G protein simulations reveal how a critical signaling step works inside cells

UNC researchers discovered how a key step in cell signaling works by showing exactly how G proteins detach from receptors ...
technologynetworks

Molecular Movie Shows How Painkillers Trigger Opioid Receptors

Scientists have known for decades that opioids relieve pain by binding to molecular switches in the brain called mu-opioid (pronounced “mew-opioid”) receptors. What they didn’t know — until now — was ...
Medical Xpress

A path to safer painkillers: Using cryo-electron microscopy, scientists visualize how opioids engage key brain receptor

Scientists have known for decades that opioids relieve pain by binding to molecular switches in the brain called mu-opioid receptors. What they didn't know—until now—was exactly what happens next. A ...
EurekAlert!

A path to safer painkillers – revealed by freezing opioids and their protein receptors in motion

Two different versions of the mu-opioid receptor within a cellular membrane illustrate how the receptor changes its conformation to send a signal into the cell. Scientists captured six high-resolution ...
Medical Xpress

Researchers develop non-opioid alternatives for pain relief

Chronic pain is one of the most common and expensive health problems in the nation, affecting an estimated one in five U.S. adults and costing around $600 billion each year in medical expenses, lost ...
C&EN

New compound enhances naloxone’s ability to reverse opioid overdoses

A novel compound strongly improves the efficacy of naloxone, the substance used to reverse overdoses of morphine, fentanyl and other opioid drugs. When administered to mice along with naloxone, it is ...
Phys.org

Atomic swap in morphine core structure leads to safer, non-rewarding opioid alternative

One of the greatest revolutions in the field of pain medication was the isolation of morphine from the opium poppy in the 19th century. Morphine molecules act as painkillers by attaching themselves to ...
New York Post

‘Exciting’ new non-opioid painkiller shows promising results — and doesn’t build up tolerance

Duke University researchers have devised a promising, potent pain reliever — seemingly without the harmful side effects and addictive highs of opioids. While opioids interact with numerous cellular ...
New Atlas

Opioid-level relief without the opioids? That's the promise of SBI-810

A new experimental painkiller has shown promise in dulling or eliminating pain without the addictive qualities exhibited by today's most popular opioids. The drug also sidesteps common opioid side ...
The Conversation

Animal tranquilizers found in illegal opioids may suppress the lifesaving medication naloxone − and cause more overdose deaths

C. Michael White does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond ...
News Medical

Opioid δ-receptor agonists show promise for treating IBS-like symptoms

New research suggests that δ-receptor agonists regulate intestinal motility and relieve abdominal pain in a mouse model of irritable bowel syndrome, potentially offering a novel CNS-targeted treatment ...
Salon

Surviving an overdose can be excruciating. New research suggests it doesn’t have to be

Naloxone, the opioid overdose antidote, is a powerful tool in the overdose crisis, allowing friends, loved ones and even bystanders a way to put a fatal overdose in reverse and bring back breathing.