Opioids News and Research

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An opioid is a chemical that works by binding to opioid receptors, which are found principally in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. The receptors in these two organ systems mediate both the beneficial effects and the side effects of opioids.

Newly Developed Antibody Therapy to Have Benefits Over Existing Opioid-Overdose Treatments

An antibody in single-chain fragment variable (scFv) format that binds to the powerful opioid carfentanil was shown to reverse signs of carfentanil overdose in preclinical tests conducted by scientists at Scripps Research.

11 Aug 2023

The Future of Nanobiotechnology: Ethical Considerations

Prosthetics moved by thoughts. Targeted treatments for aggressive brain cancer. Soldiers with enhanced vision or bionic ears.

13 Jul 2023

Eliminating or Blocking the Tiam1 Gene Prevents, Reverses Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathy is a type of chronic pain triggered by nerve injury or certain diseases. It affects millions of people worldwide, significantly deteriorating their quality of life.

5 May 2023

Analyzing the Complex Sequence of Events Involved in Beta-Arrestin Interactions

Proteins that work like air traffic controllers, controlling the flow of signals in and out of human cells, have been examined in unparalleled detail for the first time using modern microscope techniques.

5 May 2023

Understanding the Functioning of Opioid Receptors at Unprecedented Spatial Resolution

The human body naturally produces opioid-like substances, such as endorphins, which block the perception of pain and increase the feeling of well-being.

20 Apr 2023

Study provides new insight into the brain circuits involved in opioid addiction

The ongoing opioid epidemic continues to take a heavy toll on American communities, with more than 80,000 opioid-related deaths reported in 2021, according to the National Institutes of Health.

23 Feb 2023

Novel molecules alleviate pain, avoid sedating effect

According to new research headed by UC San Francisco scientists, a newly found group of molecules relieved pain in mice whilst preventing the sedating effect that limits the usage of opiates.

3 Oct 2022

Small, flexible implant relieves pain on demand and without the use of drugs

A Northwestern University-led team of researchers has developed a small, soft, flexible implant that relieves pain on demand and without the use of drugs.

4 Jul 2022

Research reveals that pain-blocking neurotransmitters offer long-term relief in mice

An international team of researchers found that a gene therapy that prevents targeted nerve cell signaling substantially lower neuropathic pain with no detectable side effects.

From UC San Diego 12 May 2022

Researchers analyze the effect of dopamine on gene activity and addiction

North Carolina State University researchers have shown that neuron-like cells produced from human stem cells may be used to examine alterations in the neurological system linked to addiction.

10 May 2022

16 distinct cell populations identified in a key brain region for substance use disorders

In a work of systematic biology that advances the field, University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers have identified 16 distinct cell populations in a complex area of the midbrain called the ventral tegmental area, or VTA.

18 Apr 2022

Neural circuit coordinates breathing with negative emotions, says study

Recently, a group of Salk scientists unraveled a neural network in the brain that coordinates breathing rhythm with feelings of fear and pain.

21 Dec 2021

Delta opioid receptor agonists modulate immune responses to ameliorate colonic inflammation

Opioids are a class of substances that control sensations such as pain and emotions in animals. While plant-derived opioid narcotics such as morphine are the most well-recognized, other opioid molecules like endorphins can also be synthesized by the body or artificially developed in laboratories.

From Tokyo University of Science 1 Oct 2021

Study proposes a novel approach for developing safer analgesics

Opioids are potent painkillers; however, their use is hampered as patients become tolerant to them, necessitating more and more doses.

From The University of California, Davis 31 Aug 2021

Novel peptide could allow cannabis to relieve pain while avoiding side effects

Many people live with chronic pain, and in some cases, cannabis can provide relief. But the drug also can significantly impact memory and other cognitive functions.

13 May 2021

Study may lead to alternative treatment for potentially addictive opioid pain killers

When two naturally occurring lipids are altered using a process called epoxidation, they are transformed into powerful agents that target numerous cannabinoid receptors in neurons, disrupting pathways that promote inflammation and pain.

11 Feb 2021

New method to synthesize complex bioactive molecules quickly and efficiently

Many modern medicines, including analgesics and opioids, are derived from rare molecules found in plants and bacteria.

28 Aug 2020

Long-term opioid use in back-pain patients leads to production of anti-opioid antibodies

University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists have discovered that a majority of back-pain patients they tested who were taking opioid painkillers produced anti-opioid antibodies.

19 Aug 2020

Children exposed to cannabis in pregnancy have greater risk of autism

In the largest study of its kind, Ottawa researchers found that children whose mothers reported using cannabis during pregnancy were at greater risk of autism.

11 Aug 2020

Less addictive opioid may have the ability to slow progression of osteoarthritis

A novel preclinical study by Keck Medicine of USC researchers, published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, reveals that a potential new opioid medication may have the ability to slow the progression of osteoarthritis while being less addictive than commonly prescribed opioid drugs.

14 Jul 2020