The brain's misery molecule

Scientists have found the brain's 'misery molecule' believed to be responsible for all of our feelings of stress and anxiety.

Researchers believe that the protein - named CRF1 - could also be linked to depression.

A team from Heptares Therapeutics, a medical company based in Hertfordshire, used one of the world's most powerful x-ray machines to study the brain's pituitary gland.

It has long been known that the gland controls stress, depression and anxiety by releasing stress chemicals, the Sunday Times reports.

Now, scientists have discovered the response is triggered by CRF1 - which is found in the outer membranes of pituitary cells.

Can a new drug be far off?