Dangers of Declawing: Spare Your Feline Friend

Whether used for personality quizzes or classroom discourse one of the most significant questions throughout childhood and possibly lifelong: who is better cats or dogs?

For me, it always has been (and will be) cats. Now, I am not here to argue who's better (cats of course!) as I do have three cats (Floofy, Squeaky, and Hank) and one dog (Bird) - not to mention 20 chickens. You also can't forget about two previous cats of mine that have also been family pets: Jersey and Spotty. 

At my elementary school, we had something called morning care and after care. These programs were for kids to either arrive to school earlier or stay a bit later after school to make it easier for parents to pick up and drop of their kids. One of the counselors had a roommate whose cat gave birth to 12 kittens over the span of a couple weeks. So, naturally having a cat enthusiast family, my parents and I chose to adopt one of the kittens. After going through a series of names, we decided on the extremely creative name: Floofy. 

The cat in question

In our living room we have two leather chairs that my mom was quite fond of. Unfortunately for those chairs, Floofy was an athletic kitten who would jump up and down and run all over the place. In an attempt to save the chairs my mom asked that Floofy be declawed. Unfortunately, we were not aware of the horrors that declawing could do to a cat and the vet removed her front claws. Obviously, looking back this was not a smart decision and ultimately did not save the chairs that my mom so loved. So why was this act of declawing Floofy so inhumane?

Well, firstly, we have to ask the question: why do people declaw their cats? There are various reasons as to why people choose to declaw their cats. Some owners are concerned about their furniture, or the possibility of getting scratched, or they have always had declawed cats, or they want to "level the playing field" between their cats. While these might be completely valid reasons, there are easier, cheaper, and less destructive methods to solving the listed problems.

So, I have mentioned the term declawing multiple times but what does it actually entail? Declawing is the removal of each front toe at the first joint. In order to not cause readers to faint I won't go into too much detail about how the toe is removed - just know that the cat is put under anesthesia and the area is sanitized in order to remove the claw and bone portion.

Diagram showing before vs after a declawing procedure

Each veterinarian differs in the method they use. Some use scalpels whereas others use heavy-duty nail clippers. In order to prevent substantial bleeding afterwards it is recommended that the wound is sutured or closed with surgical glue. If you still are not following on why this removes important parts of a cat, I will provide you with the human equivalent pictured below. Imagine all of your fingertips removed at the first knuckle. This is what it would look like:

Featuring my hand (I could be a hand model don't you think?)

So, why is removing this claw and bone portion so detrimental? Well, firstly we have to cover what having claws allows a cat to do. Claws allow cats to scratch which creates the ability to scent and mark territory, and they allow cats to kneed which is a way of showing pleasure. Cats are typically able to climb to high places which creates vantage points and a safer environment, and without claws, cats can no longer have a full body stretch. Additionally, there are potential complications of declawing a cat. Let's go through them.

Complications after surgery: Some cats have claw regrowth or abscesses.

Pain: Just like humans, it is assumed that cats are able to feel phantom pain - pain in limbs that no longer exist. And since there are usually 10 amputations (20 if you include the hind legs), there is a likely chance that there will be phantom pains. Even if your cat seems "fine" there are ways to suffer in silence just like some humans do too.

Stiff joints / Arthritis: The joints essentially become stiff and "frozen" as the tendons that previously controlled the joints retract. But my cat makes scratching motions so they wouldn't miss their claws then, right? Well it is more realistic to assume that those cats are trying to stretch their stiff body parts and unfortunately, not succeeding. These body parts are so stiff that the toes joints are not able to be moved, even if the cat is under anesthetics.

Problems using the litter box: After going through surgery, some cats especially older ones tend to use anything but what they are actually supposed to use. So, if you like cleaning up cat urine and spending extra money to remove the pee, then declawing is for you. Personally, I would rather take a few scratches to my couch than having it peed on.

Biting: As claws are a primary defense mechanism for cats, when they are removed cats tend to shift towards biting as a defense mechanism.

