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Study reveals that the body uses different sensors to detect cold in the skin and in internal organs

Researchers found that the skin relies on TRPM8 sensor for cold detection, while internal organs primarily use TRPA1 sensor. This difference explains variations in external and internal cold perception, and has implications for understanding thermal homeostasis and pathologies related to cold sensitivity.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalActa Physiologica·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

A new strategy for treating atrial fibrillation: Targeting the TRPC3 channel

Researchers at Toho University discovered that pyrazole-3 inhibits the TRPC3 channel, preventing atrial fibrillation persistence. This finding suggests targeting TRPC3 channels as a promising therapeutic approach for atrial fibrillation and related cardiovascular diseases.

SourceToho University·JournalBiological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Pregnant women advised to avoid mentholated e-cigarettes

A new study suggests that menthol in electronic cigarettes may pose risks to a developing baby, inhibiting cell growth and increasing cell death. The researchers recommend discouraging the use of mentholated e-cigarettes during pregnancy until more research is conducted.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Stinky, bitter, and painful: A novel insect repellent attacks multiple sensory pathways

Researchers have identified a novel insect repellent, 2-methylthiazoline (2MT), which induces robust aversive responses through multiple sensory pathways in fruit flies. The compound stimulates both olfactory and nociceptive pathways, leading to avoidance behaviors and effective repulsion from fly pests.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A new in a classic: a lipid required for vision identified in fruit flies

Researchers have identified an endocannabinoid, 2-linoleoyl glycerol (2-LG), responsible for activating TRP channels in photoreceptor cells. This discovery sheds light on the visual transduction process and may have implications for other sensory systems.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Unlocking the secrets of a critical schistosomiasis drug

Two independent teams of researchers have found the molecular mechanism of action of praziquantel, the only approved drug to treat schistosomiasis. The drug binds to a specific type of channel in the cell membrane, causing calcium ions influx and resulting in worm paralysis and death.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 6, 2022

Images offer most detailed glimpse yet into how skin senses temperature

Columbia University researchers have captured the most detailed images yet of a temperature-sensing molecule in its open, intermediate, and closed states. The findings will help us understand the mechanics of hot and cold sensation, which could accelerate the development of drugs for inflammatory skin disease, itch, and pain.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 21, 2019

Hold the mustard: What makes spiders fussy eaters

Spiders, including wolf spiders, react to irritating chemicals like allyl isothiocyanate in a similar way to mammals and humans, who have transient receptor potential channels that activate sensations like pain and taste. This reaction causes them to avoid eating insects coated with these chemicals.

SourceWake Forest University·DateApr 15, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Controlling fire ants with natural compounds

Researchers identified natural compounds that repel fire ants by activating a type of ion channel highly expressed in the insect's antennae and legs. These compounds, including one found in cinnamon, were found to be less effective at activating the fire ant version of this channel compared to honey bees.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateFeb 5, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Seeing in a new light

Researchers at UCSB have made new discoveries about the signaling cascade necessary for phototransduction, allowing animals to detect light. The study reveals that XPORT-A and XPORT-B molecular chaperone proteins are critical for moving TRP channels to the cell surface.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 8, 2015

A coordinated effort

Researchers at UCSB have identified a TRP channel that plays a key role in the insect's fine motor coordination. Null mutations in this channel impair highly coordinated movements while leaving gross motor control intact. The discovery sheds light on molecular processes underlying fine motor control in other animals, including humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2015

Surprising new role for calcium in sensing pain

Researchers at Duke University have made a surprising discovery about the role of calcium in pain sensation using Caenorhabditis elegans worms. Calcium flow through pain-sensing channels helps worms adapt to repeated painful stimuli by desensitizing them, suggesting a potential survival advantage.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2014
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Transient receptor potential channel A1 may contribute to hyperalgesia

Research by Yi Dai and team found that allyl isothiocyanate activates transient receptor potential channel A1, leading to calcitonin gene-related peptide release in sensory neurons. Knockdown of this channel prevents calcitonin gene-related peptide release, supporting the role of transient receptor potential channel A1 in hyperalgesia.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateDec 23, 2013

Scientists discover how chemical repellants trip up insects

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that mosquitoes and other insects use taste receptors to detect DEET and smell citronellal, leading to aversion responses. The study identified three essential taste receptors for DEET detection and two distinct types of cell surface channels required for avoiding citronellal vapor.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 25, 2010
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Project fruit fly: What accounts for insect taste?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein in sensory cells of fruit flies that allows them to detect and avoid noxious chemicals. The discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling insect pests and protecting crops.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2010

Summer heat too hot for you? What is comfortable?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that fruit flies use TRPA1 to sense single degree changes in the comfortable range, adapting to different temperatures through a multistep process. This discovery raises the possibility that mammals may also be able to sense small changes in internal body temperature.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 29, 2008
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Too hot to handle! Scientists identify heat sensing regulator

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a gene, Pirt, that regulates a heat-activated molecular sensor, leading to variable pain sensitivity. The study found that mice lacking Pirt responded slower to heat and were less sensitive to capsaicin, suggesting Pirt's specific role in pain perception.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateMay 13, 2008

UC Davis researchers discover key to body's ability to detect subtle temperature changes

Researchers at UC Davis have made a groundbreaking discovery about the body's temperature sensing capabilities. By reassembling subunits from different ion channels, they found that there are more than six channel types responsible for sensing temperature, which could help solve the mystery of thermosensitivity in animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateFeb 26, 2007

New gene reduces retinal degeneration in fruit flies

A new gene, Lazaro, has been discovered to reduce retinal degeneration in fruit flies by enhancing the production of diacylglycerol, a key player in controlling TRP channels. This discovery may have implications for understanding sensory signaling in mammals.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 14, 2006
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Activation of thermoreceptors mediates raw garlic's burning pungency

Researchers have identified the compound allicin as responsible for activating specific protein thermoreceptors in the mouth, leading to the characteristic burning sensation of raw garlic. This finding provides new insights into the pungency associated with raw garlic and its potential health benefits.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2005

Channel protein converts vibrations to electrical signal

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute find that TRPA1, a protein known for its role in sensory transduction, also forms a spring-like structure in hair cells, amplifying auditory signals. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism of hearing and could lead to new treatments for hearing loss.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2004

The mechanical switch in the ear

Sensory hair cells convert mechanical energy into electrical signals through transduction channels. A new report identifies NompC as a vertebrate homologue of a previously known channel, required for mechanosensation in zebrafish and possibly other animals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2003
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

'Warm to the touch' gene found

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified the first temperature-sensing molecule found in keratinocytes, the major type of cell in the skin, which can detect warm and hot temperatures above 33°C. This discovery opens up new possibilities for pain therapeutics.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2002

Purdue researcher finds genetic link to calcium regulation in cells

A Purdue University researcher has discovered a gene in fruit flies that plays a key role in regulating the flow of calcium into cells. Mutations in this gene suppress the effects of degeneration caused by overactive calcium channels, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 1999