Extreme mechano-sensitive neurons of tactile-foraging ducks fit the bill for touch research

Date:

February 11, 2015

Source:

Biophysical Society

Summary:

Mechanosensation is one of our fundamental physiological processes, on par with sight and smell, but how it works on a cellular level remains poorly understood, holding back development of effective treatments for mechanosensory disorders like chronic pain. Now, a team of researchers has identified a new model organism that may help elucidate the cellular mechanisms behind mechanosensation: the ordinary duck.

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