Articles tagged with Sensory Perception
Researchers at California Institute of Technology have identified a specific class of skin sensory neurons that react to massage-like stroking, paving the way for further study of pleasurable sensations. The discovery uses genetically modified mice and novel recording techniques to pinpoint individual neurons activated by touch.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have proved a 60-year-old theory about how nerve signals are sent around the body at varying speeds. The study found that longer distances between gaps in myelin lead to faster signal transmission, providing insight into nerve damage and development.
A study found that exposure to sexual content in movies predicts earlier sexual debut and increased risk-taking behavior in adolescents. Researchers discovered that greater exposure to sexual content led to a higher peak in sensation-seeking during adolescence, which can last into young adulthood.
A new study reveals that handlebars at a lower position increase pressure on the genital region, reducing sensation in female cyclists. Proper bicycle setup can help prevent genital nerve damage and maintain sexual health.
Researchers at University of Sheffield have developed a method to assist damaged nerves in repairing naturally, improving chances of restoring sensation and movement in injured limbs. The new technique uses biodegradable synthetic polymer to create guidance conduits that provide physical and chemical cues for nerve growth.
Two Scripps Research scientists, Michael Petrascheck and Brian Paegel, have won the NIH Director's New Innovator Award. Petrascheck will conduct research on aging in C. elegans using $1.5 million in funding, while Paegel will evolve new molecular tools for protein sequencing.
A new study reveals that stimulation of female genital regions activates distinct sites in the sensory cortex, contradicting claims of clitoral superiority. Researchers mapped responses to clitoral, vaginal, cervical, and nipple self-stimulation using fMRI, demonstrating significant activation in specific brain areas.
A USC researcher found that the human brain can simulate physical sensations in response to emotional stories, leading to increased moral behavior and motivation to help others. This phenomenon is detected using brain scans and may be an evolutionary mechanism for promoting social behavior.
A Queensland University of Technology study found that 32.9% of women reported experiencing symptoms of postcoital dysphoria, with limited correlation to sexual abuse and psychological distress
Researchers are conducting a pilot study to test image-guided neurothermal ablation, a new procedure using local radiofrequency energy to treat premature ejaculation. The treatment aims to provide an outpatient option for symptom control with limited side effects.
A study found a group of genetic mutations that predict sensation seeking behavior, linking it to dopamine levels. The research used a new technique to analyze genes in the dopamine system, identifying 12 potentially important SNPs that explained about 4% of the difference between individuals' sensation-seeking scores.
New research from the University of Southern California found that sparkling drinks activate pain sensors in the nasal cavity, similar to mustard and horseradish. The study discovered a specific type of cell responsible for this sensation, known as TRPA1.
A new study published in Cortex reports that over half of patients recovering from stroke experience phantom limb sensations. Researchers found 27 patients with daily phantom limb experiences, some even able to control their phantom limb. The phenomenon may be underreported due to fear of being labeled 'crazy'.
Researchers propose a testable model of human tinnitus suggesting that the brain's limbic system, which normally blocks sound sensations sent from non-real sources, is compromised in people with tinnitus. This could lead to new therapeutic approaches by restoring the feedback loop and eliminating phantom sounds.
Researchers found that standing on carpet evokes a sense of physical comfort, leading to unconscious judgments about products viewed nearby. Conversely, hard tile flooring makes products appear less comfortable when close by.
A new study found that watching R-rated movies increases the probability of adolescents trying alcohol, with high sensation seekers already at risk. Parents are advised to take movie ratings seriously and restrict access to R-rated films for children under 17.
Researchers discovered that mentally simulating physical approach towards an unpleasant product can lead to a more favorable evaluation. This finding challenges the conventional notion of approaching pleasure and avoiding pain as fundamental human behaviors.
A study by University of Chicago Press Journals found that consumers feel more comfortable standing on carpeted flooring, but their judgment of products is influenced by the distance between them and the floor. When viewed from a moderate distance, the comfort factor plays a significant role in product judgments.
A new study shows that a single hour of mindfulness meditation training can significantly reduce pain awareness and sensitivity. The research found that meditation subjects experienced less pain while meditating and after the activity was concluded, compared to control groups.
Researchers found two independent pathways contributing to feeling one's own heartbeat, contrary to prior assertions. The study used a rare neurological patient and healthy comparison participants to confirm the existence of these pathways, which could have implications for emotion and self-awareness.
In a breakthrough study, researchers identified itch-specific neurons in mice that can be targeted to alleviate chronic itching. The discovery suggests that itch and pain signals are transmitted through different pathways in the spinal cord, offering new hope for treatments.
A new device, CPSM, measures continuous real-time pain scores, providing detailed information on patients' pain perception and improving pain management. The study used thirty-two healthy volunteers to test the CPSM's reliability.
Researchers found that high sensation seekers show increased activity in the insula, a region associated with addictive behaviors, while low sensation seekers exhibit increased activity in the frontal cortex area important for emotional regulation. This study may indicate how sensation seeking contributes to negative behaviors such as ...
New research reveals that alkaline pH activates TRPA1 protein in human cell lines and mouse nerve cells, leading to pain sensation. The study suggests that activation of this protein might be the mechanism underlying some human alkaline pH-related pain sensations.
Researchers found that adding a visual or auditory signal can increase the perception of an electrical stimulus, even if it's not initially detected. Multisensory integration plays a crucial role in this process, modifying peripheral systems to enhance our understanding of the world.
Researchers identified three primary themes of fatigue in cancer patients undergoing standard radiation therapy: loss of strength, major effects on energy levels, and physical sensations. The study aims to develop a single definition of cancer-related fatigue, enabling healthcare professionals to intervene more effectively with patients.
