Painkiller, a fast-paced demon-slaying FPS originally released in 2004, is celebrated for its intense arena combat and gothic horror aesthetic. The 2025 reboot enhances the experience with larger levels, co-op gameplay, a deckbuilding system, and new mobility options, maintaining its focus on straightforward, chaotic shooting fun for fans of the genre.
Tylenol, a pain and fever reducer since 1893, remains the gold standard due to its safety and effectiveness, despite ongoing research into its precise mechanisms and recent unfounded claims linking it to autism.
Researchers from Kyoto University have developed a new painkiller that is as effective as opioids like fentanyl but without addictive properties or severe side effects, potentially replacing opioids for pain management, especially in cancer patients. The drug has shown promising results in animal studies and a small clinical trial, and a Phase II trial is planned in the US.
Painkiller, a reimagining of the classic first-person shooter franchise, is set to launch on October 9 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam, with digital pre-orders now available in standard and deluxe editions, featuring various skins and bonus content.
A new study conducted in mice suggests that regular use of acetaminophen at moderate doses, considered safe at 500 mg/day, can alter proteins in the heart tissue, potentially leading to heart issues as a result of oxidative stress or toxin buildup. The research, presented at the American Physiology Summit, found that acetaminophen caused significant changes in the levels of proteins associated with various biochemical pathways in the heart. While the study was conducted in mice and may not directly apply to humans, researchers recommend limiting acetaminophen use to a few days at a stretch and discussing concerns about high-dose use with a healthcare provider.
Shares of Vertex Pharmaceuticals surged after positive midstage trial results showed that the company's painkiller, VX-548, significantly reduced pain in diabetes patients with chronic nerve conditions. The drug aims to provide strong pain relief without the addictive potential of opioids, and analysts believe it could become a blockbuster drug with annual sales exceeding $1 billion. Vertex is now working to advance the drug to a late-stage trial and is also testing it for acute pain. The stock rose 10% following the trial data release and has gained nearly 40% this year.
Curtis Wright, the former high-ranking official in the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) who played a key role in lifting the federal ban on OxyContin, is now living in retirement in New Hampshire, one of the states hardest hit by the opioid crisis. Wright's involvement in the drug scandal is highlighted in the Netflix series Painkiller, where he is portrayed as one of the villains who allowed the epidemic to happen by bending to the wishes of Purdue Pharma. Despite the attention brought by the show, Wright refuses to comment on his role. He currently resides in a modest home in Littleton, New Hampshire, and leads a quiet life away from the public eye.
Peter Berg, executive producer and director of the Netflix series "Painkiller," discusses the opioid crisis and the impact of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, as well as the similarities between his show and Hulu's "Dopesick." Berg explains the decision to include real-life parents who lost children to OxyContin addiction in the opening scenes of each episode, and the overwhelming response from families willing to share their stories. He also reflects on working with Taylor Kitsch, the tone of the series, and his experience in both film and television.
A small study suggests that taking the painkiller drug piroxicam alongside the emergency contraceptive pill Plan B (levonorgestrel) can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex. In the study, 95% of women who took both medications did not get pregnant, compared to only 63% of those who took levonorgestrel alone. Piroxicam, an anti-inflammatory drug commonly used for arthritis pain, did not cause more side effects compared to a placebo. However, further research is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of this combination of drugs for all patients.
Netflix's upcoming releases include the spy thriller "Heart of Stone" starring Gal Gadot, the drama series "Painkiller" about the opioid epidemic, two new documentaries focusing on women in hip-hop and a football star, and the Korean reality show "Zombieverse" where contestants must escape a zombie-infested Seoul.
Matthew Broderick reflects on his 40-year career in film, stage, and TV, acknowledging that his legacy will always be associated with his iconic role as Ferris Bueller. Despite the challenges of transitioning from younger roles to more mature characters, Broderick is grateful for his enduring success and is excited about his upcoming projects, including the Netflix series Painkiller and a stage adaptation of Plaza Suite alongside his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker.
Researchers have found that the safety issues surrounding the commonly used pain reliever, diclofenac, may be linked to a poorly understood drug-metabolizing enzyme. The expression of this enzyme can vary as much as 3,000 times from one individual to the next. The findings have the potential to be used for developing methods of identifying individuals who are vulnerable to severe side effects from diclofenac. These methods could also aid in determining safe dosing guidelines for specific demographic groups, including women, young children, and individuals from certain ethnic backgrounds.