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Neurological Basis of Shaking in Wet Mammals
Scientists discover the neurological mechanism behind the shaking behavior of wet mammals, linking it to ultrasensitive receptors and potentially to tickling sensations.
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ScienceNatureIflscienceLivescience
Dawei Zhang
- What is the main finding of the study published in Science?
- The study, published in Science, reveals that the shaking behavior in mammals like dogs is not random but a neurological reflex triggered by C-LTMR mechanoreceptors.
- What is the primary function of the shaking behavior in animals?
- The shaking action helps remove water, insects, or other irritants from the animal's fur, acting as a protective mechanism.
- What other sensory response may be linked to this shaking mechanism?
- There's a possible link between the shaking response and tickling sensations, as the same C-LTMR receptors may be involved in both, according to the study's lead author.
- What specific type of receptors trigger the shaking response in mammals?
- These C-LTMRs are ultrasensitive receptors that activate when something irritates the fur, sending signals to the brainstem to initiate the shaking response.
- How did researchers confirm the role of these receptors in the shaking behavior?
- The researchers used optogenetics and ablation techniques on mice to confirm the role of C-LTMRs in triggering the shaking behavior; eliminating them stopped the shaking.