{
  "introduction": "Discoveries and perspectives from our work in neuroscience and pain research. A closer look at the science, and what it means for people.",
  "description": "This section features posts about research, collaborations, and news. We focus on the dissemination of scientific knowledge and the translation of our findings into clinical practice, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world patient care. Each entry provides detailed insights, images, and links for further reading, highlighting how our work can impact health outcomes and improve quality of life.",
  "entries": [
    {
      "id": 4,
      "title": "Neuromodulatory effects on the autonomic nervous system",
      "date": "2025-12-01",
      "author": "Montoya and collaborators",
      "content": "This study explored the feasibility and safety of three neuromodulatory techniques—transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), transcutaneous cervical magnetic stimulation (tCMS), and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)—in modulating autonomic function and pain processing in healthy individuals. Although no significant changes in heart rate variability or pain modulation were observed after a single session, tCMS showed the most favorable safety profile. These findings suggest that repeated sessions may be needed to achieve measurable effects, and highlight the potential of tCMS for future clinical research in pain and autonomic regulation.",
      "image": "img/blog/Lopes-25.png",
      "tags": ["neuromodulation", "autonomic nervous system", "pain", "tCMS", "taVNS", "iTBS", "clinical trial"],
      "slug": "lopes-25",
      "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41454683/",
      "plain": "This clinical trial tested three neuromodulation techniques—transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), transcutaneous cervical magnetic stimulation (tCMS), and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)—to see if they could change heart rate variability and pain responses in healthy people. No significant effects were found after one session, but tCMS was the safest. The results suggest that more sessions may be needed to see benefits. The study highlights the potential of tCMS for future research in pain and autonomic regulation."
    },
    {
      "id": 3,
      "title": "An innovative method to assess pain in individuals with cerebral palsy",
      "date": "2025-09-01",
      "author": "Montoya and collaborators",
      "content": "This study introduces a novel mobile application that uses artificial intelligence and facial recognition to objectively assess pain in individuals with cerebral palsy who cannot communicate verbally. The app was designed with user-centered principles, supporting both local and cloud processing, and features such as accuracy estimation, offline functionality, and multi-language support. A systematic review revealed that while similar technologies exist, none are tailored specifically for cerebral palsy. The feasibility of the app was confirmed, and its potential extends to other neurological conditions with communication impairments.",
      "image": "img/blog/Sabater-25.png",
      "tags": ["AI", "cerebral palsy", "pain assessment", "mobile app", "facial recognition"],
      "slug": "sabater-25",
      "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40554083/",
      "plain": "This study developed a mobile app using artificial intelligence and facial recognition to help assess pain in people with cerebral palsy who cannot communicate verbally. Pain is common in cerebral palsy, but current methods are often unreliable. The app was designed to be easy to use, work both online and offline, and support multiple languages. A review of existing technologies showed that none were made specifically for cerebral palsy, making this app unique. The app’s feasibility was confirmed, and it could help improve pain assessment for people with communication difficulties and other neurological conditions."
    },
    {
      "id": 2,
      "title": "Anodal tDCS Impacts FMS Symptoms",
      "date": "2025-08-01",
      "author": "Montoya and collaborators",
      "content": "This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of non-invasive transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), especially anodal tDCS, on people with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The findings show that anodal tDCS can provide short- to mid-term relief of pain and mood symptoms, particularly when applied over specific brain regions. However, the overall clinical relevance remains uncertain due to variability in study protocols and outcomes.",
      "image": "img/blog/Winterholler-25.png",
      "tags": ["tDCS", "fibromyalgia", "clinical trial", "pain management"],
      "slug": "anodal-tdcs-fms",
      "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40822360/",
      "plain": "This review analyzed how non-invasive electrical brain stimulation, especially anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), affects people with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). FMS causes chronic pain, fatigue, and mood issues. The review found that anodal tDCS can provide short-term relief of pain and mood symptoms, especially when applied to certain brain areas. Longer and repeated sessions worked better, but results varied between studies. While tDCS shows promise, more research is needed to confirm its long-term benefits and best practices for treating FMS."
    },
    {
      "id": 1,
      "title": "New insights into pain modulation when aging",
      "date": "2025-07-22",
      "author": "Montoya and collaborators",
      "content": "The work by Dorado et al. (2025) marks a breakthrough in our ongoing exploration of pain mechanisms in aging. This study uncovers how age-related changes in the nervous system affect pain perception, offering new perspectives for targeted therapies and improved quality of life for older adults. The research found that older adults with chronic pain show unique patterns of brain activity: early sensory responses to pain are reduced, while later responses linked to attention and evaluation are increased, suggesting that chronic pain has a stronger impact on brain processing than aging alone.",
      "image": "img/blog/Dorado-25.png",
      "tags": ["research", "chronic pain", "aging"],
      "slug": "dorado-25",
      "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40694355/",
      "plain": "This study explored how aging affects pain processing in the brain. Researchers compared younger and older adults using clinical tests and brain imaging. They found that older adults with chronic pain have different patterns of brain activity: early responses to pain are reduced, while later responses related to attention and evaluation are increased. This suggests chronic pain changes brain processing more than aging alone. The study highlights the need for personalized pain management strategies for older adults, considering the biological and neurological changes that come with aging."
    }
  ]
}