Scientists develop an agent capable of selectively inhibiting the body’s stress response

Stress isn’t merely an oppressive feeling we experience when we’re overwhelmed; it’s the body’s natural reaction to acute or persistent strain. This stress response is what enables us to quickly adapt to danger or a shift in conditions. But if this response—which is essential for survival—gets out of control and becomes a permanent state, it can trigger a wide range of negative effects: obesity, cardiovascular diseases, increased susceptibility to infection, memory disorders and depression are all typical effects of chronic stress.