Study Reveals Rodents Gnaw for Pleasure, Not Just Dental Maintenance
A study published in Neuron on March 10 indicates that rodents gnaw not only to manage their continuously growing incisors but also because it activates brain reward pathways. Researchers from the University of Michigan, including Bo Duan and Joshua Emrick, found that touch-sensitive nerve cells near teeth send signals to motivation systems, releasing dopamine. This discovery may explain similar behaviors in dogs and humans, such as nail-biting or teeth grinding, and could inform treatments for jaw misalignment and conditions like autism or Parkinson's disease.
Key facts
- Rodents gnaw to trim ever-growing incisors and for sensory reward
- Study published in Neuron on March 10 by University of Michigan scientists
- Gnawing triggers dopamine release in brain's motivation system
- Findings may apply to human behaviors like teeth grinding
- Research could aid understanding of jaw issues in conditions like autism
Entities
Institutions
- University of Michigan
- Emory University