A randomized, placebo-controlled multi-omics study finds acupuncture can safely reduce methadone doses by at least 20% in 84% of opioid use disorder patients while restoring antiviral immune responses and rebalancing gut microbiota and metabolism.

The recent global outbreak of monkeypox (mpox) has underscored the urgent need for rapid, accurate, and accessible diagnostic tools. The unprecedented spread of mpox beyond its endemic regions has highlighted significant gaps in our preparedness for emerging infectious diseases, particularly in diagnostics. Traditional methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while accurate, often require sophisticated equipment and trained personnel, leading to potential delays in diagnosis and disease management. In response, the development of point-of-care (POC) biosensors has emerged as a critical area of research, offering the promise of rapid, on-site detection with minimal resource requirements. This article explores various biosensing technologies, including CRISPR-based systems, electrochemical sensors, optical biosensors, and microfluidic devices. We discuss the principles behind these technologies, their performance characteristics, advantages, limitations, and potential for real-world application. By leveraging the current state of knowledge, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in POC biosensors for mpox detection to enhance cognizance among researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about the latest advancements and opportunities in this critical area of public health, contributing to enhanced global health security and preparedness against mpox and other emerging infectious diseases.

The 4th LabMed Discovery Youth Scholars Forum, hosted by Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, is a themed event under the SJTU Med-Engineering Journal Alliance. This interdisciplinary forum aims to provide a platform for outstanding young researchers to share cutting-edge scientific advancements and foster academic dialogue across fields such as medicine, translational research, and biomedical engineering.

As the days grow shorter, many animals prepare for the approaching winter by suspending reproduction. Insects, for example, accumulate energy stores while halting ovarian development through a process known as reproductive diapause. In a recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology, researchers at The University of Osaka uncovered a key neuroendocrine pathway underlying this seasonal shift in the bean bug Riptortus pedestris, identifying the neuropeptide corazonin as a molecular signal that suppresses reproduction in response to changes in day length.