Science
Protein found in fingertip ‘capsules’ may be critical to our sense of touch – Science Magazine
People without usherin can’t feel small texture differences
Running your hand across any surface causes vibrations that signal your sense of touch.
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By Krystnell A. StorrDec. 11, 2020 , 12:10 PM
Can you tell the difference between high and low thread-count sheets just by touching them? Thank usherin, a protein found in a mysterious structure in your fingertips. Usherin also helps us see and hear, suggesting a deep molecular connection among our most important senses.
The work is surprising, says Ellen Lumpkin, a neuroscientist at the University…
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