High-powered X-ray laser unlocks mechanics of pain relief without addiction
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - 14:30
in Health & Medicine
Scientists have solved the structure of a bifunctional peptide bound to a neuroreceptor that offers pain relief without addiction. Opiate drugs like morphine relieve pain by targeting mu receptors. While they effectively work by doing so, their prolonged use causes a growing tolerance to the drug and, ultimately, physical dependence.