First 3D simulation of rat’s complete whisker system acts as tactile ‘camera’

Northwestern University engineers have developed the first full, three-dimensional (3D), dynamic simulation of a rat’s complete whisker system, offering rare, realistic insight into how rats obtain tactile information.

Called WHISKiT, the new model incorporates 60 individual whiskers, which are each anatomically, spatially and geometrically correct. The technology could help researchers predict how whiskers activate different sensory cells to influence which signals are sent to the brain as well as provide new insights into the mysterious nature of human touch.

www.miragenews.com/first-3d-simulation-of-rats-complete-whisker-595904/

The research was published last week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.