Scientists now believe touch sometimes involves emotions,
a finding that may help to explain some of the issues related to autistic
spectrum disorders. For example, picking up a spoon triggers no real emotion,
while feeling a gentle caress often does.
A new research study describes a system of slowly conducting nerves in the skin that respond to such gentle touch.
As reported in the journal Neuron, investigators are beginning to characterize these nerves and to describe the fundamental role they play in our lives as a social species — from a nurturing touch to an infant to a reassuring pat on the back. Their work also suggests that this soft touch wiring may go awry in disorders such as autism.
Read more here.
A new research study describes a system of slowly conducting nerves in the skin that respond to such gentle touch.
As reported in the journal Neuron, investigators are beginning to characterize these nerves and to describe the fundamental role they play in our lives as a social species — from a nurturing touch to an infant to a reassuring pat on the back. Their work also suggests that this soft touch wiring may go awry in disorders such as autism.
Read more here.
