Scientists uncover brain circuit that overrides chronic pain

October 11, 2025 由 AI 报道

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a group of brainstem neurons that can suppress chronic pain signals when survival needs like hunger or fear arise. These Y1 receptor neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus act as a neural switchboard, prioritizing urgent biological demands over persistent discomfort. The discovery, published in Nature, offers potential new avenues for pain treatments.