Featured Stories
Melatonin and Ambien Before Surgery May Improve Sleep, Reduce Pain and Opioid Use After Surgery
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 [Category: Medical] -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
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Melatonin and Ambien Before Surgery May Improve Sleep, Reduce Pain and Opioid Use After Surgery
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SAN DIEGO -- Improving sleep before surgery through the use of melatonin or Ambien (zolpidem) may ease presurgical anxiety, reduce pain after surgery, decrease opioid requirements and help patients recover better, according to an analysis of 25 years of research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY(r) 2026 annual meeting.
Poor sleep and anxiety are common before surgery and
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 [Category: Medical] -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
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Melatonin and Ambien Before Surgery May Improve Sleep, Reduce Pain and Opioid Use After Surgery
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SAN DIEGO -- Improving sleep before surgery through the use of melatonin or Ambien (zolpidem) may ease presurgical anxiety, reduce pain after surgery, decrease opioid requirements and help patients recover better, according to an analysis of 25 years of research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY(r) 2026 annual meeting.
Poor sleep and anxiety are common before surgery andcan contribute to heightened pain sensitivity, increased opioid use and slower recovery. In the studies, patients typically took melatonin the night before surgery and/or 20 to 90 minutes before anesthesia. Ambien was taken at bedtime, either the night before surgery or on multiple nights beginning up to two days before surgery. The findings suggest that addressing sleep may be a modifiable part of preparing for surgery that helps support recovery.
"While we usually focus on what happens in the operating room, our review suggests we may be overlooking a critical window for improving outcomes in the nights before surgery," said Sebastian Amaya, M.D., senior author of the study and an anesthesiology resident at Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut. "Our paper is unique because it focused exclusively on pre-surgery-only use of melatonin or Ambien, showing that something as simple as improving sleep before a procedure can help patients have a more comfortable recovery while reducing the need for heavy painkillers and their potential risks."
The researchers analyzed 16 studies of patients undergoing abdominal, gynecologic, orthopedic, urologic, dental and other surgical procedures published between 2000 and 2025, which included a total of more than 1,100 patients. Melatonin doses ranged from 1 to 20 mg, while Ambien was consistently dosed at 10 mg.
Across the studies, melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate sleep, was associated with less anxiety, pain and inflammation, as well as more than a 30% reduction in opioid use in some abdominal surgery patients. Studies using wrist-worn activity monitors also suggested melatonin helped patients return to more normal patterns of sleep and daytime activity during recovery. The review also suggested that melatonin may offer advantages over traditional sedatives for older adults who may be more vulnerable to confusion after surgery.
Ambien, a commonly prescribed sleep medication, helped patients with preexisting sleep problems sleep better before surgery and was linked to less pain after. The idea is that by helping patients get more normal, restorative sleep before the physical stress of surgery, it may indirectly improve how they experience pain and recover afterward. Patients undergoing colorectal surgery needed less opioid pain medication during and in the first 24 hours after the procedure and also had lower levels of certain inflammatory markers. Patients undergoing hip replacement reported less anxiety and depression and greater satisfaction with their recovery, researchers said.
"Melatonin may be particularly valuable for patients who experience significant anxiety before surgery, those at higher risk for respiratory complications and older adults who may be vulnerable to cognitive side effects from traditional sedatives," said Dr. Amaya. "Ambien may be better suited for patients with preexisting insomnia or significant sleep disruption."
*** ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 news releases may contain updated data that was not originally available at the time abstracts were submitted.
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS
Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 62,000 members organized to advance the medical practice of anesthesiology and secure its future. ASA is committed to ensuring anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of all patients before, during and after surgery. ASA members also lead the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units, as well as treat pain in both acute and chronic settings.
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Original text here: https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2026/10/melatonin-and-ambien-before-surgery-may-improve-sleep-reduce-pain-and-opioid-use-after-surgery
Ken D'Entremont Named 2026 ASTM Professor of the Year
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pennsylvania, Oct. 18 -- ASTM International, formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials, which develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for materials, products, systems and services, posted the following news release:
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Ken d'Entremont Named 2026 ASTM Professor of the Year
Throughout his career, Ken has been a strong advocate for standards education and product safety.
