All articles tagged with #trp channels
Tokyo University of Science researchers found that combining common plant compounds (menthol, 1,8-cineole, capsaicin, and others) dramatically enhances anti-inflammatory effects in immune cells, amplifying activity hundreds of times by engaging multiple signaling pathways. This suggests everyday foods and potential functional products could better modulate chronic inflammation, though human studies are still needed.
In a small study of 14 casual esports players, drinking sparkling water during three-hour sessions helped preserve attention and reduce fatigue vs plain water, with higher enjoyment and better perceived control, while heart rate, glucose, and cortisol stayed the same. The authors hypothesize carbonation may raise arousal via TRP receptors, but the mechanism wasn’t directly tested. The study was partially funded by a sparkling-water company whose employees worked on it, and results were not directly compared to coffee or energy drinks, warranting broader replication.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have identified a novel pain-suppression pathway in fruit flies, regulated by just two neurons named ‘Epione’ or ‘Epi’. The Epi neurons directly sense high temperatures, utilizing a specific ion channel named “Painless.” The molecule that suppresses the pain sensation in adult flies has the opposite role in fly larvae. This breakthrough understanding of pain suppression, or ‘nociception’, may have wider implications for human pain management.