Functional MRI looks beyond the brain to reveal spinal cord activity - Medical Xpress

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and Hospital for Special Surgery have identified a previously elusive population of stem cells that appears to produce the body's tendons and ligaments, the connective tissues that link muscles and bones. The scientists also found evidence that these cells can become overactive in the lower spine, where they may contribute to lumbar spinal stenosis. The condition affects an estimated 103 million people worldwide and develops when thickened ligaments reduce space inside the spinal canal. This narrowing can put pressure on nerves and lead to pain, numbness and difficulty walking.

A remarkable rock discovered in Papua New Guinea has revealed an unexpected temperature pattern deep beneath Earth's surface, challenging scientists' understanding of how tectonic plates move into the planet's interior. An international research team led by Göttingen University found that the rock traveled more than 90 kilometers (56 miles) underground about four million years ago. Along the way, it experienced unusually high temperatures at shallower depths before entering conditions associated with a relatively cooler type of subduction.

We’re sharing this article early to provide faster access to peer-reviewed, accepted research. It is citable and carries a permanent DOI. This version is subject to further edits and will be replaced automatically by the final Version of Record. All legal disclaimers apply. AbstractOccupational heat exposure induces physiological strain and can impair cognitive performance, exacerbating occupational error and accident risks. Although numerous heat stress indices exist, their theoretical and practical suitability for cognitive-related assessments remains ambiguous. This study established a structured multicriteria decision-making framework integrating the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to prioritize candidate heat stress indices for occupational cognitive risk evaluation. Candidate indices and screening criteria identified via literature review and expert consensus (\(n=25\)) were evaluated using FDM, followed by FAHP with Chang’s extent analysis to derive criteria weights and overall index priorities. A one-at-a-time \(+10\%\) sensitivity analysis was performed to verify model stability.

ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3625-04371,2,5 We’re sharing this article early to provide faster access to peer-reviewed, accepted research. It is citable and carries a permanent DOI. This version is subject to further edits and will be replaced automatically by the final Version of Record. All legal disclaimers apply.