The ice cannot be felt

2007/06/14 Roa Zubia, Guillermo - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Biokimika

German scientists discover a protein capable of feeling cold. It is a protein called Nav1.8, which scientists knew is also involved in the detection of damaged tissues. What's more, the protein Nav1.8 intervenes in molecular processes to exaggerate the affected nerves and make feel the pain. In fact, the protein Nav1.8 helps to transmit the signal in the membrane of neurons. Scientists have also seen that the protein also works at low temperatures. Therefore, when the origin of this pain is cold, the Nav1.8 protein also works (for example, when we take a piece of ice in the hand). They have removed the Nav1.8 protein, so the mouse has no ability to feel ice. Peter W. Reeh and Clemens Forster.