- Researchers study mice and skin itch.
- They find very fine hairs on mice.
- These hairs are like peach fuzz.
- Special nerve cells touch the hairs.
- Touch of these hairs can cause itch.
- Mice with no these nerves scratch less.
- Scientists made nerves react with blue light.
- Light also made the mice scratch.
- The discovery may help treat chronic itch.
Difficult words
- researcher — a person who studies or tests ideasResearchers
- itch — a feeling that makes you want to scratch
- hair — thin threads that grow from skinhairs
- nerve cell — a body cell that sends signalsnerve cells
- scratch — to rub skin with nails when itchy
- chronic — long lasting and not going away
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you scratch when you have an itch?
- Have you seen very fine hairs on an animal?
- Would you tell a doctor about a long lasting itch?
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