Mild zaps to the brain can boost a pain-relieving placebo effect

Targeted noninvasive brain stimulation could improve pain treatment

illustration of a brain with parts stimulated highlighted in red and yellow

The placebo effect activates certain parts of the brain (red in this illustration). By stimulating one of those regions with electric current, scientists showed they can manipulate the placebo effect.

Mikkel Juul Jensen/Bonnier Publications/Science Source

Placebos can make us feel better.