Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

Scientists discover the brain’s hidden “stop scratching” switch


Scientists have uncovered a hidden “stop-scratching” signal in the nervous system that tells your brain when enough scratching is enough. The discovery centers on a molecule called TRPV4, which acts like part of an internal braking system for itch relief. In experiments involving chronic itch similar to eczema, mice missing this signal scratched less often—but when they did scratch, they couldn’t stop.

None

Get the Android app

Or read this on ScienceDaily

Read more on:

Photo of Brain

Brain

Photo of Scientists

Scientists

Photo of Switch

Switch

Related news:

News photo

Antarctica sea ice collapse driven by triple whammy of climate chaos, scientists find - EurekAlert!

News photo

Antarctica is melting from below and scientists say it’s worse than expected

News photo

Scientists say a critical Atlantic ocean current is weakening and the world could feel the impact