Opioids slot into opioid receptors and activate them. This sends signals to your brain to relieve pain and promote pleasure. Both endogenous opioids, which your body naturally produces, and exogenous ...

A new study reveals the oligomeric molecular structure of the MOR-Gal1R complex, a component present in the brain which is involved in the analgesic and addictive effects of certain opioids. A study ...

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

Substances that activate adrenaline receptors as opposed to opioid receptors have similar pain-relieving properties to opioids minus the negative side effects. The corresponding study was published in ...

New research undertaken by American and Chinese researchers may pave the way for safer opioid painkillers, thanks to the use of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to examine the detailed structures of ...

Unbiased whole-brain mapping of c-Fos identifies active brain regions following a rewarding dose of oxycodone. c-Fos-positive cells are shown in red; white matter tracks are shown in green. Opioids, ...

Opioids have long been known as natural substances with substantial pharmacological effect. They have been used as effective painkillers. A very prominent example is morphine, which was first isolated ...

Share on Pinterest Researchers say circuits in the brain could help provide pain relief without the use of opioids. Westend61/Getty Images Researchers have identified an alternative pain control ...