Dan Kaplan

Dan Kaplan, a Professor of Immunology and Dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh, dives into the fascinating world of itching and scratching. He discusses how scratching may actually serve as a biological defense against pests and pathogens. The conversation unveils the intricate mechanisms at play, revealing the role of pain-sensing neurons and immune responses. Meanwhile, Jocelyn Kaiser highlights the impact of the Trump administration on major science agencies, including significant hiring freezes and challenges facing gender research funding.