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morphine

The image shows the opiate binding sites within the brain, highlighted in green.

·May 6, 2013·4 min read

Preclinical Study Shows Heroin Vaccine Blocks Relapse

Scientists reported successful preclinical tests in rats of a new vaccine against heroin addiction. The vaccine targets heroin and its psychoactive breakdown products in the bloodstream, blocking relapse.

Featured Neurology

·April 14, 2015·4 min read

Cellular Signals for Pain Fine Tune Neurons’ Sensitivity to Opioids

Researchers discover how pain fine tunes pain relief. The findings could help further understanding of pain and addiction to opioids.

This shows a hand holding a blue laser light.

Featured Neurology

·April 30, 2015·6 min read

Using Light To Activate Opioid Receptors and Relieve Pain

Researchers have successfully activated the brain's opioid receptors using optogenetics.

This graph shows a drawing of the hippocampus and diagram showing how morphine affects the circuitry.

Featured Genetics

·July 23, 2015·5 min read

Uncovering the Molecular Mechanisms of Addiction Resistance

A new study addresses the genetics behind why some people seem to be more resistant to addictions than others.

Image shows a crystal structure of the mu-opioid receptor bound to a morphinan antagonists.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 22, 2015·4 min read

Key Morphine Regulator That May Reduce Risk of Pain Killer Addiction Identified

According to a new study, researchers have found that a specific molecule controls morphine receptor signaling in a small group of brain cells.

Graph showing how nicotine increases pain relief.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 16, 2015·5 min read

Greater Pain Relief and Risk for Codeine Addiction in Nicotine Users

Researchers report nicotine increases speed codeine converts to morphine in the brain and increases the risk for analgesia dependence.

Photo of the researcher with a head map overlaid to show the areas of the face people concentrate on most.

Featured Most Popular Psychology

·November 11, 2015·4 min read

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You: Why We Look at Pretty Faces

A new study reports our brains may reward us for looking at pretty faces.

Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles

·December 4, 2015·4 min read

Revealing the Secret to a Pain Free Life

A transgenic mouse model helps researchers uncover a recipe for painlessness. The findings could help those who suffer from chronic pain conditions.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles Pain Psychology

·January 9, 2016·5 min read

Curbing The Epidemic of Opioid Abuse by Rethinking Chronic Pain

Could rethinking the way we think about chronic pain curb the growing epidemic of opioid addiction?

Featured Psychology

·January 12, 2016·5 min read

Increased Risk of Depression Linked to Long Term Opioid Use

According to a new report, long term use of opioid for pain can increase the risk of patients developing depression.

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.