Medical research

Scientists take a big step toward building a better opioid

For the first time, scientists at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and collaborators solved the crystal structure of the activated kappa opioid receptor bound to a morphine derivative. They then created ...

Medical research

Research helping combat drug addiction

(Medical Xpress) -- Better help with battling drug addiction could be at hand as a result of research underway at Victoria University of Wellington.

Neuroscience

Sex differences found in brain mechanisms important for learning

(Medical Xpress)—Women tend to become addicted to drugs and relapse faster than men, though the biological reasons are not completely clear. Now, investigators at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and ...

Other

Why menthol chills your mouth when it's not actually cold

Try putting an ice-cube in your mouth. The insides of your mouth and tongue instantly turn numb. Hold it in still and you will feel pain. Now try sucking on peppermint. The mint itself is at room temperature, but your mouth ...

Medical research

Opioid dependence plays role in chronic pain

The bodies of mammals, including humans, respond to injury by releasing endogenous opioids—compounds that mitigate acute pain. A team of researchers led by those at the University of Kentucky has uncovered groundbreaking ...

Neuroscience

Blunting pain's emotional component

Chronic pain involves more than just hurting. People suffering from pain often experience sadness, depression and lethargy. That's one reason opioids can be so addictive—they not only dampen the pain but also make people ...

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