Neuropathic Pain Eased by Novel Light-Based Technique

Researchers from EMBL Rome say they have identified a special population of nerve cells in the skin  responsible for sensitivity to gentle touch. These are also the cells that cause severe pain in patients with neuropathic pain. The team, led by EMBL group leader Paul Heppenstall, Ph.D., developed a light-sensitive chemical that selectively binds to this type of nerve cell. By first injecting the affected skin area with the chemical and then illuminating it with near-infrared light, th