By: Nicola Davis | Scientists discover new pain-sensing organ | Neuroscience | The Guardian
Octopus-like Schwann cells that engulf nerves in skin can sense pain, experiments show
A new organ involved in the sensation of pain has been discovered by scientists, raising hopes that it could lead to the development of new painkilling drugs.
Researchers say they have discovered that the special cells that surround the pain-sensing nerve cells that extend into the outer layer of skin appear to be involved in sensing pain – a discovery that points to a new organ behind the feeling of “ouch!”.
Related: My chronic pain taught me about the links between the mind and body | Hannah Millington
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