Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Monterotondo, Italy have released some of the most incredible images of the nervous system ever produced. These images are in fact the nerves endings of mice.
This research has helped scientists overcome the challenges that often come with studying complex tissues and animals.
The researchers genetically engineered mice using a technique called SNAP-tagging, which allowed them to assign brilliant fluorescent color to individual structures in mice nerves, touch receptors and hair follicles.
These stunning high-resolution nerve images help scientists better understand why we feel pain and scratch an itch. In the future scientists hope to use this technique to record how neurons react to different stimuli on the skin.
