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  "path": "/science/neurology-science/the-placebo-effect-is-real-and-scientists-just-mapped-the-brain-circuit-behind-it/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-08T11:35:49.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.zmescience.com",
  "tags": [
    "Health",
    "Neurology",
    "Anterior cingulate cortex",
    "brain circuitry",
    "chronic pain",
    "endorphins",
    "mice study",
    "morphine",
    "naloxone",
    "neuron",
    "neuroscience",
    "opioids",
    "pain management",
    "pain relief",
    "periaqueductal gray",
    "placebo analgesia",
    "placebo effect",
    "prefrontal cortex",
    "vlPAG"
  ],
  "textContent": "Scientists trained mice to experience placebo pain relief, then traced the effect to a brain circuit that releases the body’s own opioid-like painkillers. The findings could point toward drug-free ways to prepare the brain for pain after surgery or injury.",
  "title": "The Placebo Effect Is Real and Scientists Just Mapped the Brain Circuit Behind It"
}