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endorphins

·April 16, 2026·8 min read

The Brain Circuitry of Placebo Pain Relief

Researchers have pinpointed the brain's "placebo circuit." By training the brain to release its own endorphins in the vlPAG region, they achieved broad-spectrum pain relief without the need for addictive drugs.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 26, 2023·5 min read

A Laugh a Day Keeps the Doctor Away?

Laughter doesn't only help bring people together, it can be great therapy for those suffering from depression, researchers report.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 29, 2021·4 min read

The Neuroscience of Why Hugs Feel So Good

Whether you hug to show affection to comfort a loved one in pain, researchers explore the neuroscience of why a cuddle feels so good.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 11, 2021·5 min read

Vitamin D Deficiency May Increase Risk for Addiction to Opioids and Ultraviolet Rays

Animal studies and analysis of human data reveal a link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of both opioid addiction and sun-seeking behaviors.

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·July 23, 2020·4 min read

Antibiotics Disrupt Development of the ‘Social Brain’ in Mice

Early-life exposure to antibiotics may impact brain signaling pathways associated with social behavior and pain regulation. Young mice treated with antibiotics had reduced expression of receptors that mediate endorphin, oxytocin, and vasopressin signaling in the frontal cortex.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 1, 2020·3 min read

New Year’s anxiety hangover? Here’s what’s happening in your brain

Hangxiety, the feeling of waking up with anxiety the morning after heavy drinking, is a common symptom associated with a hangover. Researchers explain how a heavy night's drinking alters neurochemistry, leaving some of us prone to waking with anxiety.

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·July 13, 2018·5 min read

The Psychology of Roller Coasters

Researchers investigate why so many people are hooked on the thrill of roller coaster riding.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 8, 2017·3 min read

Why Can’t Cats Resist Thinking Inside the Box?

Researchers look at the reason behind why cats like to squeeze into confined spaces, even virtual boxes.

Image shows endorphin release in a brain scan.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 24, 2017·3 min read

High Intensity Interval Training Releases Endorphins in the Brain

A PET neuroimaging study reveals high intensity impact training significantly increases endorphin release in brain areas associated with controlling emotion and pain.