September 20, 2011
By Bethann Hromatka The human brain is hardwired to receive chemical signals from our environment. It primarily does this through receptors—proteins on the surfaces of cells that catch specific molecules when they pass by. An interesting class of receptors is the mu-opioid receptors, so named because [...]
September 1, 2009
Although environment plays a major part in addiction — you can't get hooked on something you've never tried — genetics plays a substantial role in determining whether a person who does use a drug will become addicted to it. A few DNA variations have been identified that seem to increase the odds a [...]
