Endocannabinoids News and Research

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Study discovers paradoxical proinflammatory effect of endocannabinoids in the brain

A new study led by the Neuropharmacology Laboratory -NeuroPhar at UPF shows that increasing endocannabinoids in the brain may cause inflammation in specific brain areas such as the cerebellum, which is associated with problems of fine motor coordination.

30 Jul 2019

UCR biomedical professor to investigate how body's cannabis-like molecules influence obesity

More than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. Eating foods containing high levels of fats and sugars -- the "Western diet" -- can lead to obesity and significantly reduce life expectancy.

11 Jul 2019

Body's endocannabinoid system appears to be new target for drug development against OCD

The body's endocannabinoid system, due to the critical role it plays in regulating neurotransmitter signaling, is an enticing target for drug development against disorders associated with anxiety, stress, and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.

3 Jun 2019

The endocannabinoid system and skin conditions

a significant amount of research over the past 20 years has demonstrated that the endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in skin homeostasis, and therefore skin conditions too.

7 May 2019

CBD could help slip medications into the brain

Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, is being touted as beneficial for many health conditions, ranging from anxiety to epilepsy.

17 Apr 2019

Marijuana use during pregnancy may increase psychosis risk in offspring

Pregnant women who use cannabis may slightly increase the risk their unborn child will develop psychosis later in life, suggests new research from Washington University in St. Louis.

28 Mar 2019

Researchers discover mechanism for how male sex steroids sculpt brain development

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have discovered a mechanism for how androgens -- male sex steroids -- sculpt brain development. The research, conducted by Margaret M. McCarthy, Ph.D., who Chairs the Department of Pharmacology, could ultimately help researchers understand behavioral development differences between males and females.

4 Mar 2019

Hibernation spurts of hamsters hold clues to better treatments for Alzheimer's disease

Syrian hamsters are golden-haired rodents often kept as house pets. Cold and darkness can cause the animals to hibernate for 3-4 days at a time, interspersed with short periods of activity.

7 Feb 2019

Scientists shed light on how dangerous inflammations are caused in the brain

The so-called CB1 receptor is responsible for the intoxicating effect of cannabis. However, it appears to act also as a kind of “sensor” with which neurons measure and control the activity of certain immune cells in the brain.

31 Aug 2018

Research identifies cell signaling pathways related to endocannabinoid system in worms

Like mammals, parasitic worms have an endocannabinoid system that may help the worm and the hosts it infects survive by reducing pain and inflammation in the host, according to a "wild" new discovery by an interdisciplinary research team at the University of California, Riverside.

23 Aug 2018

Molecules formed when the body metabolizes omega-3 fatty acids may inhibit cancer

A class of molecules formed when the body metabolizes omega-3 fatty acids could inhibit cancer's growth and spread, University of Illinois researchers report in a new study in mice.

16 Jul 2018

Experts discuss how medicinal cannabis can impact opioid crisis

A multidisciplinary panel of experts discussed how medicinal cannabis can impact the opioid crisis, though clinical research to quantify this is difficult given strict federal laws

9 May 2018

Researchers find crucial links between dopamine and avoidance behavior

Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have for the first time found direct causal links between the neurotransmitter dopamine and avoidance – behavior related to pain and fear.

20 Apr 2018

New study shows connection between coffee and cannabis

It's well known that a morning cup of joe jolts you awake. But scientists have discovered coffee affects your metabolism in dozens of other ways, including your metabolism of steroids and the neurotransmitters typically linked to cannabis, reports a new study from Northwestern Medicine.

15 Mar 2018

Pre-clinical study reports promising step forward in search for non-addictive painkillers

A pre-clinical study led by Indiana University scientists reports a promising step forward in the search for pain relief methods without the addictive side effects behind the country's current opioid addiction crisis.

25 Oct 2017

New study offers insights on mechanisms behind development of kidney damage due to obesity

A new study provides insights on the mechanisms behind the development of kidney damage due to obesity. The findings, which appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, point to a potential target for protecting the kidney health of individuals with obesity.

1 Sep 2017

Study shows how omega-3 fatty acids can produce same medicinal qualities as marijuana

Chemical compounds called cannabinoids are found in marijuana and also are produced naturally in the body from omega-3 fatty acids.

18 Jul 2017

Neuroscientists discover how prenatal alcohol exposure increases risk for drug addiction later in life

One of the many negative consequences, when fetuses are exposed to alcohol in the womb, is an increased risk for drug addiction later in life.

10 Jul 2017

Single bout of exercise can have significant positive behavioral and cognitive effects

In a new review of the effects of acute exercise published in Brain Plasticity, researchers not only summarize the behavioral and cognitive effects of a single bout of exercise, but also summarize data from a large number of neurophysiological and neurochemical studies in both humans and animals showing the wide range of brain changes that result from a single session of physical exercise.

12 Jun 2017

Bern researchers find new way to influence the endocannabinoid system

Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) play an important role in the brain and immune system. Bern researchers from the National Centre of Competence in Research "TransCure" have now found a new way to influence the endocannabinoid system.

6 Jun 2017