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Why it pays to scratch that itch, and science at the start of the second Trump administration

Science Magazine Podcast

CHAPTER

The Itch-Scratch Paradox

This chapter explores the complex interplay between itching and scratching, examining the biological mechanisms that drive the urge to scratch and its paradoxical effects. Through discussions of research findings and experiments, it delves into the role of pain-sensing neurons, mast cells, and the immune response in conditions like eczema. Ultimately, the chapter highlights the evolutionary significance and implications of the itch pathway in our body's response to allergens and inflammation.

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