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    Be honest about choices ahead as Starmer claims Swinney ‘insulting intelligence’ of Scots

    Be honest about choices ahead as Starmer claims Swinney ‘insulting intelligence’ of Scots

    Scots union boss warns Rachel Reeves ‘must pick a side’ ahead of Budget as households struggle

    Scots union boss warns Rachel Reeves ‘must pick a side’ ahead of Budget as households struggle

    Thousands of Scots pupils forced to learn in crumbling school buildings rated ‘bad’ or ‘poor’

    Thousands of Scots pupils forced to learn in crumbling school buildings rated ‘bad’ or ‘poor’

    Palestine’s ambassador to the UK to address SNP conference as peace deal hopes grow

    Palestine’s ambassador to the UK to address SNP conference as peace deal hopes grow

    Total freeze urged on Michelle Mone-linked assets including Scots properties after £122m PPE ruling

    Total freeze urged on Michelle Mone-linked assets including Scots properties after £122m PPE ruling

    Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

    Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

    Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

    Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

    Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

    Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

    Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

    Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

    Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

    Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

    Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

    Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

    Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

    Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

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      Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

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      Celtic women’s boss in eerie Brendan Rodgers echo as she sends board emphatic message

      Celtic women’s boss in eerie Brendan Rodgers echo as she sends board emphatic message

      Celtic activists escalate campaign to hit under-fire board in the pocket as they warn ‘not another penny’

      Celtic activists escalate campaign to hit under-fire board in the pocket as they warn ‘not another penny’

      Who the F is Danny Rohl? Anonymous claim about Rangers next manager favourite is anything but a wild rumour

      Who the F is Danny Rohl? Anonymous claim about Rangers next manager favourite is anything but a wild rumour

      Celtic fans take board aim in fresh banner protest at Parkhead as they tell supporters ‘give them hell’

      Celtic fans take board aim in fresh banner protest at Parkhead as they tell supporters ‘give them hell’

      Kasper Schmeichel call made as Celtic make three changes in predicted XI vs Motherwell

      Kasper Schmeichel call made as Celtic make three changes in predicted XI vs Motherwell

      Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

      Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

      Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

      Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

      Ex Man Utd star faces prison for failure to pay child maintenance

      Ex Man Utd star faces prison for failure to pay child maintenance

      Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

      Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

      Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

      Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

      Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

      Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

      Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

      Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

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        Apple unleashes M5 as ‘next big leap in AI’ but many ask ‘what’s the difference?’

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        Pig’s liver transplanted to human in world first as medics declare ‘new era has started’

        Xbox Game Pass ‘gets biggest update yet’ but could lead to ‘mass unsubscribing’ for one reason

        Xbox Game Pass ‘gets biggest update yet’ but could lead to ‘mass unsubscribing’ for one reason

        ‘Compact’ power bank that is ‘perfect for on the go’ drops to £29 in limited time deal

        ‘Compact’ power bank that is ‘perfect for on the go’ drops to £29 in limited time deal

        Sky Mobile throws in £210 freebies with Samsung’s new £9 Apple iPad rival

        Sky Mobile throws in £210 freebies with Samsung’s new £9 Apple iPad rival

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        Simple steroid creams ‘could help the body fight cancer’ in unexpected discovery

        Over a third of Brits lie about their drinking on medical forms, research shows

        Over a third of Brits lie about their drinking on medical forms, research shows

        NHS atorvastatin warning over common ‘nosebleed’ symptom

        NHS atorvastatin warning over common ‘nosebleed’ symptom

        NHS doctor shares common mistake people make at GP appointments

        NHS doctor shares common mistake people make at GP appointments

        ‘Our son, 18, died when curly hair hid deadly disease – now we’re taking action’

        ‘Our son, 18, died when curly hair hid deadly disease – now we’re taking action’

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        Dunelm’s £15 milk frother is ‘game changer for morning coffees’ in cold weather

        Dunelm’s £15 milk frother is ‘game changer for morning coffees’ in cold weather

        Full list of New and Basic State Pension weekly payments due from April

        Full list of New and Basic State Pension weekly payments due from April

        New update on calls for weekly State Pension payments of £586 for people over 60

        New update on calls for weekly State Pension payments of £586 for people over 60

        DWP timeline for PIP eligibility changes for new and existing claimants

        DWP timeline for PIP eligibility changes for new and existing claimants

        Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

        Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

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        Welsh Government accused of being ‘asleep at the wheel’ on major reforms

        Welsh Government accused of being ‘asleep at the wheel’ on major reforms

        Tearful support worker denies grabbing student and colleague during fire drill

        Tearful support worker denies grabbing student and colleague during fire drill

        Police investigate alleged attack on boy at top Welsh secondary school

        Police investigate alleged attack on boy at top Welsh secondary school

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        Welsh council explains how and when schools will search pupils for weapons

        Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

        Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

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        Be honest about choices ahead as Starmer claims Swinney ‘insulting intelligence’ of Scots

        Be honest about choices ahead as Starmer claims Swinney ‘insulting intelligence’ of Scots

        Scots union boss warns Rachel Reeves ‘must pick a side’ ahead of Budget as households struggle

        Scots union boss warns Rachel Reeves ‘must pick a side’ ahead of Budget as households struggle

        Thousands of Scots pupils forced to learn in crumbling school buildings rated ‘bad’ or ‘poor’

        Thousands of Scots pupils forced to learn in crumbling school buildings rated ‘bad’ or ‘poor’

        Palestine’s ambassador to the UK to address SNP conference as peace deal hopes grow

        Palestine’s ambassador to the UK to address SNP conference as peace deal hopes grow

        Total freeze urged on Michelle Mone-linked assets including Scots properties after £122m PPE ruling

        Total freeze urged on Michelle Mone-linked assets including Scots properties after £122m PPE ruling

        Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

        Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

        Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

        Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

        Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

        Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

        Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

        Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

        Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

        Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

        Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

        Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

        Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

        Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

        Trending Tags

        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Celtic women’s boss in eerie Brendan Rodgers echo as she sends board emphatic message

          Celtic women’s boss in eerie Brendan Rodgers echo as she sends board emphatic message

          Celtic activists escalate campaign to hit under-fire board in the pocket as they warn ‘not another penny’

          Celtic activists escalate campaign to hit under-fire board in the pocket as they warn ‘not another penny’

          Who the F is Danny Rohl? Anonymous claim about Rangers next manager favourite is anything but a wild rumour

          Who the F is Danny Rohl? Anonymous claim about Rangers next manager favourite is anything but a wild rumour

          Celtic fans take board aim in fresh banner protest at Parkhead as they tell supporters ‘give them hell’

          Celtic fans take board aim in fresh banner protest at Parkhead as they tell supporters ‘give them hell’

          Kasper Schmeichel call made as Celtic make three changes in predicted XI vs Motherwell

          Kasper Schmeichel call made as Celtic make three changes in predicted XI vs Motherwell

          Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

          Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

          Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

          Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

          Ex Man Utd star faces prison for failure to pay child maintenance

          Ex Man Utd star faces prison for failure to pay child maintenance

          Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

          Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

          Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

          Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

          Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

          Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

          Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

          Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Apple unleashes M5 as ‘next big leap in AI’ but many ask ‘what’s the difference?’

            Apple unleashes M5 as ‘next big leap in AI’ but many ask ‘what’s the difference?’

            Pig’s liver transplanted to human in world first as medics declare ‘new era has started’

            Pig’s liver transplanted to human in world first as medics declare ‘new era has started’

            Xbox Game Pass ‘gets biggest update yet’ but could lead to ‘mass unsubscribing’ for one reason

            Xbox Game Pass ‘gets biggest update yet’ but could lead to ‘mass unsubscribing’ for one reason

            ‘Compact’ power bank that is ‘perfect for on the go’ drops to £29 in limited time deal

            ‘Compact’ power bank that is ‘perfect for on the go’ drops to £29 in limited time deal

            Sky Mobile throws in £210 freebies with Samsung’s new £9 Apple iPad rival

            Sky Mobile throws in £210 freebies with Samsung’s new £9 Apple iPad rival

          • Health
            Simple steroid creams ‘could help the body fight cancer’ in unexpected discovery

            Simple steroid creams ‘could help the body fight cancer’ in unexpected discovery

            Over a third of Brits lie about their drinking on medical forms, research shows

            Over a third of Brits lie about their drinking on medical forms, research shows

            NHS atorvastatin warning over common ‘nosebleed’ symptom

            NHS atorvastatin warning over common ‘nosebleed’ symptom

            NHS doctor shares common mistake people make at GP appointments

            NHS doctor shares common mistake people make at GP appointments

            ‘Our son, 18, died when curly hair hid deadly disease – now we’re taking action’

            ‘Our son, 18, died when curly hair hid deadly disease – now we’re taking action’

          • Entertainment
            Dunelm’s £15 milk frother is ‘game changer for morning coffees’ in cold weather

            Dunelm’s £15 milk frother is ‘game changer for morning coffees’ in cold weather

            Full list of New and Basic State Pension weekly payments due from April

            Full list of New and Basic State Pension weekly payments due from April

            New update on calls for weekly State Pension payments of £586 for people over 60

            New update on calls for weekly State Pension payments of £586 for people over 60

            DWP timeline for PIP eligibility changes for new and existing claimants

            DWP timeline for PIP eligibility changes for new and existing claimants

            Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

            Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

          • Life Style
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          • Education
            Welsh Government accused of being ‘asleep at the wheel’ on major reforms