Personality changes: As a result of no longer being able to stretch fully, removal of primary defense mechanisms, arthritis and joint stiffness and pain, many cats exhibit changes in behaviors.

Neglect / death: Due to all of the above symptoms, many owners no longer see their cats as desirable. Unfortunately, this results in neglect whether trapped in certain rooms, dropped off at shelters, or abandoned. Forcing a declawed cat into the wild is usually a death sentence as cats are not able to defend themselves from other wildlife (cats, dogs, predators, etc.) or natural disasters. Tragically, many declawed cats are seen as desirable to serve as live bait for fighting dogs or be sold to function as animal testers.

Are there other more humane options to remove a cats claws? Unfortunately, there are not. While tendonectomies are an alternative, they still result in constant nait trimmings to decrease risk of injury and often do result in a declawing. But then why do some veterinarians recommend declawing? Well, they are actually in violation of American Veterinary Medical Association policy. And if you are one susceptible to peer pressure, just think that 25 countries consider declawing inhumane and made it illegal to perform those procedures.

So what can a person do to prevent their cat scratching them or the furniture? Provide your cat with places they can scratch. Personally, I recommend having multiple cat scratchers throughout your home as they will usually utilize those instead of furniture. Scratching posts should be tall enough that your cat can get a full enough stretch. It is not necessary to provide cats with full size cat trees (while it is nice for the cats) but it is necessary to provide spots where your cat can scratch. Also to prevent getting scratched yourself, try to read into your cat's behavior. If they seem avoidant and resistant to contact, do not pursue and ignore their wishes. If you ignore their boundaries, they might lash out and attack.

I hope that reading this post has either changed your mind about declawing cats or at least made you a bit more knowledgeable on the topic. I hope that looking forward you will make the best decision for your cat and keep in mind the negative effects of declawing. 

The Scientific Miracle of IVF!

I have always been asked where my passion for science comes from. For many people I would assume, it's the illness of a family member or some other scientific experience they had when they were young, but for me it starts at the very beginning with my conception. Okay, okay I know how that sounds, but I'm the product of an unconventional conception. While my friends had tales of the birds and the bees, my parents had a different story to tell - one involving petri dishes, lab coats, and a dash of scientific magic. Yes, my entrance into this world was orchestrated with the help of a brilliant scientific technique called IVF. So what exactly is that?

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. It is a complex assisted reproductive technology that involves combining an egg and sperm outside of the body in a laboratory setting, and then transferring the resulting embryo back into the uterus for implantation and pregnancy. IVF is a complicated process that requires the help of many medical professionals to maximize its success rates. IVF is made up of several steps: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilization, embryo development, embryo transfer, and implantation and pregnancy. 

Potential IVF Cycle Timeline (CNY Fertility)

So why are there so many steps and why are they each crucial to the IVF process? Well, ovarian stimulation increases the number of mature eggs that can be retrieved, which increases the probability of a live birth. While the medication given to stimulate the ovaries (estrogen and progesterone) can create complications such as hyper-stimulation, IVF patients are closely monitored by doctors and fertility specialists to ensure their safety. Egg retrieval requires a small surgical procedure to collect the mature eggs that will be fertilized. The sperm sample that is going to be used is typically collected on the same day, either through a partner or a donor. There are two types of fertilization that can be used during IVF: Conventional IVF Fertilization (when the sperm fertilizes the egg naturally when they are combined in a petri dish) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).

Egg being fertilized in a petri dish! (CNY Fertility)

After fertilization the embryo is placed inside an incubator (to act as an artificial fallopian tube) for up to 7 days. Embryos are screened for quality and growing potential. The embryos can be frozen at this point to be implanted later or they can be implanted "freshly." It's important to note that not all embryos will successfully implant and result in a pregnancy. Some embryos may fail to develop or may be discarded due to abnormalities. Additionally, there is a possibility of multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins or triplets) if more than one embryo is transferred. Fun fact, my mom had three embryos transferred but I was the only one that stuck; I could have been a triplet, so cool!

