FLICKR, TODD HUFFMANThe gentle touch that calms pets can be traced to a genetically single, genetically tractable neuron, researchers from the California Institute of Technology reported this week (January 30) in Nature.
Researchers have known that a specific subset of neurons, sometimes called CT afferents, were responsible for conveying pleasant or anxiety-producing senses. But no one had found the molecular marker for these nerves, nor been able to link them directly to behavior. By creating a window into a living mouse and genetically labeling the neurons they suspected were involved, researchers were able to see specific neurons light up when then mouse was stroked with a paintbrush.
In a second experiment, the researchers activated mice’s pleasant-touch nerves with a drug and placed them in a chamber with a specific smell and look. The investigators also injected the same mice with saline and placed them in an adjacent room with a different smell and look. After these training ...
