External News
Research published in Cell Reports from the University of Alabama at Birmingham reveals that, by labeling a subset of trigeminal afferents with the genetic marker Fos-Cre and inhibiting them, researchers were able to identify a correlation between the activation of these neurons and the pain sensory condition called mechanical allodynia.
Results from a clinical trial at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, published in JAMA Network Open, show that psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, is safe and effective in treating cocaine use disorder, or CUD.
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are responsible for most drug overdose deaths in the United States. Fentanyl is nearly 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and a lethal dose can be as small as two milligrams.
Aurelio Galli, Ph.D., D.Sc., professor in the Department of Surgery, and Angela Carter, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, have been named the latest recipients of the school's Featured Discovery award. This recognition celebrates notable faculty research contributions and highlights the impact of their scientific advancements.
Their study, “Fusobacterium nucleatum enhances amphetamine-induced behavioral responses through a butyrate-driven epigenetic mechanism,” was published in Science Signaling.
Spring break brings sun, travel and a chance to relax with friends. It can also lead to drinking more than intended. Knowing the safe limits of alcohol consumption is essential for keeping the break safe.
Peter Hendricks, Ph.D., professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, and Kevin Madden, doctoral candidate in the UAB Medical/Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program, provide suggestions on how to drink responsibly during the break.
The UAB Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology welcomed Ellen Eaton, M.D., MSHP, as a professor in January 2026.
People who have experienced homelessness receive more consistent primary care and rely less on emergency services when they visit specialized clinics designed specifically for their needs, according to new research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
A protein naturally made in the body reduces inflammation and pain after surgery, according to a new preclinical study from investigators at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Published in Inflammation Research, the report is the first to show a link between the protein, called tristetraprolin, or TTP, and pain relief. The work could lead to the development of alternatives to highly addictive opioids by increasing the levels of TTP or its activity to alleviate pain due to inflammation.
Dina M. Jones, Ph.D., MPH, is making a difference in Alabama by focusing on a unique area of study: tobacco cessation.
Jones recently joined the UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Division of Global and Rural Health with a focus on improving health outcomes for women and rural communities across Alabama.
Demario Overstreet, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, has been awarded substantial funding through the National Institutes of Health for his innovative research program, titled “Contemporary human models of postoperative pain: A biopsychosocial investigation in general surgery.”
Recent studies of psychedelic therapy, using substances like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD, show rapid and lasting improvements to conditions like depression and addiction.
Jamie Peters, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Neurobiology, and a team of researchers are studying a safer, more targeted version of these substances.
From holiday parties to New Year’s celebrations, the winter season is full of reasons to raise a glass. But with many festive gatherings comes a higher risk of overindulging. Knowing the safe limits for alcohol consumption is essential to keeping the holidays responsible.
Peter Hendricks, Ph.D., professor in the UAB Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, provides suggestions on the best ways to celebrate responsibly.
UAB Department of Surgery Professor and Vice Chair of Basic Research Aurelio Galli, Ph.D., D.Sc., and UAB Division of Surgical Oncology Assistant Professor Angela Carter, Ph.D., along with their research team, were featured on the cover of Science Signaling and in ScienceAdvisor for their recent article, "Fusobacterium nucleatum enhances amphetamine-induced behavioral responses through a butyrate-driven epigenetic mechanism.”
Cocaine, a drug of abuse, activates just a portion — 10 to 20 percent — of the neurons in the brain’s nucleus accumbens, a critical region linked to motivation and addiction. Though small in numbers, this activated neuronal population strongly controls drug-related behavior through downstream changes in gene expression, nerve synapses, neural circuitry and neural function that lead to behavioral change, including addiction.
When patients are scheduled for surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, clinicians check the person’s prescription drug history embedded in the electronic health record. This history provides scores intended to predict the likelihood a patient will misuse or abuse opioids.
Experts agree the algorithm-generated scores may have some benefits. But clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates fear its adoption has come without adequate scientific validation of those benefits. Critics say the lack of demonstrated value has raised the possibility clinicians may be withholding appropriate pain medication from some patients.
Over 100 million Americans are experiencing temperatures below 10° F, with the Southeastern U.S. seeing record lows. As a result, many individuals, especially those with joint pain, are feeling the effects of the cold weather.
As one University of Alabama at Birmingham orthopaedic surgeon explains, the low temperatures—coupled with changes in barometric pressure—can intensify symptoms of joint pain, leading to discomfort and stiffness.
Multiple studies question whether opioids are the most effective way to treat chronic pain in the long term. But drug tapering is associated with deaths from overdose and suicide, with risk increasing the longer a person had been taking opioids, according to research by Dr. Stefan Kertesz, a professor of medicine at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.