Chances of multiples because of IVF (Remembryo)

So when did this process first become possible and what could the future look like for it? Well the first "test-tube" baby was born on July 25, 1978 in northwest England. At first the success rates for IVF were in the single digits but now those rates are nearly 50. So clearly IVF has improved so much since it's beginnings but where could it go from here? In several countries that picture includes genetic engineering which has to do with modifying DNA for specific traits. It is standard procedure to test an embryo created via IVF for genetic diseases that could alter or inhibit life, but where does one draw the line. Chinese scientist successfully modified the first human embryo which led to several large bioethical discussions. Is it morally right to alter human embryos for traits such as athleticism or intelligence? The jury is still out!

Model of modifying DNA (Engineers Network)

As a kid, I loved explaining that I was a scientific miracle. Of, course being a child of IVF had its quirks. I'd jokingly claim that I was the "chosen one," the result of a clandestine experiment to create the world's most charming and hilarious individual. And, of course, I took every opportunity to tease my mom, saying things like, "You had to go through all that trouble just to have me? Was I really worth all that?!"

People would wonder if I had inherited any superpowers or if my DNA was somehow imbued with scientific brilliance. Alas, (as far as you know ;) ) no mutant abilities or extraordinary knowledge were bestowed upon me, much to my disappointment. But hey, I do have a unique story to tell, and that's worth something!

But beyond the silliness, being a child of IVF taught me some valuable lessons. It showed me the power of innovation, how dedicated professionals can turn dreams into reality. It taught me to appreciate the lengths people are willing to go to for the chance to experience the joy of parenthood. And most importantly, it instilled me in a sense of wonder for science.

So, dear readers, if you ever find yourself curious about the science behind IVF or if you encounter a child like me with a tale to tell, approach it with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the wonder of scientific miracles. After all, in this vast and intricate universe, anything is possible - even the birth of a child who sees the humor in their own scientific origins.

Why You Might Actually Want to be a Ginger

Have you ever made fun of a redhead, a.k.a. a ginger, before? Insulted them because they were different? Because of their unique hair color that you were jealous you could never have? Don't even try to lie and say that you never have because, as a ginger myself, I often fall victim to these insults, especially from many of you reading this post right now. 

A redhead (ginger)!

Not only am I constantly insulted and made fun of, I am also faced with, although less often, many questions regarding the myths surrounding my distinct red hair color (stupid ones, I might add). Out of all the myths I've heard, the most absurd one would have to be that "gingers are going extinct!" Since only about 2% of the world population are gingers, I understand why many would believe that myth; however, the real reason for this scarcity of gingers actually has to do with genetics - the trait for red hair is recessive, meaning it is often masked by the dominant traits of brown/blonde hair, thus leading to its rarity.

Anyways...that's enough about myths! Back to what I was saying! What many of you blondes and brunettes fail to realize is that the roles should be reversed, meaning I, along with all other gingers, should actually be the one insulting you. Now, you may be wondering what a person with red hair, supposedly the worst and most embarrassing hair color in your eyes, could possibly have to say about your amazing blonde/brown hair. Well, that is exactly what I am going to talk about today, and it has a little something to do with pain tolerance... 

What Exactly is Pain Tolerance?

Before I dive deep into what exactly makes gingers better than both brunettes and blondes, you must first understand what pain tolerance is and its effect on everyone's day to day lives. Pain tolerance is the maximum amount of pain that a person can bear and/or tolerate, and it differs from person to person. This specificity of each person is due to many factors, including genes, age, gender, and if you haven't already guessed it, hair color! 

This is the part where I am finally going to tell you why gingers, myself included, are better...we have a higher pain tolerance than most! Basically what this means is that we are the best. I'm obviously just kidding...or am I? Anyways, what this actually means is that we can withstand a higher amount of pain than everyone else. For example, have you ever lifted a hot bowl out of the microwave, almost dropping it at one point because of how hot it was? This, right here, is a perfect example of pain tolerance. Those who have a higher pain tolerance, such as myself, are able to carry that hot bowl much longer without almost dropping it, than those with a lower pain tolerance, such as all you brunettes and blondes out there. 

