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chronic itch

·September 19, 2023·6 min read

Scratching Below the Surface: Tech Measures Scratch Intensity

Researchers have developed a wearable device to objectively gauge scratching intensity. This innovation aids in the assessment of itch-relieving medications. The device combines an accelerometer with a unique contact microphone to capture the intensity and vibrations of scratching.

This shows the researcher holding up a slide with different skin samples on it

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 21, 2021·6 min read

Skin Itch Mechanisms Differ on Hairless Versus Hairy Skin

Researchers have identified significant differences in the mechanisms of chronic itch between hairy and non-hairy areas of the skin.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 13, 2021·3 min read

Team Tests Medical Marijuana as Possible Therapy for Chronic Itch

A new case study reveals medical marijuana may provide rapid relief for sufferers of chronic itch. Researchers say THC attaches itself to brain receptors that influence the nervous system. This reduces inflammation and nervous system activity, leading to a reduction in itch sensation.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 2, 2021·5 min read

Understanding Itch: New Insights at the Intersection of the Nervous System & Immune System

Cysteine leukotriene receptor 2 appears to be a key player in chronic itch, a new study reports.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·December 10, 2020·4 min read

When It Comes to Feeling Pain, Touch or an Itch, Location Matters

Study identifies where different cells associated with triggering sensorimotor reflexes are located in the spinal cord.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 7, 2020·3 min read

Rubbing Skin Activates Itch-Relief Neural Pathway

Stroking the skin can be as effective at relieving an itch as scratching, a new study reports. Rubbing an itch activates touch receptors and recruits anti-itch neurons in the spinal cord.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 7, 2020·2 min read

Common protein in skin can ‘turn on’ allergic itch

Periostin can directly activate neurons associated with itching. Blocking periostin receptors reduced itch response in mouse models of chronic allergic itching.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 22, 2019·4 min read

Scratching the surface of how your brain senses an itch

Researchers identified a set of neurons in the spinal cord that transmits a light-touch signal from the skin to the brain. NPY-Y1 signaling regulates the transmission of innocuous tactile information by establishing thresholds for touch discrimination and mechanical itch reflexes. The findings shed new light on the neurobiological basis of chronic itching.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 13, 2019·3 min read

An itch to scratch: Potential approach to chronic itch problem identified

Blocking the NPR1 receptor on the spinal cords of mice and humans may help reduce chronic itching.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Neuroscience Videos

·December 17, 2018·3 min read

Using Light to Stop Itch

Researchers have developed a light sensitive chemical that binds to specialized nerve cells. When illuminated by near infrared light, the chemical helps stop an itch, allowing for skin healing.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·December 13, 2018·3 min read

How the Brain Tells You to Scratch That Itch

Researchers shed light on the mechanism that drives the uncontrollable urge to scratch an itch.

Featured Neurology

·September 11, 2017·6 min read

Potential New Therapy Relieves Chronic Itch

People suffering from chronic itching as a result of a condition called chronic idiopathic pruritus found some symptom relief after taking a drug designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, researchers report.

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