Oct 16, 2026
Ken d'Entremont has been named the 2026 ASTM International Professor of the Year. Ken is a professor at the University of Utah, a position he attained in
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WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pennsylvania, Oct. 18 -- ASTM International, formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials, which develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for materials, products, systems and services, posted the following news release:
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Ken d'Entremont Named 2026 ASTM Professor of the Year
Throughout his career, Ken has been a strong advocate for standards education and product safety.
Oct 16, 2026
Ken d'Entremont has been named the 2026 ASTM International Professor of the Year. Ken is a professor at the University of Utah, a position he attained in2024 after being with the organization since 2014.
Throughout his career, Ken has been a strong advocate for standards education and product safety. As an educator, he leverages decades of engineering and industry experience to teach the only known product safety design course in the United States for undergraduate and graduate engineering students. His course requires that students become ASTM student members prior to having an ASTM representative talk to the class about standards development.
Through his efforts, Ken has encouraged numerous students to engage with ASTM, participate in standards development activities, and pursue opportunities in the product safety community. Not only does he advocate for greater university participation in building awareness of standards, but he also involves ASTM members and staff, former CPSC commissioners, attorneys, and manufacturers in his lessons to detail the importance of standards in product safety.
Ken's work in standards extends to other organizations like the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the International Standards Organization (ISO), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). He is also a member of the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO), and has guided several students as they joined the organization's mentorship program and ultimately became full ASTM members.
Ken received his bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona and his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia, all in mechanical engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Arizona and Utah.
ASTM launched the Year of the Professor campaign in 2009, with the goal of having professors become more aware of teaching students about ASTM standards. As part of the campaign, ASTM created the Professor of the Year award, which continues to recognize professors who expose students to standards and encourage their use. Winners receive an honorarium of $2,000 USD, with their university also receiving $2,000 USD.
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Original text here: https://www.astm.org/news/press-releases/ken-dentremont-2026-professor-of-the-year
[Category: Materials Management]
Greener Anesthesia Cuts Operating Room Emissions in Half Slashes Anesthetic Costs Nearly 40%
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 [Category: Medical] -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
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Greener Anesthesia Cuts Operating Room Emissions in Half Slashes Anesthetic Costs Nearly 40%
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SAN DIEGO -- Hospitals can sharply reduce the climate impact and cost of surgery without compromising patient safety by changing routine anesthesia practices, including reducing the use of high-emission anesthetic gases, suggests a new study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY(r) 2026 annual meeting.
Healthcare is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and operating
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 [Category: Medical] -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
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Greener Anesthesia Cuts Operating Room Emissions in Half Slashes Anesthetic Costs Nearly 40%
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SAN DIEGO -- Hospitals can sharply reduce the climate impact and cost of surgery without compromising patient safety by changing routine anesthesia practices, including reducing the use of high-emission anesthetic gases, suggests a new study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY(r) 2026 annual meeting.
Healthcare is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and operatingrooms are among the most resource-intensive areas of hospitals. Some inhaled anesthetic gases, particularly desflurane and nitrous oxide, are potent greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and may contribute to climate change and the carbon footprint of operating rooms.
"Our findings show that hospitals can take meaningful steps to reduce the environmental impact of surgery without compromising safety or quality," said Etta Hanlon, M.S., lead study author and a researcher at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke. "By making practical changes in anesthetic selection, reducing waste and giving anesthesiologists clear feedback, we reduced emissions and costs while maintaining strong patient outcomes."
The findings suggest that greener anesthesia does not require costly technology. The six-site academic health system encouraged greater use of sevoflurane and intravenous anesthesia, reduced fresh gas flow rates to minimize waste and provided anesthesiologists with feedback on their emissions. Neil Macdonald, M.D., chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Carilion Clinic and associate professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, helped establish the clinician feedback effort, including individualized emissions reports to support informed clinical decision making.
Researchers compared anesthetic use, estimated emissions, costs and patient outcomes in 2021 with results from January 2022 through October 2025, after the health system began implementing the changes. The study included 145,917 anesthetic episodes.
