Those animals with more active forms of the gene had higher numbers of mu receptors in their tissues — and higher tolerances for pain. (scientificamerican.com)
The scientists then added two atoms that made its affinity for the mu receptor 40 times stronger. (protomag.com)
Using computer simulations called molecular docking, team members screened more than 3 million molecules to find some 2,500 that fit the mu receptor like a perfectly cut key in a lock. (protomag.com)