Shane Kaski, West Virginia University (IMAGE) West Virginia University Caption Shane Kaski, a graduate student in the WVU School of Medicine's M.D./Ph.D. program, researches the pain-relieving effects of morphine given in combination with nalfurafine, a newer opioid that interacts with nerve cells in a distinct way. His preclinical study showed that--in animal models--a nalfurafine/morphine combination alleviated pain more effectively than either drug alone. It also seemed to trigger less severe side effects than the older drugs in nalfurafine's class often do. Credit Aira Burkhart/West Virginia University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.