| Budget Amount *help |
¥17,810,000 (Direct Cost: ¥13,700,000、Indirect Cost: ¥4,110,000)
Fiscal Year 2012: ¥5,590,000 (Direct Cost: ¥4,300,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,290,000)
Fiscal Year 2011: ¥5,720,000 (Direct Cost: ¥4,400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,320,000)
Fiscal Year 2010: ¥6,500,000 (Direct Cost: ¥5,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,500,000)
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| Research Abstract |
Concerning pain perception in humans, we developed a new stimulus electrode for selectively stimulating pain-specific receptors of the skin. This needle is highly evaluated throughout the world, and many researchers and clinicians are now using this not only for basic studies but also for clinical application.
Regarding itch perception in humans, we clarified intra-cerebral mechanisms for the following two unique phenomena: (1) Itch is contagious: When we look at other persons' skin appearing very itchy, we also feel that our skin is itchy and sometimes desire to scratch. (2) Feeling pleasantness while scratching itchy skin: When we scratch itchy skin, we usually feel pleasantness and desire to continue. We found that the reward system in our brain is activated in such a case.
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