Mammals are able to feel the taste of water. Figured it out by scientists at the California Institute of technology and published research in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
Previously it was thought that people are able to distinguish four tastes: sour, sweet, salty and bitter. They were later joined by the minds of “meat” taste, the taste of protein-rich substances. Now scientists have found that there is a sixth taste – the taste of water.
In the study, researchers “switched off” in genetically modified mice specific receptors, and then rinsed their mouth with water and see what the cells will react to it. It turned out that the water react with the same receptors that sour taste.
Next, the researchers tested their discovery using optogenetics. They brought out a line of mice in which the receptors sensitive to the acid contained the light-sensitive proteins. Reacting to light, these receptors cause a sensation similar to the taste of water. The mouse did not notice the deception and pili, licking a luminous fiber. Especially suffering from thirst rodents made 2,000 lakani 10 minutes.
Now researchers are asking: what information is send to the sour receptors in your brain, really? In addition, the results have not yet been tested on humans, therefore it is impossible to say with certainty that the effect will be the same. However, scientists are already configured to search for other flavors, not seen before.
