Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: neilep on 03/03/2007 02:07:46

Title: Does Mint really cool ? Does Chilli really heat ?
Post by: neilep on 03/03/2007 02:07:46

We all know that sucking a mint feels cool !..or chewing mint gum ?

But does the actual temperature of the oral cavity really decrease ?..if not....then what is the nature of the cooling perception ?

In Contrast......does chilli really actually increase the temperature of the mouth ? or is all this heat just down to false sensation.....?

Title: Does Mint really cool ? Does Chilli really heat ?
Post by: Karen W. on 03/03/2007 02:52:24

Good Questions I haven't a clue!! LOL

Title: Does Mint really cool ? Does Chilli really heat ?
Post by: chris on 03/03/2007 10:07:22

Hi Neil

I'm really pleased to say that we covered these questions on a recent podcast all about pain, temperature and touch sensations. In the show Geoff Woods describes how he has tracked down a family from Pakistan who (for genetic reasons) cannot feel pain at all, and David Julius explains why chilli burns, and mints feel "cool"...

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/shows/2007.02.04.htm

Chris

Title: Does Mint really cool ? Does Chilli really heat ?
Post by: neilep on 03/03/2007 14:58:31

Hi Chris,

So , without having heard this particular podcast (shame on me I Know) or read the transcript (shame on me again) I have somehow mastered the contents of The Naked Scientists shows.....I just wish I could master the knowledge too !

THANK YOU for this Chris..thank you very much.