Published by: Sophia Izabelle Bandiola
Date Published: November 06, 2023
Time Published: 8:00 AM
London, UK – Researchers from Imperial College London unfolded a groundbreaking study which humans can perceive light touches—directly through their hair follicles.
The study, which took an innovative approach to understanding sensory perception, revealed that hair follicles possess a significant number of touch-sensitive receptors within the outer root sheath (ORS), a part of the hair follicle. In comparison to equivalent skin cells, ORS cells exhibited a higher percentage of touch-sensitive receptors.
Touch-sensing nerve cells, known as mechanoreceptors, are responsible for our ability to feel sensations ranging from a gentle breeze to a firm press. In this particular case, hair follicle cells interacted specifically with low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs), which are adept at sensing light touches.
“This is a surprising finding as we don't yet know why hair follicle cells have this role in processing light touch,” says bioengineer Claire Higgins from Imperial College London.
The potential implications of this discovery extend beyond the realm of scientific curiosity. Given the role of histamine in various inflammatory skin diseases, including eczema, this breakthrough could pave the way for enhanced treatments and preventative measures.
REFERENCES:
[1] Ralls, E. (2023, October 27). Scientists discover a hidden way that humans feel and sense touch. Earth.com. https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-hidden-way-that-humans-feel-and-sense-touch/
[2] ΨΉΨ¨Ψ―Ψ±Ψ¨Ω, Ω. Ω . (2023, November 1). Scientists have discovered a new human sense of touch. . .what is it? ArabiaWeather | ArabiaWeather. https://www.arabiaweather.com/en/content/scientists-have-discovered-a-new-human-sense-of-touchwhat-is-it
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