New Mechanism for Touch-Evoked Itch Found in Mice
New Mechanism for Touch-Evoked Itch Found in Mice
A previously overlooked protein is important to this type of itch, an insight that could aid the development of new treatments.
A previously overlooked protein is important to this type of itch, an insight that could aid the development of new treatments.
sensation
Neurons Damaged in Dementia Recognize Interruptions to Patterns
Anna Napolitano, PhD | Mar 16, 2022 | 4 min read
A new study reveals a network of neurons that, when disrupted, impairs adaptation to new circumstances in several types of dementia.
Hermunculus Situates Female Genital Sensation in the Cortex
Sophie Fessl, PhD | Dec 23, 2021 | 4 min read
Researchers also find that the thickness of the brain region representing clitoral stimulation is associated with intercourse frequency.
Mechanisms of Chili’s Heat, Menthol’s Cool Garner Nobel
Chloe Tenn | Oct 4, 2021 | 4 min read
David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian won this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their research on the ion channels involved in perceiving heat, cold, pain, and touch.
Eyeless C. elegans Perceives Colors: Study
Shawna Williams | Mar 4, 2021 | 4 min read
The roundworm uses cues from visible light to help avoid eating toxic bacteria with a distinguishing hue.
How One Neuron Regulates Two Separate Behaviors
Ruth Williams | Nov 14, 2019 | 3 min read
A major sensory neuron in roundworms distinguishes proprioception from harmful touch by sending out local or whole-cell signals, respectively.
Special Schwann Cells in Mice Play Unsung Role in Pain
Nicoletta Lanese | Aug 16, 2019 | 2 min read
The glia seem to make up part of a newly described sensory organ, the discoverers suggest.
Image of the Day: Itch to Scratch
Nicoletta Lanese | Jul 17, 2019 | 1 min read
Blocking a key receptor in itch-detecting neurons could quell chronic conditions.
When Normal Touch Becomes Painful, the Same Neurons Are Involved
Ruth Williams | Oct 10, 2018 | 4 min read
In a condition called mechanical allodynia, when everyday activities exact misery, the same neurons that ordinarily transmit normal touch are involved in feelings of pain.
New Class of Photoreceptor Discovered in C. elegans
Ben Andrew Henry | Nov 21, 2016 | 1 min read
The roundworm uses a light receptor that resembles a type of taste receptor and is better at detecting UV light than human photoreceptors.
Mice Display Human-Like Sense of Body Awareness
Ben Andrew Henry | Oct 27, 2016 | 2 min read
Mice can be tricked into thinking rubber tails belong to them, indicating they perceive body ownership similar to the way humans do.
Pain and Itch Neurons Found
Kerry Grens | Mar 31, 2015 | 1 min read
Inhibitory nerve cells in the spinal cord stop the transmission of pain and itch signals in mice.