This research investigates the endocannabinoid system as a potential target for improving chronic pain management. Early findings show that people with higher blood levels of endocannabinoids are less sensitive to heat pain. The work could contribute to more personalised treatments, reduce reliance on existing approaches, and lessen healthcare costs.

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.