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NEW SPECIES OF MAMMAL FOUND
BBC - A new species of mammal has been discovered in the mountains of
Tanzania, scientists report. The bizarre-looking creature, dubbed
Rhynochocyon udzungwensis, is a type of giant elephant shrew, or sengi.
The cat-sized animal, which is reported in the Journal of Zoology, looks
like a cross between a miniature antelope and a small anteater. It has a
grey face, a long, flexible snout, a bulky, amber body, a jet-black rump
and it stands on spindly legs.. . .
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7213571.stm
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WHY SCRATCHING FEELS GOOD
SCIENTIFIC BLOGGING - In the first study to use imaging technology to
see what goes on in the brain when we scratch, researchers at Wake
Forest University Baptist Medical Center have uncovered new clues about
why scratching may be so relieving – and why it can be hard to stop.
The work is reported online in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology
. . . "Our study shows for the first time how scratching may relieve
itch," said lead author Gil Yosipovitch, M.D., a dermatologist who
specializes in itch. . .
"To our surprise, we found that areas of the brain associated with
unpleasant or aversive emotions and memories became significantly less
active during the scratching," said Yosipovitch. "We know scratching is
pleasurable, but we haven't known why. It's possible that scratching may
suppress the emotional components of itch and bring about its relief.".
. .
The reduced brain activity occurred in the anterior cingulate cortex, an
area associated with aversion to unpleasant sensory experiences, and the
posterior cingulate cortex, which is associated with memory. When
participants reported that the scratching felt most intense, activation
in these areas was lowest.
Yosipovitch said patients occasionally report that intense scratching
– to the point of drawing blood – is the only thing that relieves
chronic itch.
"This is the first real scientific evidence showing that itch may be
inhibited by scratching," he said. "Of course, scratching is not
recommended because it can damage the skin. But understanding how the
process works could lead to new treatments. For example, drugs that
deactivate this part of the brain might be effective."
http://www.scientificblogging.com/news_releases/why_scratching_feels_good
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NEW SPECIES OF MAMMAL FOUND
BBC - A new species of mammal has been discovered in the mountains of
Tanzania, scientists report. The bizarre-looking creature, dubbed
Rhynochocyon udzungwensis, is a type of giant elephant shrew, or sengi.
The cat-sized animal, which is reported in the Journal of Zoology, looks
like a cross between a miniature antelope and a small anteater. It has a
grey face, a long, flexible snout, a bulky, amber body, a jet-black rump
and it stands on spindly legs.. . .
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7213571.stm
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WHY SCRATCHING FEELS GOOD
SCIENTIFIC BLOGGING - In the first study to use imaging technology to
see what goes on in the brain when we scratch, researchers at Wake
Forest University Baptist Medical Center have uncovered new clues about
why scratching may be so relieving – and why it can be hard to stop.
The work is reported online in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology
. . . "Our study shows for the first time how scratching may relieve
itch," said lead author Gil Yosipovitch, M.D., a dermatologist who
specializes in itch. . .
"To our surprise, we found that areas of the brain associated with
unpleasant or aversive emotions and memories became significantly less
active during the scratching," said Yosipovitch. "We know scratching is
pleasurable, but we haven't known why. It's possible that scratching may
suppress the emotional components of itch and bring about its relief.".
. .
The reduced brain activity occurred in the anterior cingulate cortex, an
area associated with aversion to unpleasant sensory experiences, and the
posterior cingulate cortex, which is associated with memory. When
participants reported that the scratching felt most intense, activation
in these areas was lowest.
Yosipovitch said patients occasionally report that intense scratching
– to the point of drawing blood – is the only thing that relieves
chronic itch.
"This is the first real scientific evidence showing that itch may be
inhibited by scratching," he said. "Of course, scratching is not
recommended because it can damage the skin. But understanding how the
process works could lead to new treatments. For example, drugs that
deactivate this part of the brain might be effective."
http://www.scientificblogging.com/news_releases/why_scratching_feels_good
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