An international team of scientists has identified the neural mechanisms through which sound blunts pain in mice. The findings, which could inform the development of safer methods to treat pain, were published in the journal, Science. The study was led by researchers at NIDCR; the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei; and Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
“We need more effective methods of managing acute and chronic pain, and that starts with gaining a better understanding of the basic neural processes that regulate pain,” said NIDCR Director Rena D’Souza, DDS, PhD. “By uncovering the circuitry that mediates the pain-reducing effects of sound in mice, this study adds critical knowledge that could ultimately inform new approaches for pain therapy.”…