FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·October 27, 2023·4 min readInnocent Faces of Fentanyl: Opioid Use Linked to Distinct Birth AnomaliesResearchers have identified a potential new syndrome in babies born to mothers who used fentanyl during pregnancy. The infants displayed distinctive facial features, small heads, short stature, and various physical abnormalities.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·August 30, 2023·7 min readVaccines on Horizon to Prevent Fentanyl and Heroin OverdosesResearchers are nearing human trials for vaccines aimed at preventing fentanyl and heroin overdoses. The vaccines could offer a lifeline to those struggling with opioid addiction or at risk of accidental overdose.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·August 7, 2023·6 min readInnovative Antibody Counteracts Deadly Opioid OverdosesResearchers developed an antibody with significant potential to reverse the lethal effects of a carfentanil overdose, according to preclinical tests. Carfentanil, a potent variant of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, is often mixed with illicit drugs, leading to a high number of overdoses.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·June 26, 2023·3 min readNew Neural Pathway to Combat Fentanyl Addiction IdentifiedResearchers reveal the significant role of claustral neurons in controlling fentanyl consumption. The study, harnessing a novel method that mirrors real-life opioid intake scenarios, opens new avenues in our understanding of addiction and potential treatments.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·February 21, 2023·4 min readBrain Circuit Involved in Fentanyl Abuse and Relapse IdentifiedFentanyl enhances direct pathway medium spiny neurons activity in the striatum. During withdrawal from the opioid, inhibitory signals from direct pathway medium spiny neurons to dopaminergic neurons become enhanced. The enhanced suppression of dopaminergic neurons contributes to the negative emotions associated with fentanyl withdrawal. Inhibiting the direct pathway medium spiny neurons can reduce withdrawal symptoms and associated anxiety behaviors.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 14, 2022·4 min readFentanyl Vaccine Potential ‘Game Changer’ for Opioid EpidemicA newly developed vaccine blocks the ability of the opioid Fentanyl's ability to enter the brain, thus blocking the drug's "high".Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·August 30, 2022·3 min readFentanyl’s Effects on the BrainFentanyl exposure produces specific EEG signatures in the brain. The findings also revealed the drug impairs people's breathing four minutes before noticeable changes in alertness.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·June 14, 2022·4 min readFentanyl May Cause Autism-Like Behavior in Young MiceExposure to the opioid fentanyl induces autism-like behaviors in mice by activating mu-opioid receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 4, 2021·4 min readExperimental Vaccine Blunts the Deadliest of Synthetic OpioidsA newly developed experimental vaccine can diminish the fatal respiratory effects of carfentanil and fentanyl in rodent models.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·January 12, 2019·6 min readDoes Opioid Use in Pets Create Higher Risk for Abuse in Humans?Researchers report a 41% increase in the prescription of opioids for small animals over the past 10 years. The study reports the increase could potentially provide human access to the drugs, fueling the opioid epidemic.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·June 22, 2018·6 min readSuicide Nation: What’s Behind the Need to Numb and Seek Final Escape?Researchers look at why suicide rates may be on the rise in the US, finding suicidality may be more than simply a mental health issue.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 30, 2018·5 min readOpioid Use Prevalent Among Electronic Dance Music PartygoersResearchers report 10 percent of people who have attended EDM events have misused opioids in the past 12 months. The number, researchers say, exceeds national averages. Oxycontin was reported to be the most widely misused drug within the scene.Read More
