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Why Do We Itch?
Episode 783

Why Do We Itch?

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have uncovered new insights into the dual nature of scratching an itch, indicating that while it can worsen skin inflammation, it can also boost immune defenses against bacterial infections at the injury site. How did they do it? By torturing mice, of course. Jeff and Anthony dig into the science of itchiness to learn more.

We Have Concerns

March 17, 202544m 6sExplicit

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Show Notes

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have uncovered new insights into the dual nature of scratching an itch, indicating that while it can worsen skin inflammation, it can also boost immune defenses against bacterial infections at the injury site. How did they do it? By torturing mice, of course. Jeff and Anthony dig into the science of itchiness to learn more. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00256-3

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Anthony on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/acarboni.bsky.social

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Support the show and get bonus episodes, videos, Discord community access and more! http://patreon.com/wehaveconcerns

Jeff on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jeffcannata.bsky.social
Anthony on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/acarboni.bsky.social

Topics

mousescratchitchhumoranthony carbonimicenewscomedylearnjeff cannatalabstoryskinlaughsciencefunny