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A new clue to how the body detects physical force

Every time we feel a gentle tap on the skin, specialized nerve cells convert that physical force into an electrical signal the brain can interpret as touch. While scientists have long known that a protein called PIEZO2 acts as a key sensor for touch, it remained unclear why

Why being nice matters in a complex world

Coan says practicing kindness, be it big or small, is a one-two punch for your health and for those around you. That includes "weak ties," the casual, micro-relationships people form. "People often deride small talk as shallow," he said. "Well, it's not. Small talk and weak