A system used to measure your pain tolerance

Let's Go More In Depth - Why do Gingers Have a Higher Pain Tolerance?

Now that you understand pain tolerance in a basic sense, let us dive deeper into why gingers, in particular, have a much higher pain tolerance than most. I'll give you a hint, it all has to do with genetics! 

Within the pigment-producing skin cells of all humans, known as melanocytes, are melanocortin 1 receptors, receptors that determine how much pheomelanin and dark coloration the body can produce (they basically determine how tan you can get). Gingers, seeing as we never get tan, lack properly functioning melanocortin I receptors. This, although extremely sad, is actually beneficial to us, in that having non-functional (tan-determining) receptors is actually one of the main reasons why we have such a high pain tolerance, something all you blondes and brunettes wouldn't understand. 

To go more in depth, having non-functional melanocortin I receptors leads to a reduction in the amount of POMC, a protein that stimulates the release of specific hormones (melanocyte stimulating hormones and beta-endorphins) into the body, being produced. With less POMC being produced, less of those hormones are released, bringing about an unbalance between the pain-inhibiting and pain-enhancing receptors within the body that control a person's pain tolerance. Although reading the word "unbalance" may sound worrisome, in actuality this "unbalance" allows for the increased activation of opioid receptors involved in preventing pain; ultimately, raising our pain tolerance and making us the best! 

A closer look at melanocytes!

So there you have it! Now you know why people with red hair (gingers), including myself obviously, are better than all those who have either blonde or brown hair. 

How Does This High Pain Tolerance Affect Other Aspects of Life?

After reading about a high pain tolerance and why exactly gingers have it, you are probably wondering just how beneficial it can actually be. Well, for one, it makes us superior over everyone else! More importantly though, having a high pain tolerance means that gingers often require lower doses of certain medications, one of which being morphine, as well as other opioids. 

A type of opioid - morphine

What Have Scientists Learned From Studying the High Pain Tolerance of Gingers?

I know you're probably tired of reading about why gingers are the best, but this is the last section, I promise! From studying the high pain tolerance of gingers, and why exactly they have it, scientists are hopeful that they will soon be able to use that information to create many new medications to treat pain. 

Although studies are still ongoing, scientists hope to create these new medications by manipulating all the signals, receptors, etc. that play a part in determining a person's pain tolerance. 

I hope that after reading this blog, you have come to realize two very important things: one, the insults and myths need to stop; and two, gingers are the best (because of our high pain tolerance, of course)! 

Can Capybaras Help Fight Cancer?

Last summer, I vacationed in the amazing city of San Diego. Along with reveling in the beautiful beaches and historical parks, my family made a point to visit the most famous zoo in the US - the San Diego Zoo. With 100 acres of land and hundreds of different species, the San Diego Zoo was certainly an exhilarating place. While most people likely look forward to seeing the majestic lions or cuddly koalas, I was most excited to see the capybaras. 

A capybara with its two capybara pups - how cute!!

I'm sure you've seen capybaras on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or anywhere else you get your fill of social media. From the viral capybara song to videos that make you go "aww" - capybaras are everywhere now - and rightfully so! Capybaras are undeniably adorable animals. Just look at their tiny legs and shaggy fur! As the biggest living rodents on Earth, capybaras can grow to be over 4 ft in length and weigh over 150 pounds, a far cry from other rodents (guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, etc.). Yet despite their size, they truly are gentle giants. They can be found to have birds, monkeys, or their own pups riding on their backs as they walk around or wade through water, as capybaras are excellent swimmers. In Japan, zoos often let them enjoy relaxing in hot springs - tell me that's not absolutely precious. 

Capybaras enjoying a hot spring bath 

In addition to being endearing, capybaras are truly fascinating creatures from a biological standpoint. With capybaras being so drastically different in size compared to their rodent relatives, the question to ask is - how did they evolve? Small size has proved to be an advantage for most rodents as it protects them from predators - especially since most rodents (including capybaras) are herbivores, and carnivorous rodents are equally as unthreatening, sticking to insects and other small organisms. Scientists have hypothesized that capybaras were able to grow in size due to the lack of predators in their habitat when they first developed. The large size of capybaras calls another aspect of their evolution into question - one that might provide insight into treating cancer. 

