Pain-sensing neurons require the gene PRDM12 not only to develop, but also to maintain their identity in adulthood. Removing PRDM12 causes neurons to express mixed identities, disrupting function. Understanding how neuron identity is preserved may enable regeneration of pain-sensing neurons and lead to new, non-addictive pain treatments.

Migraine affects over 10% of people and disproportionately impacts women. This research studies sex differences in brain circuits using mouse models to understand why. By manipulating neural pathways, findings show certain circuits trigger migraine-like sensitivity only in females. Mapping these circuits may enable personalized, more effective migraine treatments.

Older adults with severe joint pain often consider cannabis, yet receive little guidance from physicians who lack reliable evidence. This silence pushes patients toward unregulated products and poor medical decisions. The research develops a user-friendly cannabis decision-support tool to empower patients, support clinicians, and enable informed, safe conversations about cannabis use.

Migraine affects over a billion people, yet its cellular mechanisms remain unclear. This research studies how CGRP-blocking drugs interact with two key receptors—CGRP and AMY1—to understand why treatments help some patients but not others. The findings may guide development of more effective, targeted migraine therapies and reduce debilitating attacks.

Why does exercise reduce pain for some people with knee osteoarthritis but not others? By examining psychological factors, educational messaging, and brain stimulation, the studies aim to enhance exercise-induced hypoalgesia and develop effective, drug-free pain-relief strategies that can transform knee osteoarthritis into a manageable condition rather than a lifelong disability.