{"URL": "https://www.wired.com/1999/07/the-wimp-factor-its-genetic", "heading": "the wimp factor: it's genetic", "subheading": "johns hopkins researchers say a gene variation decides whether pain makes you scream or if you stoically tough it out. by <NAME>.", "author": "<NAME>", "category": "science", "type": "article", "timestamp": "07.22.1999 03:00 AM", "text": "if you're a wimp, it may not be your fault. a new study has determined that genes are responsible for pain sensitivity and the human response to pain drugs. researchers at johns hopkins university found evidence that a single gene variation determines an individual's pain threshold to opiates, such as morphine. a dna test would allow doctors to determine the most effective drug for each patient.the study's findings appeared in the 20 july issue of the proceedings of the national academy of sciences.\"i think tailor-made treatments will be showing up over the next couple of years, at least in clinical trials,\" said ge<NAME>, a johns hopkins neurologist and lead researcher on the study, which was funded by the national institute on drug abuse. \"we can develop a diagnostic test, rather than starting from scratch for a new drug.\"since clinical trials for new drugs can take 10 to 15 years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, such tests could provide a welcome shortcut for pharmaceutical companies.people have long wondered whether pain tolerance was genetic, but variations in sensitivity can be subtle or masked by a strong emotional response, uhl said.\"the mechanisms of pain are complex and still poorly understood,\" said no<NAME>, an assistant professor of anesthesia and pain management at the university of texas southwestern medical center at dallas. \"this research may allow us to define patients with lower pain thresholds and those patients who may respond less to morphine-like drugs.\"\"for patients who are less likely to respond to morphine, we may consider other pain relief medications such as anti-depressants and anti-convulsants,\" said gajraj, who was not involved in the johns hopkins study."}