Thanks to all of our collaborators and funding and congratulations to all the authors who were a fantastic team. In particular, Nitsan Goldstein for the creativity and determination that were vital to this entire project and publication.

Implications? We think persistent Y1R neural activity represents a neurophysiological signature of enduring pain and can be used as a physiological biomarker for therapies designed to reduce chronic pain.

With Amadeus Maus and Ann Kennedy, we built a model to quantify pain-state in animal models. Animals perform coping behaviors to alleviate perceived pain. This model shows persistent Y1R neural activity resembles modeled pain and competing need signals integrate at Y1R neurons to reduce pain.

We identified multiple ‘pain-killing’ circuits in the brain that suppress pain by release of NPY in the PBN. Thus the brain has an efficient, tunable biological system whereby increased NPY in the PBN suppresses lasting pain.

These Y1R neurons are anatomically and molecularly heterogeneous – instead they form a functionally defined ensemble that transcends discrete molecularly and anatomically defined populations.

In the study we found neurons in the hindbrain (Y1R neurons) that broadcast a message of enduring pain state. These neurons may underlie the chronic unpleasantness of pain that is a widespread clinical problem.

Out today – our newest study on how the brain processes and filters signals of pain!
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Summary written by Nathi Magubane
penntoday.upenn.edu/news/its-all...

Read more about our discoveries:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...

#ExercisePhysiology #Neuroscience #BrainHealth #MetabolicHealth #Collaboration #Research #BetleyLab

What's next for the #BetleyLab? We're diving deep into #EXERCISE! 🏃‍♀️💪
Our emerging studies show exercise doesn't just change your body – it literally rewires brain circuits and impacts #dopamine response. It’s a whole new world of #body-brain interaction. Stay tuned !

or what the NIH transmitter had to say about it here: www.nih.gov/news-events/...

Read the full story here: www.nature.com/articles/s41...

In our first study incorporating human data we identified new role for the cerebellum!
We found a cerebellar output circuit that is activated only when individuals are hungry and helps control meal size. Even more parts of the brain regulate hunger and satiety!

Read more about our discoveries:
www.cell.com/cell/fulltex...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
scholar.google.com/citations?vi...
#PainManagement #Neuroimmunology #Homeostasis #ScientificDiscovery #Neuroscience #BetleyLab

One of the #BeltleyLab's most surprising discoveries? Hunger can act as a natural painkiller! 🤯We found that being hungry suppresses long-term, chronic pain signals without affecting your response to acute danger (like a hot stove).

Access the papers:
2017: www.cell.com/cell-reports...
2019: www.cell.com/neuron/fullt...
2021: www.cell.com/cell-metabol...
(all our papers can be found on our new website: web.sas.upenn.edu/betley-lab/p...)

A look back at the #BetleyLab origins! We started by asking: how does your brain know you're eating?
We found the gut signals the brain within SECONDS of food arriving – even without you tasting it! This rapid #gutbrainaxis communication is key to controlling hunger 🧠🍽️

We’re also launching our new and improved lab website – check it out here: web.sas.upenn.edu/betley-lab/

This summer, the #BetleyLab at
@upenn.edu celebrated 10 years of exploring the fascinating dialogue between the body and the brain 🧠<>💪
From hunger to exercise, it's been an incredible decade of discovery. Follow along as we share some highlights over the next couple of weeks!