Nervous System
If you're reading this, your nervous system is online. Nerves — bundles of fibers that start in the brain and spinal and branch out to every part of the body — are what allow us to move, breathe and interact with the world around us (among other highly important functions). To keep up with all nervous system news, check out the latest discoveries related to nerves, from strange disorders, to how individual neurons fire.
Latest about nervous system
Acupuncture really works for sciatica pain, study finds
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A new trial that compared acupuncture to a convincing placebo suggests that the treatment can help relieve sciatica pain.
'This is what drives the migraine headache': Scientists uncover 'missing link' in why some migraines happen
By Michael Schubert published
A new mouse study uncovered a previously unknown route between the brain and peripheral nerves that could explain the link between aura symptoms and migraine headaches.
Bionic legs plugged directly into nervous system enable unprecedented 'level of brain control'
By Emily Cooke published
A first-of-its-kind study demonstrated that a new nervous system-controlled bionic leg helps leg amputees walk more naturally than traditional prosthesis.
What are the systems of the body? Fast facts about the human body and how it works
By Rachael Rettner, Scott Dutfield, Nicoletta Lanese last updated
Reference Learn all about the human body's many systems and some of its individual organs, both vital and vestigial.
Scientists discover new way humans feel touch
By Emily Cooke published
Hair follicle cells sense touch and release chemicals that activate nearby neurons, scientists reveal.
Neanderthal DNA may shape how sensitive you are to pain, genetic analysis shows
By Carissa Wong published
Scientists studied genetic samples from more than 7,000 people and linked three genetic variants, inherited from Neanderthals, to increased pain sensitivity.
What causes a 'nervous stomach'?
By Anna Gora published
Stress can cause "nervous stomach," but what is the link between negative emotions and uncomfortable digestive symptoms?
Bizarre blob-like animal may hint at origins of neurons
By Stephanie Pappas published
Placozoans, animals so simple they look like blobby pancakes, have been found to contain cells that may hold the ancestors of modern neurons.
Does caffeine help or cause headaches?
By Donavyn Coffey published
Caffeine's influence over headaches is complicated.
Scientists may have found the missing link between heart disease and sleep problems
By Emily Cooke published
A new study suggests sleep problems often experienced by people with heart disease may be caused by damage to a group of nerves that regulate both the heart and the brain.
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