UC Berkeley: Molecular Mechanisms of Itch, Touch, and Pain

Acute pain acts as a warning signal that alerts us to noxious stimuli in our environment that are potentially tissue damaging. Likewise, itch sensations trigger reflexes that protect us from diseases that insects may be carrying. Despite these essential protective functions, itch and pain can outlast their usefulness and become chronic debilitating conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. Dr. Diana Bautista, a UC Berkeley professor, will summarize what is known about the biology of itch, touch, and pain then focus on her latest research identifying novel mechanisms that drive chronic itch, chronic pain, and inflammatory disease. She leads the Bautista Lab at UC Berkeley.
Hosted by Prytanean Society
0:00 Introduction to the lecture
1:55 Introduction to Dr. Diana Baustista
2:51 Lecture
32:05 Questions