Research Spotlights

Explore the projects helping to make a difference in the opioid crisis.

Championing the Voices of People With Lived Experience in Chronic Pain Research: Tom Norris’ Journey

A pain advocate discusses how he now educates other people living with pain about research, so they can play an active role in creating a new model for research that puts them at the center of it.

Published: June 6, 2025

Topics: Back Pain Consortium Research Program

HOPE for Better Pain Relief for People on Hemodialysis

Published: April 22, 2025

Topics: Integrated Approach to Pain and Opioid Use in Hemodialysis Patients

A still image of Claudia Campbell during an interview

Video: Finding the Right Treatment for People With Knee Arthritis Pain

HEAL-funded researchers are comparing the effectiveness of different treatments and treatment combinations for knee osteoarthritis pain.

Published: February 28, 2025

Topics: Pain Management Effectiveness Research Network (ERN)

Strategies for Toning Down Nav1.7 graphic

Closing in on Nav1.7: A Promising Target for New Pain Treatments

Researchers hope that by turning off or toning down Nav1.7 activity, they can silence pain-sensing cells and thus relieve pain.

Published: February 18, 2025

Topics: Development and Optimization of Non-Addictive Therapies to Treat Pain, Small Business Programs

Unraveling Human Pain: New HEAL Research Expands Models for Testing Pain Treatments

NIH researchers are exploring several promising directions and developments to better support people living with pain

Published: December 9, 2024

Topics: Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Treatment of Pain

A preview image of the Sowa Video Spotlight

Video: Person-Centered Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain

Researchers look for best ways to manage chronic low back pain based on people’s unique experience of pain

Published: October 9, 2024

Topics: Back Pain Consortium Research Program

2024 Heal Awards Trailblazer Awardee Group Photo

HEAL Trailblazers 2024

Meet the mavericks of pain and substance use disorder research.

Published: August 29, 2024

Topics:

Research Snapshot: New Survey Enables Incorporation of Personal Preferences in Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain

HEAL researchers develop roadmap for personalized chronic pain treatments based on patient preferences

Published: July 15, 2024

Topics: Back Pain Consortium Research Program

Video: To Treat or Not to Treat?

Researchers are looking for ways to predict which individuals with pain can recover on their own and which don’t

Published: March 13, 2024

Topics: Discovery and Validation of Biomarkers, Endpoints, and Signatures for Pain Conditions

Finding a Signature for Chronic Pain Risk

HEAL SPRINT study aims to identify culprit factors that predict chronic pain in teens

Published: January 9, 2024

Topics: Discovery and Validation of Biomarkers, Endpoints, and Signatures for Pain Conditions

Video: Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Opioid Use Disorder

Combinations of animal and human studies explore sleep and circadian rhythms to target opioid use.

Published: December 11, 2023

Topics: Sleep Dysfunction as a Core Feature of Opioid Use Disorder and Recovery

A Bridge to Independence

New HEAL research program expands innovation

Published: December 13, 2023

Topics:

Dr. William Renthal talks about studying nerve cell molecules to find new pain treatments.

Video: What Makes Pain-Sensing Nerve Cells Unique?

A molecular inventory of pain-sensing nerve cells may lead to more targeted therapies

Published: November 7, 2023

Topics: Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Treatment of Pain

Research Snapshot: New Model Reproduces Overdose and Recovery in the Lab

Human cell model mimics breathing center shut down by overdose

Published: October 11, 2023

Topics: Translational Research to Advance Testing of Novel Drugs and Human Cell-Based Screening Platforms to Treat Pain and Opioid Use Disorder

Conquering Low Back Pain

Finding the Best Treatment for Individual Patients

Published: September 27, 2023

Topics: Back Pain Consortium Research Program

Person waving hello to their health care provider via a telemedicine visit

Can Telemedicine Address the Opioid Crisis in Rural America?

Published: September 25, 2023

Topics: Enhancing the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network to Address Opioids

Research Snapshot: Better Sleep Eases Opioid Withdrawal and Cuts Drug Craving

Better Sleep Eases Opioid Withdrawal and Cuts Drug Craving

Published: July 6, 2022

Topics: Sleep Dysfunction as a Core Feature of Opioid Use Disorder and Recovery

Chelsea Shover, Ph.D. speaks to the camera

Video: Timely Data Directs Providers to Communities in Need

Access to real-time data helps treatment providers and harm reduction organizations

Published: August 17, 2023

Topics: Leveraging Existing and Real-Time Opioid and Pain Management Data

Building a Healing Community

Connecting Pain Scientists Through the PURPOSE Network

Published: August 1, 2023

Topics:

Stanley Ahalt, Ph.D., speaking to the camera

Video: Hearing Data Speak

The Power of the HEAL Data Ecosystem

Published: June 21, 2023

Topics:

News

Stay up-to-date on the latest news from the initiative.

All news

Events

Learn about the initiative’s upcoming and past events.

All events

About the Initiative

Learn about the initiative’s research plan and funding.

About HEAL

Stay Connected

Stay up to date on the latest NIH HEAL Initiative research advances by subscribing to receive HEAL content directly to your inbox.

Subscribe