Researchers identify 16 types of nerve cells involved in human touch

Researchers have identified 16 distinct types of nerve cells involved in human touch, revealing unexpected complexities in how these cells respond to various stimuli. This study compared human nerve cells with those in mice and macaques, highlighting both similarities and differences. Some nerve cells that sense touch also react to temperature changes, challenging previous beliefs about the specificity of sensory nerve cells. The study found that humans have more rapid pain-signaling nerve cells than mice, likely due to differences in body size. The research, conducted by teams from Linköping University, Karolinska Institutet, and the University of Pennsylvania, aims to create a detailed atlas of human sensory nerve cells. This work could enhance understanding of sensory processing and pain management.