Research News

New research shows that the resolution of pain is an active process dependent on particular immune cells called monocytes. One particular type of monocyte produces a signaling molecule called IL10, which binds to nerve cells to turn off pain. More IL-10 is produced in men than in women.

Sim et al (2026 Neuroimmunology) say "In humans, pain resolved faster in men than in women after traumatic injury and was associated with higher circulating monocytes

and IL-10 levels in men". And "The slower resolution of pain in women increases their risk

of transitioning to chronic pain".

See https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02-chronic-pain-longer-women-immune.html?utm_source=nwletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-nwletter for the story.

Kayley

A Guardian investigation has found “people were being put at risk of harm by false and misleading health information” produced by AI Overviews. For the full story see https://www.theguardian.com/technology/ng-interactive/2026/jan/24/how-the-confident-authority-of-google-ai-overviews-is-putting-public-health-at-risk

A new paper has reported that people with diabetes who took semaglutide (brand names Ozempic and Wagovy) before a knee replacement had significantly better post-op recovery, and complications such as bleeding, inflammation and infection were reduced. Substantial reductions in post-op complications were observed when semaglutide was taken for three months before surgery. The research was published by Yale orthopedic surgeons in the Journal of Arthroplasty. See https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-semaglutide-knee-patients-diabetes.html?utm_source=nwletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-nwletter to read the media story.

Kayley

This story in Medical Xpress explains recent research showing the link between chronic inflammation, pain and depression. See https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-inflammation-link-chronic-pain-depression.html?utm_source=nwletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-nwletter

for the full story.