How the brain shapes what we feel in real time: A new mechanism for modulating sensory signals

How the brain shapes what we feel in real time: A new mechanism for modulating sensory signals

The cerebral cortex processes sensory information via a complex network of neural connections. How are these signals modulated to refine perception? A team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has identified a mechanism by which certain thalamic projections target neurons and modify their excitability.

Thalamus Found to Modulate Cortical Sensitivity to Touch

The cerebral cortex processes sensory information via a complex network of neural connections. How are these signals modulated to refine perception? A team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has identified a mechanism by which certain thalamic projections target neurons and modify their excitability.

Brain’s Sensory 'Volume Control' Discovered

Our sense of touch can feel sharp one moment and muted the next. New research reveals this inconsistency may be due to a feedback loop between the thalamus and somatosensory cortex, where thalamic input subtly changes how sensitive cortical neurons are to incoming stimuli.

The brain shapes what we feel in real time

30.07.2025 - A team from the University of Geneva has discovered a new brain mechanism responsible for modulating sensory signals. It could be involved in the perception threshold of our senses. The cerebral cortex processes sensory information via a complex network of neural connections.