Average total emissions dropped from 57.6 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kgCO2e), a standard measure of climate impact, per anesthetic episode in 2021 to 31.6 kilograms after the intervention, a 45% reduction. Desflurane use also fell sharply, from 23.8% to 9.81% of cases, while sevoflurane use increased from 82.4% to 93.1%. By late 2025, the health system surpassed its goal of reducing emissions by 50%. Spending on inhaled anesthetics fell from $628,588 in 2021 to $379,010 in 2024, nearly 40% savings.
Importantly, the researchers found patients continued to recover from surgery safely, with no increase in recovery room stays, hospital stays, breathing tube reinsertion, awareness or postoperative nausea and vomiting after the changes were implemented.
"Patients shouldn't have to choose between environmentally responsible healthcare and safe, high-quality care," said Sara Wohlford, director of sustainability at Carilion Clinic. "These are changes health systems and clinicians can make behind the scenes, allowing patients to benefit from more sustainable care without having to do anything differently."
*** ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 news releases may contain updated data that was not originally available at the time abstracts were submitted.
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS
Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 62,000 members organized to advance the medical practice of anesthesiology and secure its future. ASA is committed to ensuring anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of all patients before, during and after surgery. ASA members also lead the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units, as well as treat pain in both acute and chronic settings.
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Original text here: https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2026/10/greener-anesthesia-cuts-operating-room-emissions-in-half-slashes-anesthetic-costs-nearly-40-percent
Could Staying Active Before Surgery Help Prevent Postoperative Delirium?
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 [Category: Medical] -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
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Could Staying Active Before Surgery Help Prevent Postoperative Delirium?
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SAN DIEGO -- Staying active before surgery may do more than strengthen the body for recovery -- it may protect the brain. Regular physical activity at least seven times a week before cancer surgery was linked to a lower risk of developing postoperative delirium, according to research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY(r) 2026 annual meeting.
Postoperative delirium is a sudden state of confusion
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 [Category: Medical] -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
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Could Staying Active Before Surgery Help Prevent Postoperative Delirium?
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SAN DIEGO -- Staying active before surgery may do more than strengthen the body for recovery -- it may protect the brain. Regular physical activity at least seven times a week before cancer surgery was linked to a lower risk of developing postoperative delirium, according to research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY(r) 2026 annual meeting.
Postoperative delirium is a sudden state of confusionthat affects about 20% of patients undergoing surgery. It is especially common in older adults and can affect attention, memory and thinking. It is also linked to longer hospital stays, delayed recovery and increased risk of death.
"People may realize that exercise before surgery can help their bodies recover more quickly, but our study also shows that it may protect the brain," said Melody Haratian, B.S., lead author of the study and medical student at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa.
"Preparing for surgery starts before the day of the operation," said Jeffrey Huang, M.D., FASA, senior author of the study and professor of oncological science and senior member of anesthesiology at Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa. "Patients should ask their care team about safe ways to stay active and whether a prehabilitation program could help them prepare for surgery and recover faster."
The retrospective, matched, case-control study included 258 patients who had cancer tumor removal surgery between 2024 and 2025: 64 who developed postoperative delirium and 194 who did not. Researchers compared instances of physical activity per week (rather than the number of active days) among patients who developed postoperative delirium and those who didn't. They determined that patients who reported a combination of walking and moderate or vigorous physical activity at least seven times a week had 50% lower risk of developing postoperative delirium compared with less active patients.
The researchers reviewed surgery reports and identified patients with postoperative delirium using a positive Confusion Assessment Method test, a commonly used screening tool that helps detect delirium. Participants self-reported how often they walked, did moderate physical activity or vigorous physical activity for at least 10 minutes at a time and how many hours they spent sitting on a typical day.
Patients who developed delirium reported less walking and less moderate, vigorous and total physical activity on average, as well as more sitting time. Patients who reported a combined activity frequency of at least seven times a week were significantly less likely to have postoperative delirium.