Cancer is the uncontrolled dividing of cells due to mutations in a cell's DNA, mutations that may develop randomly during DNA replication and cell division. The more cells an animal has, the more DNA replication and cell division occurs, increasing the likelihood of replication errors and mutations. The large size of capybaras mean they have more cells and therefore should indicate an increased risk of cancer, however this is not the case. In fact, there have only been 3 known cases of cancer in capybaras, whilst mice are even more susceptible to cancer than humans are. This absence of a correlation between animal size and cancer risk has confused scientists for years, and is known as Peto's Paradox. A full explanation for this paradox is yet to be found, however, scientists have found that various large animals have developed their own mechanisms for fighting cancer. For example, elephants have twenty copies of the p53 gene, as opposed to most animals having only one. The p53 gene codes for proteins that repair damaged DNA before division or induce apoptosis to prevent cancer development, decreasing the frequency of cancer in elephants. Similarly, bowhead whales are quicker at repairing damage to their DNA than other animals, and are less likely to have errors as well. 

Peto's Paradox demonstrated by comparing the expected vs observed cancer rate

In 2018, scientists found that capybaras had their own cancer-fighting mechanism. The capybara genome was found to have 3 gene families that were larger compared to other rodent genomes. This expansion contributes to the size difference, as well as to a signaling pathway that suppresses cancer cells and is regulated by T-cells. T-cells are a type of white blood cell and an important part of the immune system. T-cells help destroy infected or cancerous cells, and signal for other cells to fight harmful pathogens. This means that capybaras have an immune system that is much better at identifying and terminating cells that divide too fast and have the potential to become cancer. Their innate mechanism is similar to a treatment provided to cancer patients called immunotherapy, in which a patient's immune response is amplified to destroy more cancer cells. Just a few years ago, a groundbreaking form of immunotherapy called CAR T-cell therapy was developed to treat lymphoma and leukemia. This treatment genetically modifies T-cells to synthesize chimeric antigen receptors, allowing the T-cells to find and destroy cancer cells that contain a specific protein. CAR T-cell therapy has proven to be very successful, with 83% of leukemia patients showing complete remission after 3 months, and 50% of lymphoma patients showing signs of remission after 15 to 24 months. With immunotherapy proving to be revolutionary and worthy of further research, capybaras could be a useful thing to study. 

It is with great sorrow and shame that I admit I was unsuccessful in my very important pursuit to see a capybara - though in my defense, the map was very confusing and the zoo is enormous...and I am not big on walking. I was even more disheartened when I visited Turtle Back Zoo the following Fall and found that we do not have capybaras here in Essex County - what a travesty. I have not lost faith, though, and I am even more determined to see one, especially now that I know capybaras are more than just a pretty face. I didn't know it before, and I doubt they know it themselves, but the mere existence of capybaras brings up a whole host of questions as part of the continuously intriguing world of biology.

Sun Sense

Those who know me on a personal level know my relationship with tanning. I love to tan; I will even plan my whole day around the optimal tanning hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (just in case you were wondering because I know you were). The second the UV hits even 5, you'll find me outside tanning. No matter where I am, I will always find a place to tan. Weather it is the beach, the pool, the concrete ground, my roof, one thing about me is I WILL ALWAYS be tanning. Although there are artificial ways to tan, laying out in the sun for extended periods of time is the most popular method for obtaining tanned skin. Whether it was intentional or not, you've probably experienced getting tanned, but do you know why and how your body got tanned? 

Tan lines from sun exposure 

Tanning is the process of skin getting darker as a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are two types of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun that affect skin: UVA and UVB. Both types of radiation can damage the skin upon exposure. To protect skin from the damage inflicted by UV radiation, melanin is produced. 