Researchers have visualized cold-sensing fibers led by the gatekeeper protein TRPM8, revealing a single pathway for detecting various types of cold. The study provides evidence that TRPM8 is involved in several cold-sensing mechanisms, including pain and sensation.
A combination of capsaicin and QX-314 selectively block pain-sensing neurons in rats, blocking pain without impairing movement or other sensations. The treatment has great potential to improve pain treatment during childbirth, dental procedures, and surgery, offering a promising alternative to current nerve blocks.
Researchers discovered the GRPR gene, which codes for a receptor involved in transmitting itch signals from the skin to the brain. Laboratory mice lacking this gene scratched less when exposed to itchy stimuli, suggesting a potential target for anti-itch medication.
The discovery of the TRPM8 gene, led by Scripps Research Institute's Ardem Patapoutian, reveals that this single gene is responsible for most cool temperature sensations. The study shows that activation of TRPM8 triggers cold sensation and may lead to new treatments to ease pain.
Researchers at Yale University found that competitive female cyclists have reduced genital sensitivity. No negative effects were observed on sexual function or quality of life in the study's young, healthy participants.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a new framework to study chronic deja vu, a condition where people experience a strong sense of familiarity for new experiences. The Cognitive Feelings Framework (CFF) uses subjective reports and neuro-imaging to better understand everyday sensations like deja vu.
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study volunteers' brains, finding high levels of activity in the posterior parietal cortex. Participants felt their waist shrink by up to 28% after a vibrating device stimulated their wrist tendon, suggesting the brain creates a map of body size through integrating signals from ...
A new study published in PLoS Biology used the Pinocchio illusion to scan people's brains while experiencing a shrinking waist sensation. The researchers found high activity in the posterior parietal cortex, which integrates sensory information from different body parts, leading to distorted body image perception.
Researchers discovered that using mirrors to create a mirror reflection of a normal limb can help correct a faulty image of the body in people with complex regional pain syndrome. This imbalance can cause pain when moving a particular hand, foot or limb. By practicing these exercises beforehand, even greater improvements can be achieved.
Researchers investigated the role of genital neurological integrity and found that almost half of women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD) reported symptoms. Decreased sensation in the clitoris was particularly prevalent among those with multiple forms of FSD.
A recent study found that bladder capacity remains relatively stable throughout adulthood, contradicting the common assumption that it shrinks with age. Overactive bladder, also known as detrusor overactivity, is a common condition affecting millions of Americans, and treatment is available.
A recent study published in The Journal of Pain found that women are more sensitive to pain than men, while African-Americans and Whites report similar levels of pain when using standardized rating scales. Researchers tested 135 participants aged 25-45 and used modified rating scales to account for cultural differences.
A study led by Prof. Ehud Ahissar found that two types of neurons respond to whisking motion and surface contact, respectively, indicating a dynamic dance of perception where hands, eyes, and whiskers actively seek out sensation. This research has implications for optimizing artificial sensory aids for the deaf and blind.
A new study suggests that children's brains are wired to downplay the sensation of their own physical actions, leading to increased force being used in play. This mechanism may also explain why kids can't tickle themselves, but feel the full effect when someone else does.
A study of 104 eyes found that superior-hinged LASIK flaps resulted in reduced corneal sensation and increased dry eye symptoms. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends using nasal-hinged flaps to minimize the risk of dry eye complications.
Women's stroke symptoms differ from men's, often non-traditional and less specific. The study found that women were more likely to report non-traditional symptoms like pain and changes in consciousness.
A study by Seth C. Kalichman found that HIV-positive men who were sensation seekers were more likely to have unprotected sex, regardless of alcohol use. Alcohol also predicted unsafe sex, independent of sensation seeking. The study suggests cognitive approaches can help improve risk reduction interventions for HIV-positive men.
A new five-dimension scale assesses consumers' perceptions of Internet retail service quality, highlighting factors such as performance, information, security, sensation, and access. The scale helps online retailers identify areas for improvement to increase customer satisfaction and drive sales.
Researchers found that hypocretin neurons from the hypothalamus establish direct connections with spinal cord nerve cells involved in pain perception. This discovery may lead to new treatments for pain, particularly in spinal cord injuries.
A brain protein linked to narcolepsy helps regulate bodily sensations and modulate sensory input from the body. Hypocretin-2 was found to inhibit activity of neurons associated with pain and temperature sensation, suggesting a potential mechanism connecting wakefulness and sensory modulation.
A unique experiment studying chemical activity in human brains while experiencing sustained pain revealed long-suspected connections between pain-dampening changes in brain chemistry and sensory/emotional responses. The findings may help researchers better understand prolonged pain and find more effective ways to relieve it.
Researchers found that TV PSAs targeting teens with high sensation-seeking traits reduced their marijuana use by at least 26.7%. The campaigns also reversed the trend of more teens using marijuana as they get older.
A new study found that individuals with a sensation-seeking personality are more sensitive to nicotine's mood-altering effects, particularly at lower doses. This increased sensitivity may be a key factor in their risk of becoming smokers.
Researchers found that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity exhibit increased fear of anxiety and experience reduced anxiety symptoms when drinking. This study suggests that high AS individuals may drink excessively to cope with anxiety, leading to a higher risk of alcohol abuse.
Researchers at the University of Florida have found that fibromyalgia is caused by a neurological abnormality, where the body overreacts to repetitive stimulation. This discovery aims to improve diagnostic tests and treatments for the chronic illness, affecting an estimated 3.7 million Americans.
Researchers found that carbonic acid, a chemical irritant, causes the tingling sensation when drinking champagne. Volunteers were asked to rate the sensation after sticking their tongues into carbonated water for up to 15 seconds.