The findings build on growing evidence that "prehabilitation," helping patients prepare for surgery through exercise, nutrition and other strategies, may improve recovery and results. For patients, the study authors say the takeaway is practical: people preparing for major surgery should talk with their healthcare team about safe ways to be active or participate in a prehabilitation program.
*** ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 news releases may contain updated data that was not originally available at the time abstracts were submitted.
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS
Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 62,000 members organized to advance the medical practice of anesthesiology and secure its future. ASA is committed to ensuring anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of all patients before, during and after surgery. ASA members also lead the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units, as well as treat pain in both acute and chronic settings.
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Original text here: https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2026/10/could-staying-active-before-surgery-help-prevent-postoperative-delirium
Cannabis Use Linked to Higher Heart Attack Risk During and After Surgery, but Fewer Blood Clots
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 [Category: Medical] -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
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Cannabis Use Linked to Higher Heart Attack Risk During and After Surgery, but Fewer Blood Clots
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SAN DIEGO -- As marijuana use becomes more common and legal in most U.S. states, patients who use cannabis may face a significantly higher risk of heart attack around the time of surgery, while also showing an unexpected lower risk of dangerous blood clots in the veins, suggests a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY(r) 2026 annual meeting.
"Our findings show that it is
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 [Category: Medical] -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
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Cannabis Use Linked to Higher Heart Attack Risk During and After Surgery, but Fewer Blood Clots
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SAN DIEGO -- As marijuana use becomes more common and legal in most U.S. states, patients who use cannabis may face a significantly higher risk of heart attack around the time of surgery, while also showing an unexpected lower risk of dangerous blood clots in the veins, suggests a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY(r) 2026 annual meeting.
"Our findings show that it isvitally important to tell your anesthesiologist before your procedure if you use marijuana, whether for medical or recreational purposes," said Nader D. Nader, M.D., Ph.D., FASA, lead author of the study and professor of anesthesiology and surgery at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, New York. "This is not about judgment; it is about safety. Cannabis can affect your heart, your blood vessels and how your body responds to anesthesia. Knowing about a patient's cannabis use allows the anesthesiologist to take extra precautions to keep patients safe during and after surgery."
Reviewing five studies including data from 44,312 surgical patients, the authors found cannabis use was associated with a 46% increased risk of myocardial infarction, or heart attack, during or shortly after surgery compared to non-users. They found no significant links between cannabis use and stroke, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury or death.
In a surprising finding, researchers found cannabis use was associated with a 22% lower risk of venous thromboembolism, or blood clots, in the veins. The authors said this finding highlights the complex effects of cannabis on the heart and blood vessels and warrants further study.
Researchers cautioned that the lower blood-clot risk does not establish that cannabis has a protective effect. Cannabis acts on receptors in the body that may influence inflammation and clotting in different ways. More information is needed to understand the links between cannabis use, heart attacks and blood clots around the time of surgery, according to the authors.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component in cannabis, can increase heart rate, blood pressure and the heart's need for oxygen, researchers said. It may also trigger spasms in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Together, these effects can increase the risk of a heart attack, particularly during the physiological stress of anesthesia and surgery.
Patients should not assume marijuana is harmless because it is legal or plant-derived, the study authors note. Cannabis use can pose significant risks during anesthesia and surgery, potentially compromising patient safety.
Patients who use cannabis should tell their anesthesiologist and surgical team how often they use it, what form they use and when they last used it. That information will affect decisions about cardiovascular monitoring, the anesthetic plan, blood-thinning medications or whether an elective procedure should be delayed.
"Today's cannabis products are far more potent than they were decades ago, and higher THC levels can have serious cardiovascular effects," said study co-author Rose Berkun, M.D., FASA, associate professor of anesthesiology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, New York. "Educating patients about these risks and encouraging them to disclose cannabis use to both their surgeon and anesthesiologist before surgery are important steps in helping to provide the safest possible care."
*** ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 news releases may contain updated data that was not originally available at the time abstracts were submitted.
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS
Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 62,000 members organized to advance the medical practice of anesthesiology and secure its future. ASA is committed to ensuring anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of all patients before, during and after surgery. ASA members also lead the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units, as well as treat pain in both acute and chronic settings.
