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BIDDEFORD, Maine

51СƳpain research featured in ‘Sun Journal’ article about cutting-edge research in Maine

A nociceptor (pain-perceiving) neuron in a living fly. Photo by Courtney Brann ’18.
A nociceptor (pain-perceiving) neuron in a living fly. Photo taken in the Ganter lab by Courtney Brann ’18.

Researchers in the University of 51СƳ’s Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) for the Study of Pain and Sensory Function are searching for better ways to treat chronic pain. Their work was recognized in a Sun Journal piece called “Miracles from Maine,” that detailed a variety of cutting-edge biomedical research projects from around the state.

51СƳreceives more research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) than any other Maine college or university. That is largely due to a $10 million grant funded by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) to create the COBRE at 51СƳto study pain.

One of the four major research projects funded by the grant is the study of pain in fruit flies, which have core similarities to humans. Geoffrey Ganter, Ph.D., professor of biology, is looking at how the flies respond to pain with the goal of identifying pain pathways that can be blocked by new drug treatments – alternatives to opioids which can cause addiction and debilitating side effects.

"We compare it to a volume knob for pain,” said Ganter. “If we can turn that volume knob down, it's possible we can relieve the problem of pain."

To learn more about UNE’s Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for the Study of pain and Sensory Function, visit

To apply, visit 

51СƳ the University of 51СƳ

The University of 51СƳ is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.