FeaturedNeuroscience·April 17, 2020·6 min readA key brain region for controlling binge drinking has been foundTurning off kappa opioid receptors in the brain decreases the urge the binge drink. Findings suggest the kappa opioid receptor system is important not only for the negative state of withdrawal but also for driving binge drinking behaviors.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·March 13, 2019·5 min readBlunting pain’s emotional componentBlocking the release of dynorphin, researchers restore motivation in animals experiencing pain. The findings may help in the development of new, less addictive, pain medications.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·November 6, 2017·2 min readNew Drug Shows Potential As Different Kind of Antidepressant: Mouse StudyA new compound known as BU10119 blocks kappa opioid receptors, creating an antidepressant effect in mice, researchers say.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 24, 2014·3 min readResearchers Identify Brain Areas Activated by Itch Relieving DrugOpioid receptors involved in itch relief, a new study reports.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·September 17, 2014·5 min readNeuroimaging Study Pinpoints Neurobiological Basis for Key Symptoms Associated with PTSDA new neuroimaging study links kappa opioid receptors in the brain to a narrow cluster of symptoms associated with PTSD.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·January 13, 2014·3 min readScientists Develop Promising Drug Candidates for Pain, AddictionResearchers describe a pair of drug candidates which advance the search for new treatments for addiction, pain and other disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·June 12, 2013·4 min readResearchers Point to Brain’s ‘Dark Side’ as Key to Cocaine AddictionA new study provides evidence that the central amygdala, an area of the brain associated with emotion, plays a major role in sustaining cocaine addiction.Read More