            Welsh Government accused of being ‘asleep at the wheel’ on major reforms

            Tearful support worker denies grabbing student and colleague during fire drill

            Tearful support worker denies grabbing student and colleague during fire drill

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            Police investigate alleged attack on boy at top Welsh secondary school

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            Welsh council explains how and when schools will search pupils for weapons

            Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

            Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

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          Six surprising things about placebos everyone should know

          by BP Author
          January 21, 2024
          in World
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          Placebos have been studied more than any treatment in the history of medicine, yet they remain mysterious.

          I’ve been studying placebos for 20 years and I’ve done some of the key studies that have advanced the scientific knowledge in this area. Here are six facts about this strange effect that still fascinate me.

          1. Placebos have a dark cousin: nocebos

          A 29-year-old builder went to the hospital after having jumped onto a 15cm nail that pierced his boot. Moving the nail was so painful he had to be sedated with powerful drugs (fentanyl and midazolam) to remove it. But when he took off his boot, the medics discovered that the nail had gone between his toes. The builder’s pain was caused by the wrong belief that the nail had penetrated his foot.

          The detrimental effects of negative expectations are called nocebo effects. For evolutionary reasons (survival depends on avoiding danger), nocebo effects are larger than placebo effects.

          Unfortunately, patients are often told more about the bad things that might happen than the good things, which can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, learning that a drug has a possible side-effect of nausea or pain can actually cause nausea or pain.

          A builder about to step on a nail
          The nocebo effect is much stronger than the placebo effect.
          Gustavo MS_Photography/Shutterstock

          2. Placebos work even if people know they are placebos

          Linda Buonanno suffered so badly from irritable bowel syndrome that she often couldn’t leave the house for weeks. She signed up for a trial of “honest” (open-label) placebos, which is a placebo that patients know is a placebo.

          The Harvard doctors in the trial told her the pills were “placebo pills made of an inert substance, like sugar pills, that have been shown in clinical studies to produce significant improvement in [irritable bowel] symptoms through mind-body self-healing processes”.

          The honest placebos worked so well that she was able to resume a normal life.

          Honest placebos have worked in other trials for treating depression, back pain and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

          Honest placebos work because of our subconscious expectations. Our past experiences of doctors and hospitals can generate subconscious expectations that activate our body’s inner pharmacy, which produces morphine (endorphins) and other beneficial drugs.

          3. Honest placebos are ethically acceptable

          It is often considered unethical for doctors to give placebos to patients because this supposedly involves lying (telling patients that a sugar pill is a powerful medication). But honest placebos do not involve lying, so there is no ethical barrier.

          In one ongoing trial, doctors asked patients whether they would be willing to try a mix of real painkillers and honest placebos. Patients in this trial have the same level of pain relief following surgery, but are less likely to become dependent on painkillers.

          4. Placebo effects are part of most treatment effects

          When a doctor prescribes ibuprofen for back pain, the effects are due to the ibuprofen and the patient’s beliefs and expectations, which can be influenced by the doctor’s communication. Doctors who offer positive messages in a warm, empathic manner will increase the effect of the drugs.

          The size and colour of the pill can also influence the effect. A large, orange pill can reduce pain more than a small, red one.

          By contrast, blue pills generally have a sedative effect – except for Italian men, for whom blue pills have an excitative effect), probably because their revered football team wears blue.

          Doctors’ ethical duty to benefit patients suggests it is an ethical duty to maximise the placebo effects of all treatments they provide.

          5. You don’t need placebos to have placebo effects

          In one trial, patients were given morphine via an intravenous line following surgery. However, only half of the patients were told they were receiving morphine. The patients who were told this had 50% more pain relief than those who were not told they were receiving morphine. This is an example of a placebo effect without a placebo.

          6. You can generate placebo (and nocebo) effects in yourself

          All communication can have a beneficial or harmful effect. One study found that teaching communication skills to families reduced anxiety and depression. On the other hand, couples who dwell on problems and negative aspects of their relationships were shown in a study to have weaker immune systems.

          Acts of altruism, focusing on a brighter future, or gratitude are proven ways to reduce the effect of negative communication. An easy way to generate positive placebo effects for yourself is by performing a random act of kindness, such as making a colleague a cup of tea, or simply smiling and saying hello.

          You can learn more about the amazing effects of placebos and nocebos in my latest book, The Power of Placebos: How the Science of Placebos and Nocebos can Improve Health Care.



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