Opioids may affect how we perceive ‘cuteness’ of babies

Opioid dependence — which includes dependence on drugs such as heroin — affects how ‘cute’ we perceive images of children to be, new research shows. As cuteness can trigger caregiving motivation, this result indicates that the opioid system may have significant effects on our ability to care for others. The implications of this may need to be considered in any consideration of medical or recreational opioid use.