Penicillium Fungus Hosts Surprising Opioid Compounds
Next-generation opioids may spring from a tiny fungus protein
Stories by Stephani Sutherland
When a Feather-Light Touch Is Agony
Researchers identify a possible new target for treating atypical pain sensations
Too Good to Be True? A Nonaddictive Opioid without Lethal Side Effects Shows Promise
A still-experimental drug demonstrates the qualities of an ideal painkiller in a test in monkeys
Even Unpalatable Foods Taste Good to the Brain
The brain’s natural opioids may also play a role in eating and energy balance
Homing In on the Brain's "Cuddling" Circuitry
Stimulating bonding among voles could offer insights into human coupling
Marijuana May Boost, Rather Than Dull, the Elderly Brain
Senior mice treated with THC improved on learning and memory tests
Treating Pain without Pills
The opioid crisis is forcing doctors to change how they treat chronic pain, putting a new emphasis on nondrug remedies and psychological interventions
Why the Pain Drug That Killed Prince Can Be Especially Dangerous
Fentanyl’s fast action is great for pain relief but adds to its risks
Why We Itch
How it arises is only now becoming clear
Revolutionary Neuroscience Technique Slated for Human Clinical Trials
Optogenetics may treat chronic pain and other neurological disorders
When We Read, We Recognize Words as Pictures and Hear Them Spoken Aloud
Words are not encoded in the brain by their meaning but rather by simpler attributes such as sound and shape
Quit Smoking in Your Sleep
People smoke less after smelling cigarettes paired with rotten odors overnight
Asian Glow May Indicate Lower Pain Tolerance
One of the body's alcohol-busting enzymes may play a role in pain relief
Nerve Damage Might Explain Chronic Pain
New clues to fibromyalgia's origins could crack the case of chronic pain
How Yoga Changes the Brain
The ancient practice promotes growth in brain regions for self-awareness
A Nasal Spray Promises to Prevent PTSD
Delivering a signaling protein to the brain after trauma staved off PTSD symptoms in rats
Concussions' Lingering Effects Linked to Hormone Deficiency
The finding may explain why even seemingly mild concussions can give rise to persistent maladies
Can Caresses Protect the Brain from Stroke?
Neurons cut off by a stroke may have the inherent ability to reroute blood flow and save themselves
Faulty Sleep Mechanism Might Cause Trauma to Linger
Traumatic memories persist when our nighttime memory-erasing process fails