What is melanin, you may ask? Melanin is a polymer that comes from the amino acid tyrosine. This polymer is a pigment that protects skin from the harm of UV radiation by absorbing the radiation and converting it into heat energy. When UVB rays penetrate the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin, skin cells are damaged. Cells located in the epidermis called melanocytes release melanin when in contact with UVB; this process is known as melanogenesis. A component of melanocytes are intracellular lysosome-like organelles in which melanin pigments are synthesized and stored, called melanosomes. Once stored, the melanin pigments are transferred to keratinocytes, which are cells that surround melanocytes. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, melanin production is stimulated as a mechanism to protect keratinocytes and prevent DNA damage by absorbing the harmful UV light and causing the skin to darken, resulting in a tan.

Melanosomes getting transferred from melanocytes to keratinocytes

People aim for the bronzed look resulting from sunlight exposure, but there are downsides. Exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer, usually later in life, by damaging the DNA present in skin cells. When the DNA is damaged, cells divide and replicate in a rapid, uncontrolled manner, causing cancer. The main types of skin cancer as a result of sun exposure are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Exposure to UVA rays damages the protein collagen and fibers called elastin in the skin, which over time leads to premature aging. Sunburns, caused by UVB rays, result in red and inflamed skin because the body's immune system is trying to repair the damage caused to the skin by sending blood flow to the burned areas. Over time, the damaged skin cells peel away, revealing new, undamaged skin underneath. Sunburns are also a leading cause of premature aging. 

UVA and UVB rays penetrating skin

If you have ever experienced a sunburn, depending on your skin type, you may have noticed that after the initial burn healed, the area appeared tan. The common myth around sunburns is that the burn "turned into" a tan once healed, but this is incorrect. Either the tan is present during the burn but is just not visible, or when the skin is initially burned, damaged skin cells are replaced with new cells that have more melanin, which helps protect the skin from further damage. 

Protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays is crucial to avoiding the negative effects of exposure to UV radiation, such as skin cancer or premature aging, as explained in the previous paragraph. One of the most common methods of sunlight protection is sunscreen. Sunscreen works by creating a protective barrier between your skin and UV radiation. The barrier created reflects and absorbs the UVA and UVB photons effectively, resulting in their inability to penetrate and damage the skin. Another method of protecting yourself from the harm of UV radiation is to stay inside; this is the only 100% effective method of sunlight protection. 

Sunscreen

Although it may seem like sunbathing is all negative, there are benefits to sun exposure. Tanning is proven to improve an individual's mood. UV radiation stimulates endorphin production; endorphins are proteins that act as neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters block feelings of pain and promote feelings of happiness. Another neurotransmitter that is stimulated by sunlight is serotonin, which regulates mood and contributes to feelings of happiness. When sunlight enters one's eyes, serotonin production is stimulated by activating nerve cells in the eye called retinal ganglion cells. These cells contain a light-sensitive protein called melanopsin that responds to sunlight and sends signals to the brain's pineal gland to produce serotonin. This process effectively improves an individual's mood. Exposure to UVB radiation stimulates vitamin D production in the body; vitamin D is an essential vitamin for absorbing calcium. Many individuals experience vitamin D deficiency throughout the winter months as a result of staying inside. Tanning provides the body with an opportunity to restore the proper balance of vitamin D necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Woman taking in the sun

As summer quickly approaches, if you are like me and can't help but tan, remember to sunbathe responsibly, applying sunscreen as needed. As hard as it may be to pull away from those harmful UV rays, make sure to only expose your skin to sunlight in moderation!

Help! I Think My Brain is Frozen...

Aghhh...My Head Hurts

I am sure that whoever is reading this has most definitely had Sphenopalatine Ganglioneuraliga at least once in their life. The voice inside your head probably just responded to that statement with extreme confusion and denial. Of course you have never had whatever that confusing name was, it sounds too serious to have affected you, right...? Well, I am here to tell you that you actually most likely have because in reality, it is simply just the scientific term for a brain freeze.   

