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UC San Diego Study Uncovers Neural Pathways of Placebo Effect

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the University of California San Diego identified neural pathways behind the placebo effect that relieves pain.
By adapting human placebo protocols to mice, they traced a cortex-to-brainstem circuit that triggers endorphin release.
The study suggests conditioning can create pain resilience and reduce reliance on opioids.
Future work will test training strategies to boost placebo effects in chronic pain and consider brain-based alternatives to addictive painkillers.

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Story summary

Researchers at the University of California San Diego identified neural pathways behind the placebo effect that relieves pain.
By adapting human placebo protocols to mice, they traced a cortex-to-brainstem circuit that triggers endorphin release.
The study suggests conditioning can create pain resilience and reduce reliance on opioids.
Future work will test training strategies to boost placebo effects in chronic pain and consider brain-based alternatives to addictive painkillers.