Nervous System
If you're reading this, your nervous system is online. Nerves — bundles of fibers that start in the brain and spinal and branch out to every part of the body — are what allow us to move, breathe and interact with the world around us (among other highly important functions). To keep up with all nervous system news, check out the latest discoveries related to nerves, from strange disorders, to how individual neurons fire.
Latest about nervous system
Scientists discover new way humans feel touch
By Emily Cooke published
Hair follicle cells sense touch and release chemicals that activate nearby neurons, scientists reveal.
Neanderthal DNA may shape how sensitive you are to pain, genetic analysis shows
By Carissa Wong published
Scientists studied genetic samples from more than 7,000 people and linked three genetic variants, inherited from Neanderthals, to increased pain sensitivity.
What causes a 'nervous stomach'?
By Anna Gora published
Stress can cause "nervous stomach," but what is the link between negative emotions and uncomfortable digestive symptoms?
Bizarre blob-like animal may hint at origins of neurons
By Stephanie Pappas published
Placozoans, animals so simple they look like blobby pancakes, have been found to contain cells that may hold the ancestors of modern neurons.
Does caffeine help or cause headaches?
By Donavyn Coffey published
Caffeine's influence over headaches is complicated.
Scientists may have found the missing link between heart disease and sleep problems
By Emily Cooke published
A new study suggests sleep problems often experienced by people with heart disease may be caused by damage to a group of nerves that regulate both the heart and the brain.
Alien-like comb jellies have a nervous system like nothing ever seen before
By Stephanie Pappas published
Strange sea creatures called ctenophores have a fused nerve net where scientists expected to see synapses. Did they evolve their nervous system separately from other animals?
The nervous system: Facts, function and diseases
By James Horton last updated
Reference The network of nerves is the body's electrical wiring.
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