What you think a brain freeze is

Have you ever wondered what that agonizing pain you feel in your head is after consuming a delicious, cold, refreshing treat on a hot summer day is? Although it only lasts for a short period of time, the pain can be quite unbearable. I am going to assume you know that it is a brain freeze. But what exactly does this even mean? A brain freeze, other wise known as an ice cream headache, cold neuralgia, or cold stimulus headache, is a an intense, but brief, pain located in the front of the head as a result of eating or drinking something cold. Such pain can arise from things such as ice cream, ice cubes, ice pops, frozen drinks, or even cold air. 

Let's take a deeper dive into what is actually happening inside that head of yours

But what is going on at the molecular level? For starters, no, your brain is not actually frozen, nor is your blood getting cold. In reality, your blood vessels are rapidly constricting (vasoconstriction) and rapidly widening (vasodilation) as a response to cold stimulus in the roof of your mouth or back of your throat. Subsequently, this activates pain receptors in the trigeminal nerve, or the nerve that perceives pain and temperature shifts from inside the mouth. Because these nerves are so sensitive, the extreme stimuli changes and proximity of these nerves causes them to react. Essentially, the trigeminal nerve sends a signal of pain and frigid temperatures to your consciousness which is then received and interpreted by the brain cortex. But why does this rapid dilation of blood vessels cause such sharp pain in the head? Well, the brain interprets this as head pain since the trigeminal nerve also transmits sensation to the head and scalp. In other words, your brain briefly malfunctions and misinterprets the rapid movements and cold stimuli for that excruciating pain you feel. Who knew your brain could make mistakes?! 

FUN FACT: Did you know the rapid constriction of blood vessels is a survival instinct used to maintain your body's core temperature? It is truly fascinating what our bodies are capable of doing!

What is really happening inside your brain

                                                         

                                

A closer look into the trigeminal nerve

The trigeminal nerve, or CN V, is the fifth cranial nerve and the largest one. It has three main branches, each of which serves the face's sensory innervation as its main purpose. The ocular (V1), maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3) nerves are the various branches.

The Trigeminal Nerve/System

So, how can you stop this searing head pain?

One of the most common solutions you might have been told to stopping a brain freeze is placing your thumb on the roof of your mouth. I am here to tell you that this actually does in fact work! Do you know why? Well, putting your thumb on the roof of your mouth helps in transferring warmth to the area, alleviating the pain from the cold stimulus. Basically, any method that involves circulating warm air into your mouth and body will help in bringing mouth and throat temperature back to normal. This can be as simple as drinking a warm drink or covering your nose and mouth with your hands and breathing rapidly to increase the flow of warm air. 

A boy getting a brain freeze with ice cream!

                                               

Are there those more prone to getting brain freezes?

In a sense, yes there can be people who experience more pain or brain freezes more often than others. This really just means that they have a more sensitive trigeminal nerve than other people. Also, recent studies have shown that individuals who suffer from migraines are more often prone to brain freezes. More specifically, Dr. Jorge Serrador, a cardiovascular electronics researcher, explores this idea more closely in his research in the "FASEB Journal" (April 2012 Issue). Dr. Serrador claims that we already know migraine sufferers are more likely to suffer brain freezes after consuming something cold compared to those who never get migraines. The real mystery is what happens during a migraine vs. a brain freeze. Well, Serrador hypothesizes that actually, the same process most likely occurs or at least something very similar and vasodilation causes a rush of warm blood into brain tissue so that the brain remains warm and avoids any drastic temperature shifts. Moreover, Dr. Serrador and his team suggest that further research may finally lead to medications that can help treat or even cure migraines. Since dilated arteries result in a blood rush to the brain that causes immense pressure and pain, then a drug that constricts the blood vessels should reduce the pressure, ultimately alleviating the pain an individual feels. 

How common are brain freezes?

Believe it or not, only 30%-40% of people are susceptible to brain freezes. Isn't it weird to think about how there are people who have never experienced this before? I guess you might be more special than you think ;) 

So, next time you have a cold treat and feel that excruciating head pain, remember your body is trying to keep you alive!