Overview

• A study by Finland's Turku PET Centre demonstrates that listening to favorite music activates μ-opioid receptors in the brain.
• Researchers used PET and fMRI imaging to measure opioid release and correlate receptor density with brain activation during music listening.
• Participants experienced more frequent pleasurable chills when opioid release was higher in brain regions associated with pleasure.
• Individuals with higher opioid receptor density showed stronger brain responses to music, highlighting interindividual variability in musical enjoyment.
• Findings suggest music-induced opioid activation could explain its pain-relief effects and inform future non-pharmacological therapies for pain and mental health.