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Patients suffering from chronic pain have limited treatment options, often relying on medications like opioids that come with harmful side effects and high addiction risks. A new study in mice, published in Current Biology journal, suggests a new way to use the placebo effect for treating chronic pain. By activating specific neurons in the brain linked to pain relief, researchers managed to create an environment where mice associated pain relief with their surroundings, providing a sustained placebo effect.

Study by Fan Wang’s Team

Fan Wang, a neuroscientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, led this research. Wang and her team explored how neurons in the central amygdala could be “reverse-engineered” to mimic the placebo effect, according to a Science.org report. They conditioned mice, previously affected by chemotherapy-induced chronic pain, to link a particular environment with pain relief. Even when the neural stimulation was removed, the mice continued to display pain relief, showing reduced pain-related behaviours.

The Role of Pain-Suppressing Neurons

This placebo effect was achieved without reactivating the pain-suppressing neurons, indicating a separate brain mechanism driving this response. Researchers discovered that the placebo effect also occurred, though weaker, when the mice were given morphine instead of neural stimulation.

Potential Implications for Human Treatment

Fabrizio Benedetti, a placebo expert from the University of Turin Medical School, believes this study supports the idea that placebos and drugs might share common mechanisms. While the placebo effect in humans involves complex factors like social interaction, these animal models could help deepen our understanding of pain management.

Dr. Benedict Alter of the University of Pittsburgh notes that, although there is a long way to go before this research applies to human patients, these findings hold significant potential for drug-free treatments.

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SpaceX Crew-10 Mission Delayed Due to Hydraulic Glitch, Rescheduled for March 14

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March 13, 2025

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SpaceX Crew-10 Mission Delayed Due to Hydraulic Glitch, Rescheduled for March 14

A hydraulics issue forced SpaceX to call off the scheduled launch of its Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on March 12, just 45 minutes before liftoff. The mission, carrying four astronauts, was set to depart aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:48 p.m. EDT (2348 GMT). The problem was traced to a malfunction in the transporter-erector, the structure responsible for moving and supporting the rocket on the launchpad. NASA astronaut Anne McClain, the mission commander, addressed the situation, stating that the crew would be ready once the issue was resolved. No faults were reported with the Falcon 9 rocket or the Crew Dragon capsule, named Endurance.

Technical Fault Identified in Transporter-Erector

As reported, according to NASA, the detected issue involved a clamp arm on the transporter-erector, which plays a critical role in securing the rocket before liftoff. Mike Ravenscroft, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program launch vehicle office manager, explained that the concern was related to how the Falcon 9 is held in place at the time of release. SpaceX and NASA engineers conducted assessments before deciding to postpone the mission.

New Launch Attempt Scheduled for March 14

Following the delay, NASA confirmed that another attempt to launch Crew-10 is planned for March 14 at 7:03 p.m. EDT (2303 GMT). The four-member team includes NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. The mission aims to transport the crew to the ISS for a six-month stay, replacing the Crew-9 team, which includes astronauts Nick Hague, Sunita Williams, and Barry Wilmore, along with cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The Crew-9 team is expected to return to Earth shortly after Crew-10 arrives.

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X-37B Space Plane Returns After 434-Day Mission, Advancing Space Tech

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March 13, 2025

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X-37B Space Plane Returns After 434-Day Mission, Advancing Space Tech

A classified mission conducted by the U.S. military’s X-37B space plane concluded after 434 days in orbit, with the autonomous vehicle returning to Earth on March 7, 2025. The spacecraft, which had launched on December 29, 2023, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, was involved in various undisclosed experiments. Details regarding the objectives and findings remain classified, though the U.S. Space Force has highlighted advancements in reusable spacecraft technology and aerobraking maneuvers.

Mission 7 and Its Objectives

According to an official statement from the U.S. Space Force, Mission 7 focused on testing new orbital maneuvering capabilities and conducting experiments related to space radiation exposure and space domain awareness technology. Specifics regarding the nature of these experiments have not been disclosed. General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, stated that the mission demonstrated flexibility in achieving test and experimentation goals across different orbital regimes.

Breakthrough in Aerobraking Techniques

As per reports, a key highlight of the mission was the execution of multiple aerobraking maneuvers. This process, which involves utilising atmospheric drag to alter altitude, allows for energy-efficient orbital adjustments. Traditional satellites rely on thrusters for such changes, whereas the X-37B demonstrated a method that reduces fuel consumption by adjusting its nose angle to increase atmospheric resistance, gradually lowering its altitude over several orbital passes.

Advancing Reusable Spacecraft Technology

Developed by Boeing, the X-37B was initially a NASA project before being transferred to the U.S. military in 2004. The program aims to refine the technology for reusable space vehicles capable of extended missions. Previous missions have varied in duration, with the longest lasting 909 days between May 2020 and November 2022. The spacecraft is designed to launch vertically and land conventionally, akin to an aircraft, enhancing cost efficiency and operational flexibility.

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MAPP Rover Stranded as Athena Lander Tips Over During Lunar Mission



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MAPP Rover Stranded as Athena Lander Tips Over During Lunar Mission

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March 13, 2025

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MAPP Rover Stranded as Athena Lander Tips Over During Lunar Mission

A privately developed lunar rover was unable to deploy after the lander carrying it tipped over upon reaching the moon’s surface. The Athena mission, operated by Intuitive Machines, successfully transmitted images from the lunar south pole before ceasing operations due to power constraints caused by its sideways orientation. The Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) rover, developed by Lunar Outpost, was among the payloads onboard. Despite surviving the impact and remaining operational, the rover could not exit the lander due to its position. Data collected before the mission ended confirmed that MAPP was fully functional and ready for deployment.

Mission Data Confirms MAPP’s Readiness

As reported, according to a statement released by Lunar Outpost, the MAPP rover successfully reached the moon, gathered data in transit and from the surface, and was operational before the mission was cut short. The company confirmed that the rover was prepared to move across the lunar surface, but the tipped-over lander prevented its release. The statement highlighted that, had deployment been possible, the mission objectives would have been achieved.

Scientific Objectives Left Unfulfilled

The rover, measuring 1.5 feet in length, carried multiple scientific payloads. It was intended to test Nokia’s LTE/4G communication system for lunar applications and collect a small sample of lunar regolith to be symbolically sold to NASA for $1, aiming to establish a legal framework for space resource utilisation. These objectives remained unaccomplished due to the premature end of the mission.

Future Missions Planned

Despite the setback, Lunar Outpost remains focused on upcoming lunar missions. The company announced plans for Lunar Voyage 2, targeting the Reiner Gamma region, and Lunar Voyage 3, which will return to the south pole. A fourth mission will feature Australia’s first lunar rover. Additionally, Lunar Outpost is competing for a NASA contract to develop an unpressurised rover for a future Artemis mission.

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