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Why do we itch? Why do we feel pain? A neurologist explains

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River to River, hosted by Ben Kieffer

Why do we itch? Why do we feel pain? What’s still unknown about these sensations? Travel through our neurocircuitry to learn why on this episode of River to River.

Neurologist Dr. L.J. Agostinelli is an Iowa-trained physician-scientist who has discovered a brain neuron group tied to pain and itch. She has also published what is, to date, the most detailed human brain stem atlas that pairs neurochemicals with MRI images, which appears in the January 2023 edition of the Journal of Neuroscience

Guest

  • Dr. L.J. Agostinelli, physician-scientist and neurologist
Ben Kieffer is the host of "River to River." Since 2007, Kieffer has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Kieffer has a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa.
Caitlin Troutman is an award-winning talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.