New Scientist Podcasts
Weekly: 1 in 5 coma patients have awareness; How to end the opioid crisis; ‘Wow’ space signal…is lasers?
Aug 23, 2024
Recent research reveals that 1 in 5 coma patients may have hidden awareness, challenging our understanding of consciousness. A new powerful drug aims to combat the opioid crisis, which claimed over 80,000 lives last year in the U.S. The mysterious Wow! signal from the 70s continues to captivate, with potential explanations ranging from astrophysical phenomena to alien communications. Also, baffling cooling trends in the Atlantic Ocean prompt scientists to rethink climate patterns and their global implications.
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Quick takeaways
- Recent studies show that one in five coma patients may exhibit awareness, challenging perceptions of their autonomy and care decisions.
- The approval of a new opioid overdose reversal drug highlights the urgent need for comprehensive treatment approaches to address the opioid crisis.
Deep dives
Awareness in Coma: Rethinking Consciousness
Recent research indicates that a significant portion of individuals in a coma may possess some level of awareness, with estimates suggesting that up to one in five might be conscious of their surroundings. Studies involving brain imaging and behavioral tests revealed that many unresponsive patients exhibited brain activity similar to healthy individuals asked to imagine movements, implying they can process instructions despite their physical inability to respond. This newfound awareness calls for a profound reassessment of how society views comatose patients and the decisions made around their care. Such insights necessitate a more nuanced understanding of autonomy and human rights in medical contexts, particularly in end-of-life care.
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