Researchers have identified a specific neural circuit and neuropeptide responsible for relaying the sensation of a pleasant touch from the skin to the brain.
Using minimally invasive brain implants, researchers evoked the sense of touch in patients who had lost tactile sensations. The technique could be used to restore tactile sensations to those with paralysis and neuropathy.
Sensory neurons in the fingertips are able to detect tactile stimuli at the scale of a single fingerprint ridge.
The texture of certain foods may impact how healthy people believe they are. Foods that have less explicitly textured surfaces are perceived to be tastier, but not healthier.
Regardless of receptor types, spiking patterns determine vibrotactile frequency perception. The findings challenge existing theories about how Pacinian receptor channels work together in response to vibrotactile stimulation.
Researchers explore how touch perception differs in those on the autism spectrum.
A new neuroimaging study reveals brain activity is reduced when we experience self touch, as opposed to the touch of another person. The findings shed light on how the brain is able to distinguish between tactile sensations generated by the touch of another and personal touch.
