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morphine

·August 30, 2024·3 min read

Morphine’s Pain Relief Mechanism Unveiled

Researchers have uncovered how morphine relieves pain by activating a specific group of neurons in the brain, termed the 'morphine ensemble.' These neurons, located in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), connect to the spinal cord and inhibit pain signaling. Understanding this pathway could help reduce the severe side effects of morphine, such as addiction and overdose. The findings also provide insights into the differences between pain relief and the euphoric effects of morphine.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 12, 2018·4 min read

Potential New Treatment for Drug Addiction Relapse Revealed

A drug that blocks the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor may provide a new method for combating drug addiction relapse, researchers report.

Featured Psychology

·May 8, 2018·4 min read

“Treatments” As Torture: Gay Conversion Therapy’s Deep Roots in Australia

Despite the legalization of same sex marriage in Australia, some people are calling for returning to the debate about "gay conversion therapy". A new paper looks at the history of 'treatments' aimed at 'curing' people of their sexual orientation.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·November 16, 2017·4 min read

New Painkillers Reduce Overdose Risk

Researchers have developed a new pain killer that is on par with conventional opioids, but does not affect respiration, which is the main cause of opioid overdose.

Image shows a woman suffering from anxiety.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·March 23, 2017·3 min read

Boosting Natural Brain Opioids May Be A Better Way To Treat Anxiety

Researchers report medications that boost the effect of naturally produced opioids may be better at reducing anxiety and fear than receptor binding opioids.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 22, 2016·3 min read

New Drug Target Could Prevent Tolerance and Addiction to Opioids

A new study reports researchers have discovered a brain mechanism that could be a suitable target to prevent addiction and tolerance to opioids.

Image shows synthesized analgesic compound PZM 21.

Featured Neurology Pain

·August 18, 2016·3 min read

Designer Agent Blocks Pain Without Morphine’s Side Effects: Mouse Study

Researchers have developed a new compound that selectively targets the brain's analgesic circuitry, but does not trigger potentially lethal side effects like traditional opioids.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Pain Psychology

·April 28, 2016·4 min read

High Pain Tolerance? You Must Have Lots of Friends

According to a new study, having a larger social network can make you more tolerant to pain.

Diagram shows mice receiving injections.

Featured Neurology Pain

·February 29, 2016·3 min read

Researchers Identify New Targets for Reducing Nerve Pain

Researchers reveal a new, promising therapeutic strategy for treating neuropathic pain.

Featured Neurology Pain Psychology

·January 28, 2016·3 min read

New Painkiller May Be A Safer, Non-Addictive Alternative to Morphine

Researchers have developed a new pain relieving medication that is as strong as morphine, but is less likely to be addictive, and with fewer side effects.