Scratching an itch causes minor pain which prompts the brain to release serotonin. But serotonin also reacts with receptors on neurons that carry itch signals to the brain making itching worse.

Serotonin Drives Vicious Cycle of Itching and Scratching

Research Brief |
Finger-like projections (magenta) into a tooth’s top layer represent damage to the enamel of a person with a keratin 75 mutation.

Research on Keratins Reveals Unexpected Link Between Hair Disorders and Dental Decay

Research Brief |
test gene image

Gene Linked to Potentially Life-Threatening Autoinflammatory Disorder

Research Brief |