@article { , title = {Stroking modulates noxious-evoked brain activity in human infants}, abstract = {A subclass of C fibre sensory neurons found in hairy skin are activated by gentle touch [1] and respond optimally to stroking at ∼1–10 cm/s, serving a protective function by promoting affiliative behaviours. In adult humans, stimulation of these C-tactile (CT) afferents is pleasant, and can reduce pain perception [2]. Touch-based techniques, such as infant massage and kangaroo care, are designed to comfort infants during procedures, and a modest reduction in pain-related behavioural and physiological responses has been observed in some studies [3]. Here, we investigated whether touch can reduce noxious-evoked brain activity. We demonstrate that stroking (at 3 cm/s) prior to an experimental noxious stimulus or clinical heel lance can attenuate noxious-evoked brain activity in infants. CT fibres may represent a biological target for non-pharmacological interventions that modulate pain in early life.}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2018.11.014}, issn = {0960-9822}, issue = {24}, journal = {Current Biology}, note = {OA (CCBY). OL 18.12.2018}, pages = {R1380-R1381}, publicationstatus = {Published}, publisher = {Elsevier (Cell Press)}, url = {https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1420903}, volume = {28}, keyword = {General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, General Agricultural and Biological Sciences}, year = {2018}, author = {Gursul, Deniz and Goksan, Sezgi and Hartley, Caroline and Mellado, Gabriela Schmidt and Moultrie, Fiona and Hoskin, Amy and Adams, Eleri and Hathway, Gareth and Walker, Susannah and McGlone, Francis and Slater, Rebeccah} }