The laboratory’s project aims to better understand how life history, and adverse events in particular, affect health outcomes. Among other functions, we are particularly interested in pain because this unpleasant emotion plays an essential role in our survival by protecting our organism from harmful stimuli. This adaptive function is largely impaired when pain becomes chronic (= pain disease). Our goal is therefore to better understand the links between adverse life events and the onset of a chronic disease such as pain. To investigate the mechanisms involved, we take a multi-faceted approach, in humans and animals, during neurodevelopment and in adulthood. In premature infants and neonates, we explore the mechanisms potentially underlying the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHAD). In adults, we focus on vulnerable populations who have experienced trauma and experiment with innovative treatment strategies. In particular, we are exploring the potential benefits of non-pharmacological interventions such as hypnosis, digital therapies (virtual reality, music therapy, etc.), and adapted physical activity.