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Original text here: https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2026/10/cannabis-use-linked-to-higher-heart-attack-risk-during-and-after-surgery-but-fewer-blood-clots
ATA Opens MCE Exhibit Hall, Showcasing the Future of Trucking
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Oct. 18 [Category: Transportation] -- The American Trucking Associations posted the following news release:
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ATA Opens MCE Exhibit Hall, Showcasing the Future of Trucking
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Charlotte, NC - Today, trucking industry leaders gathered to open the exhibit hall at the annual American Trucking Associations' Management Conference & Exhibition. Inside the Charlotte Convention Center, over 130 exhibitors are showcasing the latest products and services that are helping fleets improve performance.
"The MCE Exhibit Hall is where trucking's future comes into focus," said ATA Chief
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Oct. 18 [Category: Transportation] -- The American Trucking Associations posted the following news release:
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ATA Opens MCE Exhibit Hall, Showcasing the Future of Trucking
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Charlotte, NC - Today, trucking industry leaders gathered to open the exhibit hall at the annual American Trucking Associations' Management Conference & Exhibition. Inside the Charlotte Convention Center, over 130 exhibitors are showcasing the latest products and services that are helping fleets improve performance.
"The MCE Exhibit Hall is where trucking's future comes into focus," said ATA ChiefAdvocacy & Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom. "From advanced equipment and emerging technologies to the services that help fleets operate more safely and efficiently, our exhibitors are helping drive our industry forward. Their partnership is essential to trucking's success, and I encourage every MCE attendee to explore the show floor and experience firsthand the innovation shaping our industry's next chapter."
The MCE Exhibit Hall connects motor carriers with the industry suppliers and innovators developing solutions to today's freight transportation challenges. Exhibitors from a wide variety of backgrounds are demonstrating advancements in equipment, maintenance, safety technology, sustainability, and fleet operations.
"The Exhibit Hall brings together the people, products, and ideas that are transforming our industry," said ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen, CEO of Groendyke Transport, Inc. "Our allied members are indispensable partners in trucking's progress, providing solutions that help fleets improve safety, strengthen performance, and better serve their customers. This is an unmatched opportunity to connect with industry leaders and see the latest innovations in action."
ATA's MCE Exhibit Hall will remain open through Tuesday.
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Original text here: https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/ata-opens-mce-exhibit-hall-showcasing-future-trucking
AAHOA Statement on Reported Threat Against Aurora Hindu Temple
ATLANTA, Georgia, Oct. 18 -- The Asian American Hotel Owners Association issued the following news release:
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AAHOA Statement on Reported Threat Against Aurora Hindu Temple
ATLANTA, GA, Oct. 16, 2026 - AAHOA condemns the reported plot targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, and the hatred and violence directed at the Indian American and Hindu communities. No one should have to fear for their safety because of their heritage, faith, or identity.
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and his family were at the temple at the time of the threat. AAHOA is relieved that the congressman,
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, Oct. 18 -- The Asian American Hotel Owners Association issued the following news release:
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AAHOA Statement on Reported Threat Against Aurora Hindu Temple
ATLANTA, GA, Oct. 16, 2026 - AAHOA condemns the reported plot targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, and the hatred and violence directed at the Indian American and Hindu communities. No one should have to fear for their safety because of their heritage, faith, or identity.
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and his family were at the temple at the time of the threat. AAHOA is relieved that the congressman,his family, and members of the community are safe and echoes his statement: "Every American deserves to live and worship without fear, and we must stand together against hatred in all its forms."
We are grateful to the individual who reported the threat and to law enforcement for their efforts to prevent a potential attack. As an organization representing thousands of Indian American hotel owners and their families across the country, AAHOA stands with the Hindu community in Aurora and reaffirms its commitment to religious freedom, safety, and respect for all.
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About AAHOA
AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA's 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.4% of the nation's GDP. More than 1 million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $51.3 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA's mission is to serve and protect the business interests of our members through profit-driven member benefits and services, effective advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, and impactful community engagement.
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Original text here: https://www.aahoa.com/public/storage/2026/10/16/news_files/file_17921862186ad2976a1aa34.pdf
[Category: Travel]
