- Scientists discovered a new way that neurons switch on pain.
- This change happens after an injury to the body.
- Active neurons release a signal outside the cell.
- The signal makes nearby cells send pain messages.
- In mice, extra signal made pain responses stronger.
- When researchers removed the signal, mice felt less pain.
- The mice still moved and sensed normally after removal.
- The discovery could help safer pain medicines in future.
Difficult words
- neuron — cell that sends messages in the bodyneurons
- signal — a message sent from one cell to another
- injury — harm to the body or a body part
- release — to let something go out from a cell
- remove — to take something away or outremoved
- discovery — finding something new that we did not know
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you felt more pain after an injury?
- Do you use medicine when you have pain?
- Do you think this discovery can help people?
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