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Scientists unravel mechanisms in chronic itching

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that chronic itching incorporates more neurons than normal itch signals and co-opts pain neurons to intensify the sensation. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments targeting activity in both pain and itch neurons.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2013

Sorting out stroking sensations

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.

Phantom limbs more common than previously thought

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'.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateSep 24, 2010

Study reveals second pathway to feeling your heartbeat

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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 2, 2009

Born to be wild? Thrill-seeking behavior may be based in the brain

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 ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 11, 2009

The protein TRPA1 feels the pain of alkaline pH

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 13, 2008

Giving déjà vu a second look

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.

Feeling fat in the festive season? It's all in your mind

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 28, 2005

Regardless of race, pain feels pretty much the same

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Pain·DateMar 29, 2004