Synopsis

Newly discovered substances with potent pain-relieving properties have emerged from an unexpected source. Endorphins and their constituent enkephalins, naturally produced in the brain, function as analgesics, mirroring the effects of drugs like morphine. NOVA delves into intriguing physiological enigmas – exploring, for instance, the mechanisms behind acupuncture and the power of the placebo effect – and reveals the potential of endorphins to fundamentally alter the treatment of pain, depression