Feeling the Heat

Scientists have gotten a better understanding of the molecular mechanism by which humans sense temperature. Researchers were able to identify a region of a protein called TRPV1 that enabled temperature sensitivity and decipher some of the molecular factors at work. “Because our ability to sense temperature is closely linked to our ability to sense pain, some of these ion channels are considered targets to treat chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain indications,” said Professor Ardem Patapoutian.