain why. Research suggests that villains with tragic pasts or human motives can evoke empathy, making them relatable. In fact, when a villain faces defeat, our brain's 'pain matrix' can kick in – we worry about their fate and even root for them. One fan blog notes that viewers may think 'I hate you, but I understand where you're coming from' and may secretly want the villain to win. This empathic response to villains helps explain their popularity: by seeing 'the humanity and underlying struggles' in a foe like Pain or Madara, audiences can feel sympathy and admiration. Complex villains and Anime morality Unlike one-dimensional bad guys, many popular antagonists blur moral lines. For example, Pain Naruto's arc is fueled by real loss: he endured war, witnessed the death of loved ones, and concluded that shared suffering is the only path to peace. His philosophy ('If one does not experience the same pain, they will never truly understand') forces hero and audience alike to question what 'justice' really means. In Bleach , Aizen presents a friendly facade but is actually a manipulative mastermind who wants godlike power. His calm, condescending style (dropping polite pronouns only after revealing his true self) exemplifies narcissistic ambition. In Jujutsu Kaisen , Sukuna is unabashedly evil – he 'lives only to fulfill his own whims and pleasures'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cinnamon: The Greatest Enemy of Blood Sugar Magazine Glyco Learn More Undo Yet fans are enthralled by his charisma and sheer power. Sportskeeda describes Sukuna as 'shrewd and strategic' with an 'extremely charismatic personality' that is 'both awe-inspiring and terrifying'. This mix of brutal power and confidence makes even a cruel character like Sukuna a fan favorite in the psychological anime community. Credits: CBR Trauma, power and redemption Many anime villains begin as victims of their world. Naruto's Pain grew up under war and was orphaned; his turn to villainy is steeped in that trauma. Similarly, One Piece's Doflamingo suffered childhood abuse as a former Celestial Dragon, feeding an extreme worldview. Fans often sympathize once they learn these backstories. As one analysis notes, anime series frequently reveal villains' humanity over time: Pain, Madara, Obito (also from Naruto ) 'initially appeared as detestable foes. However, as their backstories unfold, their humanity and underlying struggles become evident, earning them sympathy and admiration from fans'. Hunter x Hunter's Meruem illustrates this deeply. Born as the ruthless Chimera Ant King, he is utterly heartless at first. But through his bond with Komugi, a blind girl, Meruem begins to understand kindness and mortality. His transformation 'from a cold antagonist to an empathetic being is a storytelling masterclass' that challenges viewers' notions of evil and redemption. Such redemption arcs – often absent in Western villains – are key to anime morality : they show that even the darkest characters can reveal light, and that justice is complicated. Why fans love the villains Credits: CBR So why do complex villains sometimes outshine the heroes? Part of it is sheer charisma. Doflamingo's flamboyant cruelty and Aizen's cold genius make them endlessly entertaining. Part is relatability: many fans see a bit of their own struggles in these characters. Studies even suggest people pay more attention to villains than heroes, wondering if they'll ever get redemption. When Pain narrates the cycle of hatred or Meruem reflects on life, viewers get profound philosophy rarely seen in action shows. The result is a deep connection. Social media and surveys back this up: Sukuna topped many recent character popularity polls, and Meruem remains a fan favorite long after Hunter x Hunter ended. As Sportskeeda notes, fans tend to 'encounter villains whose actions, while unjustifiable, are rooted in circumstances that offer an understanding of their motivations'. This shift from disdain to empathy often makes villains more memorable and beloved. Indeed, timesofindia and other outlets list many anime bad guys (from Team Rocket to Dio Brando to Griffith) among fans' top favorites. These cult followings show that well-written antagonists have a real cultural impact: they spawn memes, inspire fan art, and even spark debates about justice. Conclusion In the end, the psychology of anime villains combines trauma, narcissism, power, and moral ambiguity. Pain Naruto's sorrow, Aizen Bleach's intellect, Sukuna Jujutsu Kaisen's brutality, and others show that villains in anime are rarely 'pure evil.' Instead, they often mirror the heroes' values in twisted ways – revealing deeper questions about empathy and morality. Fans are drawn to them because they are fully human (or superhuman) – flawed, deep, and at times sympathetic. As one analysis puts it, these characters 'transcend the label of 'absolute evil,' becoming more memorable and popular among audiences' who can't help but feel for their causes. By exploring their psychology, anime invites us to reflect on the gray areas of good and bad – and why sometimes the villains' stories leave as strong an impression as the heroes'. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
