Understanding Opioid Addiction Mechanisms and Treatment Advances

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The chapter explores the addictive nature of opioids, detailing their impact on the brain and the development of addiction. It focuses on new research identifying distinct brain pathways involved in opioid withdrawal and reward, shedding light on potential advancements in drug design and addiction treatment. Additionally, the chapter discusses the creation of a blood-brain barrier model using combined organoids and the development of an innovative gel to prevent alcohol intoxication.

00:45 The neuroscience of fentanyl addiction

Research in mice has shown that fentanyl addiction is the result of two brain circuits working in tandem, rather than a single neural pathway as had been previously thought. One circuit underlies the positive feelings this powerful drug elicits, which the other was responsible for the intense withdrawal when it is taken away. Opioid addiction leads to tens of thousands of deaths each year, and the team hopes that this work will help in the development of drugs that are less addictive.

Research Article: Chaudun et al.

09:16 Research Highlights

How an ‘assembloid’ could transform how scientists study drug delivery to the brain, and an edible gel that prevents and treats alcohol intoxication in mice.

Research Highlight: Organoids merge to model the blood–brain barrier

Research Highlight: How cheesemaking could cook up an antidote for alcohol excess