Blood test could reveal if you will experience the placebo effect

By Jessica Hamzelou

The proteins in your blood could reveal whether or not you will experience the placebo effect. People who show a placebo response appear to have certain blood proteins – some of which are linked to inflammation, which could explain the healing powers of the placebo effect.

A sugar pill or sham treatment can often make people feel better, but the reasons why have long been a mystery. Research over the past 20 years has focused on how specific brain regions might play a role …